Another huge goal for me in 2018 is to complete a year long de-cluttering challenge. Since that is a pretty big goal, I might even call it a stretch goal for me, I am breaking it down into 30-day blocks. That way I am more likely to complete it! This month I am de-cluttering my kitchen and dining room.
The first round of de-cluttering is set up to only take 30 minutes a day. If I make it easy to obtain then I have a better chance of making it a habit. It becomes a habit and if I succeed at it, I am more likely to keep de-cluttering. Plus, it just feels good to accomplish a large task by starting out small. The second month I de-cluttered my closets. Third month I tackled my kitchen and dining room.
I made it through the first three months of de-cluttering. It went fabulously! Although the first month was not a deep dive, it really got me ready to work on each area of my home and really de-clutter it. Closets were a bit more to tackle but a good choice for the second round as they are not nearly as crazy as the family room or my office. Last month I finally decided to tackle a bigger project- the Family Room! Eek!
Why should you de-clutter?
De-Cluttering is Good for the Soul
Clutter is bad for your physical and mental health. In fact, clutter can be a fire hazard and it can cause dust, mold, and animal dander that collect on the clutter causing more trouble for allergy and asthma sufferers. If you search for articles on clutter and health. there are plenty of people who believe that it can cause depression, weight gain (or stop you from losing weight), and a host of other issues.
So beyond reclaiming your home space, de-cluttering can also help clear your mind space.Once you have done that, it is easier to see things more clearly, let go of the past or future and live in the now.
What else might de-cluttering your living space do for you? It will make you realize that you do not need stuff to be happy. If you can realize that, then that is a huge lifetime money saver. If you are not buying goods that you do not use or need, then you can put that money towards something more important.
Here you can find the previous months de-cluttering challenges at the link below.
De-Cluttering Challenge #1: 30 Minutes a Day for 30 Days
De-Cluttering Challenge #2: Closets
De-Cluttering Challenge #3: Kitchen & Dining
Now on to this months challenge!
De-Cluttering Challenge #4: Family Room & Play Room
Tips for De-Cluttering
- Before starting find five bins/baskets. Label them as: Keep; Toss; Donate; Recycle; Sell
- Set a timer and work without stopping while completing each de-cluttering challenge
- Get your significant other and/or kids to pitch in! Make it a family affair.
- Make decisions quickly. If you have not used the item in over 6 months and it is not seasonal, then toss, donate or sell it!
- Remember, this is a deep clean de-cluttering. Go through every item in the closet!
30 Day Deep Clean De-Cluttering Challenge: Family Room & Play Room
- Day 1 – 7: Toy Bins
- Day 8: Your Choice
- Day 9 – 15: Bookshelves
- Day 13 – 14: Your Choice
- Day 16 – 20: Media Storage
- Day 21: Coffee Table / Side Table
- Day 22: Fire Place / Hearth
- Day 23 – 24: Your Choice
- Day 25 – 28: Miscellaneous Storage
- Day 29: Baskets / Bins
- Day 30: Your Choice
Here is a great free printable so you can track your daily progress and check it off when you have completed it! Just click on the link below and download the PDF.
30-Day Deep Clean De-Cluttering Challenge – Play Room – Family Room