On the surface, it always seems like it’s so much easier to ignore clutter than deal with it head on, doesn’t it? We tell ourselves we’re simply too busy to worry about decluttering right now, but we’ll get to it eventually.
We pretend that if we just don’t pay attention to it, the problem will disappear on its own. Who has time for a declutter challenge, anyways, right?
But we all know the truth about that, don’t we? Problems that we ignore seem to have a way of rearing their ugly heads again and again. Ignoring clutter leads to:
- extra dirty dishes and laundry to constantly clean and put away
- piles of clutter shoved into corners, sitting on chairs and tables, pushed into the back of closets and under beds
- always arguing with family members to “put your stuff away!”
- spending money on things you don’t really need or already have
- being too embarrassed to invite friends and family members over
- and most of all, MORE STRESS!
And in reality, a lot of times, we don’t even realize that clutter is the cause of all these things.
We’re so used to being stressed out from all the constant cleaning and tripping over clutter, it becomes second nature to us. It’s a normal part of our routine.
But can you imagine if you didn’t have to deal with all that clutter on a daily basis? How different would your day be if you didn’t have to spend it cleaning or stressed out about your never-ending to do list? What if you had time to do something just for you?
That’s what I want for you!
Though it’s possible to declutter your entire home in one weekend, it can be hard to find that sort of time to spare.
That’s why I LOVE quick and easy decluttering challenges like this one. They help you focus in on ONE area and make a big impact in a short amount of time.
You’d be amazed to find out how much of a difference getting rid of a few things here and there can make! Often times we become so used to the random things we have sitting around that we become blind to the clutter.
We don’t even notice or question why these things are there, or what purpose they serve. But when you actually take a few minutes to seek out things you don’t really need, you’ll find they’re everywhere! It’s actually estimated that 80% of the things we have, we never use. Crazy, right?!
Still with me? Pay attention, because we’re about to completely transform your home in just 10 minutes with this easy decluttering challenge! Quick and easy decluttering sessions like this are an absolutely essential habit for a clutter-free home!
The 10 Minute Declutter Challenge
To make this super easy, I created a FREE decluttering challenge printable checklist to help you follow along at home! Click the button below to download your freebie and get started with the 10 minute declutter challenge.
STEP 1:
Real quick, I want you to go into the most used room in your home– the room where everyone hangs out when they’re at home– the room that sees the most foot traffic.
In most homes, this tends to be the living room or dining/kitchen area. (If you’re dealing with counter clutter, this post can help you declutter your kitchen counters in 5 easy steps!)
Take a quick “before” picture, because I want you to see the amazing transformation that’s about to occur! (Yes I’m serious! Get up from your computer or put down your phone, and do this now!)
STEP 2:
Now grab an empty bag or box and fill it with 15 things that are sitting around in the open that nobody actually needs or uses. We’re not looking for things that need to be relocated right now. We’re looking for things to get rid of that don’t serve a purpose because nobody actually uses them!
You can probably head right to your coffee table or dining room table and find most of your 15 things right there. Tables and other flat surfaces tend to be clutter magnets, and it’s easy to become blind to it! (Bonus points if you get rid of more than 15 things!)
An idea of things to look for includes:
- Books
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Throw pillows
- Blankets
- Decorative knick knacks
- Games
- Movies
- Toys
- Clothes
- Baskets
- Bags
STEP 3:
Now grab another bag or box and fill it with 10-15 things that are sitting around that you DO use on a regular basis, but they aren’t where they belong. This can include things like:
- Shoes
- Coats
- Purses
- Backpacks
- Lunch boxes
- Books
- Electronics
STEP 4:
Now take those items and put them away where they belong. The secret to keeping your home clutter free is to make sure you actually get rid of the things you decluttered so they don’t end up back in your home!
So make sure you take your box or bag of things you’re getting rid of and toss or recycle anything that’s too broken or worn to repair. Donate or sell anything that’s in decent condition.
STEP 5:
Now check out your “before” picture and compare it to the “after.” How does it feel? Pretty amazing, right?! Even getting rid of a few things can make a big difference!
Want to make an even bigger impact in your home?
Complete the 10 minute declutter challenge every day for a week!
Just imagine how different your home would look if you took 10 minutes each day this week to declutter one room a little at a time. Are you up for the challenge?
To make it super easy, I created a free decluttering printable checklist to help you keep track of your progress and stay on track! Just print it out and put it in a place where you’ll see it every day (like your refrigerator). This will help remind you and motivate you to get rid of that clutter!
Every day you complete the declutter challenge, check off one of the boxes on the checklist. You can do it for a week, 30 days, or however long it takes to get your house decluttered.
Work on one room the entire week, or choose a different room to declutter each day… it’s up to you. Just get it done!
And don’t forget to take pictures! It’s easy to get discouraged and feel like we’re not making any progress, and that’s why pictures are SO important. They will SHOW you that, yes, you ARE making progress!
So what do you say? Are you up for an easy decluttering challenge? I know you’ve got what it takes! Now it’s just a matter of putting it into action.
If you need a little extra motivation, these 10 brilliant decluttering tips will help you declutter your home in record time.
Running a home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way! I want to help you simplify your home so you can spend more time on what matters most.
Decluttering your home will help make running your home easier! If you enjoyed this post, check out the links below for more ways to simplify your home.
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Look forward for your helpful suggestions and ideas. It is so true, “the more you have, the more you have to take care of “. Time is valuable, we need to use it doing what we enjoy and brings us happiness. Sj
Thanks so much for the de cluttering tips it will change my life
I always look forward to your tips, suggestions and encouragement! Keeps me motivated…thank you so much!