Spring has sprung, and with it comes the urge to freshen up our homes and lives! But a complete overhaul can feel overwhelming. This May, we’re tackling clutter with bite-sized daily decluttering missions. Each day focuses on a specific area, taking just minutes to complete. By the end of the month, your home will feel lighter and brighter!
Here are some general tips for decluttering success:
- Set a timer: Most tasks take less time than you think. Set a 20-minute timer and see how much you can accomplish!
- The “three-pile” method: Sort items into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and toss. Be honest with yourself!
- Ask yourself questions: Does this item spark joy? Have I used it in the past year? If not, it might be time to let it go.
- Enjoy the process: Decluttering can be therapeutic! Put on some music, light a candle, and focus on creating a calmer space.
Now, let’s declutter!
Day 1: Glove Box: Toss expired paperwork, organize manuals, and keep only essential items like registration and insurance.
Day 2: Garden Tools: Sharpen, clean, and store tools properly. Donate or toss duplicates or broken items.
Day 3: Glasses/Sunglasses: Clean and repair what you wear, donate gently used pairs, and toss scratched or broken ones.
Day 4: 20-Minute Timer Challenge: Set a timer and declutter any area – a drawer, a shelf, a corner!
Day 5: Cutlery Drawer: Discard damaged items and mismatched pieces. Consider drawer organizers for a more streamlined look.
Day 6: Half-Finished Craft Projects: Be honest – will you ever finish them? If not, donate supplies and free up creative energy.
Day 7: Behind the Sofa: This dust bunny haven might hold forgotten treasures or just dust bunnies. Time to vacuum and declutter!
Day 8: Old Credit/Debit Cards: Shred or cut them up securely before tossing them. Consider digital wallets for easier access.
Day 9: Washing Tape Strategy: Place a piece of washing tape on rarely used utensils. After a week, see what hasn’t been used and consider decluttering.
Day 10: Pool Inflatables: Deflate, clean, and store properly for next season. Repair small leaks or donate ones beyond repair.
Day 11: Bedsheets: Keep only what you use and in good condition. Donate or toss worn-out sheets.
Day 12: Clear the Dining Table: Don’t let your table become a catch-all! Put things away and enjoy a clutter-free dining experience.
Day 13: Rugs: Shake them out, wash small ones, or consider professional cleaning for larger rugs. Declutter if they’re stained or worn beyond repair.
Day 14: Limit Space for a Category: For example, limit hangers for clothes or shelf space for mugs. This naturally discourages overaccumulation.
Day 15: Cutting Boards: Clean and disinfect them properly. Discard warped or cracked boards.
Day 16: Travel Items/Bags: Clean out purses, wallets, and backpacks. Declutter old travel documents and unnecessary toiletries.
Day 17: Children’s Toys: Donate toys your child has outgrown or no longer plays with. Involve them in the process to teach them about sharing.
Day 18: Stairs/Under the Stairs: This often-neglected space can become a storage black hole. Declutter and dedicate the space to specific items.
Day 19: 15-Item Challenge: Find 15 items anywhere in your house to declutter. Small steps lead to big changes!
Day 20: Bedroom Floor: Don’t let clothes pile up! Put things away daily or create a laundry basket system.
Day 21: Travel Luggage Bags: Empty and clean them. Donate or repair bags that are no longer functional.
Day 22: DVDs: With streaming services readily available, consider donating or selling DVDs you no longer watch.
Day 23: Washing Supplies: Declutter expired cleaning products and organise remaining ones by function (bathroom cleaners, laundry detergents, etc.) Consider refillable containers to reduce waste.
Day 24: Box in the Garage: Mystery boxes often hold forgotten clutter. Dedicate a day to tackling this one box, sorting, and decluttering its contents.
Day 25: Children’s Keepsakes: Help your child create a designated keepsake box for truly special items. Declutter artwork or other items they’ve outgrown.
Day 26: Fill a Donation Box: As you declutter throughout the month, fill a box with items in good condition to donate. Helping others declutters your home and brings joy!
Day 27: Anything Not Worn in 12 Months: Be honest – if you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won’t. Donate clothes that are still in good shape.
Day 28: Old Chargers: We all have a graveyard of outdated chargers. Research if they’re compatible with any devices you still use. Recycle or toss the rest responsibly.
Day 29: Outside Furniture: Clean and store outdoor furniture for the off-season. Discard broken or damaged pieces.
Day 30: Stationery: Organize pens, pencils, and notebooks. Toss dried-out markers and donate unused notepads.
Day 31: Shorts: With summer approaching, sort through your shorts. Keep what fits and donate or toss anything worn out or no longer your style.
Congratulations! You’ve completed a month of mini decluttering missions. You’ve tackled small areas, making decluttering feel manageable and achieving a more organized and clutter-free home. Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Keep these tips in mind and continue to make small decluttering choices throughout the year. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter your home – and your mind – will feel!
Rachel, Declutter Your Life X
For more information check out my youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelNoakes
For more information, check out this post: https://declutteryourlife.co.uk/decluttering/the-boundary-method/
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