Even if COVID-19 kept you much closer to home than usual, did you make all the headway you planned on cleaning up, clearing out and decluttering your space?
It’s a monumental task during “normal times,” so since 2020 was anything but, don’t worry if you didn’t remove every unwanted item from your closet or stash away every piece of clutter.
To successfully declutter your home, you need to start with a system, and we’re here to help you put a plan in place that tackles problem areas first so you don’t get caught in what can feel like an endless cycle.
Keep in mind that this challenge is intended to help you get started. Unfortunately, you might not be able to declutter everything in 10 days in 30 minutes each day, but these are small, accomplishable tasks, and it’s OK if you need to revisit these strategies when the time is up.
We’ve never been more ready to put a year behind us, so join us as we make way for 2021 with our 10-Day Decluttering Challenge!
Day 1: Identify Your High-Clutter Areas
We all have those areas in our homes that seem like clutter magnets. Identify them and take note of what might help you get them (and keep them) organized. Think coat rack, shoe cubby, trash can, recycling bin, etc.
Day 2: Set Up Sell, Maybe and Donate Boxes
Another simple task today to help set you up for success! Set up your system to separate items into “sell,” “maybe” and “donate.” The bonus is that your “donate” items will already be boxed up and ready to go once it’s filled.
Day 3: Banish Bedroom Clutter
OK, so 30 minutes may not be enough time to tackle it all, but it’s a start. Put away the laundry, clear off the dresser and maybe go through the nightstand if you’ve got time left on the clock. Sort any items in your sell-maybe-donate boxes.
Day 4: Take Action on Organization
Remember that wish list you made about organizing your high-clutter areas? Now is the time to get those bins and racks and put them to use! Tip: If you don’t need to buy anything, just get to work and get more done.
Day 5: Declutter the Kitchen
Set the timer for 30 minutes and go! Start by clearing countertops and the top of the refrigerator. Organize the pantry and start going through dishes, pots and pans, small appliances, etc. Set aside any to sell or donate.
Day 6: Tidy Up the Living Room
Put away any stray items, fold blankets and throws, clear off coffee tables and organize bookshelves. Remove couch cushions to remove hidden clutter, and go through any drawers to sell, donate or toss what you can.
Day 7: Take on the Office
Like many, your home office may have gotten a lot more use this year, which could mean it’s ended up as the final resting place for more clutter than usual. File that stack of papers into folders, organize pens, staplers and other necessities to boost your productivity!
Day 8: Make a Whole-House Walk-Through
Grab a laundry basket or something similar and go room to room, collecting items that can be put away, tossed or even sorted into your sell or donate boxes. Again, take only 30 minutes to pick up what you can and put it in its place. (Revisit this step often, even after the challenge!)
Day 9: Evaluate Your Organization Systems
Are your shoe cubbies, coat racks and other organization bins working? It’s been several days, so it’s time to see if they’re doing what they’re intended. Maybe you need more items to manage your stuff before it becomes clutter or maybe you already see a difference!
Day 10: Sell or Donate Your Boxed Items
Make more room in your newly decluttered home by selling or donating the items you’ve been sorting into boxes. You can find a number of sites to help you sell clothes, shoes, books, just about anything, and your donated items are already boxed up and ready to go!
While the cleaning professionals at Sweet Home Cleaning Service can’t help you with the decluttering process, we can help create a clean house for you and your family to enjoy! Have a business, home or rental on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, including Fairhope, Point Clear, Montrose, Daphne and Spanish Fort, as well as Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Contact us today!
