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I don’t know about your home, but I know mine could use some major de-cluttering. I don’t want to be drowning in stuff, especially things that we don’t have a need or want for anymore. So I’m going to have a 10-day de-clutter-a-thon.
Too much in one day can be so overwhelming, particularly when you have difficulty getting rid of things. So I’ve put together a 10-day, 10-area plan to get rid of the excess.
Before we get started, though, we need to do a little bit of prep work. Make sure you have a bag or container to put everything you’re donating. I like to use a plastic bin like this one. You will also want to have some cleaning supplies handy, such as an all-purpose cleaner (I love this stuff!) and magic eraser helps too.
Ok, let’s get started!
Medicine cabinet
Clean out an expired or outdated medicine, makeup, first aid ointments, toothpaste, etc. After I cleaned out mine, I organized things into small containers.
Linen closet
Any extra blankets or towels you haven’t touched in years that should be donated? What about those curtains you bought and decided you didn’t like? Add them to the donate pile!
Bedroom closet/dresser
This one is pretty straightforward.. get rid of clothes that you don’t wear or that don’t fit anymore. While you’re add it get rid of any socks and undergarments that don’t fit, have holes in them, etc.
Clean out nightstand
There could be all sorts of things lurking in those drawers that get shoved in there before bedtime. Get your nightstand cleaned out and organized so you can find what you need easily.
Office closet
Go through old purses, bags, and other things that get stored in the office closet. Also, any extra office supplies you don’t need or won’t use can be donated as well.
Kitchen cabinets
Clean out cups, plates, expired food, baking pans, etc. This would also be a good time to replace the shelf liners if you have them. Put them back in an organized manner and you’ll be able to find what you need a lot quicker in the kitchen!
Kitchen drawers
Get rid of old tupperware, utensils, and clean out that junk drawer! 🙂 Then work on organizing them – these containers work great for that.
Bookshelves
What books haven’t you touched in ages? Any magazines sitting around that should go in the recycling? Most libraries accept donations of books. You may also want to look into resale shops that will give you cash or credit for you used books.
Filing cabinet
Check out my post on purging old files for ideas on what to keep and what to throw away. Then you can organize the cabinet with pretty folders and tabs!
Need more help getting that paperwork under control (I get it!)? Then read my Ultimate Guide to Organizing Paperwork.
Email / Computer files
Organize the files and your computer and delete what you don’t need anymore so it’s not taking up valuable disk space. Then spend some time decluttering and organizing your email.
I also try to keep my computer files organized. I do this by creating categorized folders and moving files into them. This makes things look cleaner and makes things easier to find.
Another great tool for files is the search bar! Just a quick tip to remember if you’re searching for a particular file. 🙂
My Method
I plan to throw out or donate at least 5-10 things from each area. But that means after the 10 day challenge, 50-100 items will be cleaned out! Some items could be an old receipt, or it could be nice clothing you just don’t wear.
No matter what it is, the important thing is that we’re clearing away clutter that is distracting us from focusing on what truly matters. Less clutter means less stress.
Once you have these areas done, check out round 2 to clean out the rest of the house.
So let’s go get clutter-free!
Need this steps & more in one place? Grab this FREE Ultimate Decluttering Checklist! It has all of these areas compiled into one handy printable so you can easily implement what you just read!
Related posts:
- Don’t stress yourself out simplifying your home, learn How to DeClutter Stress-Free
- The continuation of this post. Once you get these items completed, head to De-Clutter-a-thon Round 2
- If you need some motivation to get going with the decluttering, check out the Life-Changing Benefits of DeCluttering
- Once your home is decluttered, how do you keep it that way? This post will go over How to Keep Your Home DeCluttered For Good
- Is something still holding you back? Check out these 5 Reasons You Haven’t Reached Your DeCluttering Goals.
Love this! Seems totally doable. My problem isn’t finding the time to pull the things out, though, it’s finding the time to get rid of everything. I need to do that.
Brittany @ Equipping Godly Women recently posted…7 Tips for Surviving the Holidays with a Toddler
I can totally relate! The office I work in is right next to a Goodwill but I have been forgetting to take my box of donations for weeks! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This is a great idea. I love the idea of donating to charity things that are just sitting around the house, losing value.
Heather Grow recently posted…How to Make a Really Ugly Ugly Sweater
Thanks, I’m so glad you like the idea! Thanks for visiting 🙂
This looks so much more doable than just tackling the whole house, yet it would make a big difference. Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Please drop by!
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage recently posted…When Calls the Heart, Rules of Engagement – Review
Thanks! One little bit at a time really does make it a lot easier 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I like the idea of breaking into smaller bites. Much more doable 😉
Yes, it really does make it easier doing a little bit at a time. Not nearly as overwhelming that way. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I am stopping by from the Frugal Friday Link Up. I am totally guilty of switching purses and not removing the receipts and other junk in the bottom of the purse. I need to stop this. Thanks for the helpful tips.
(I store all my purses in my office closet)
I’m so glad you found them helpful! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This is so doable. I can maybe get my home back in order.
Natasha recently posted…DIY Stamp Pad
In my house there always seems to be clutter to get rid of. I like how you suggest doable goals and yes a receipt in my purse is clutter so why do I have such a hard time parting with it.
Trish recently posted…20% Cash Back on Potatoes with Saving Star’s Healthy Offer
I’m so glad you find this plan doable! Thanks for visiting 🙂
i love the de-clutter idea! I just did this with my office and kitchen. I had cabinets that I hadn’t been back into since we moved in over three years ago!! It makes you feel so good to go into a cabinent to get something you need and have it just be there! Bookshelves are the only thing I can’t clean out, for some reason I am a book hoarder!! I always feel like I will read them again or something!!
Yes, it always feels so great when you finally get things cleaned out. I have to agree that bookshelves are really hard though! I love to read and it’s hard to let go of books that you think there’s any possibility of reading again. Thanks for visiting!
Love how it’s broken down into manageable parts!
Theres Just One Mommy recently posted…40 Egg Carton Crafts and Activities and HUGE Giveaway
What great ideas for getting organized and getting rid of unnecessary stuff.
Shelah recently posted…Child Led or Child Directed?
I am a packrat. I read pists like these and realize what a sentimental creature I am. If only I could down size my stuff! (In my defense, our family of four lives in about 1000 square feet, but still!)
I love the idea of a de-clutter-a-thon! It’s true that decluttering can be overwhelming and taking it a little bit at a time is great way to purge. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with just a few minutes every day!
I signed up and got the checklist, and just ended day 3 of decluttering. It has been absolutely ruthless so far and I already feel so much better! I didn’t divide tasks out in advance just so that if I feel tired or lazy one day, I can do something simple without feeling like it is a chore. Already have 7 bags of donations, a full street recycling can, and 3/4 of a street trashcan full of trash!
Yay, that’s so awesome! Great job!!