Week 3 Declutter Challenge

Week 3 Hopefully, things are getting easier and this concept is making sense. LESS IS MORE! Don’t let your negative thoughts control you!! Keep going!!

We have way too much stuff. We have the best of intentions but we never use what we keep. All it does is collects dust and take up space. Time to get rid of it!!!

Here are a couple of things I’ve noticed in this process

1. I have things that I didn’t realize I had. I have found money and gift cards….. BONUS!

2. I bought things that I should be using. For example, Potassium vitamins- I have been dealing with leg cramps and should have looked to see if I had something that could help. On New Year's Day, I lost my Air pods (they fell out of my pocket) and had to use the cord earbuds that come with the phone. I found my Aftershoz earbuds so now I can go Bluetooth again.

We need to include our kids this week. Your house is as much theirs as it is yours. They need to help declutter the areas they use. If you’re kidless the areas shouldn’t be too bad and shouldn’t take too long to do by yourself.

Day 1 Master bathroom - Cabinet/Drawers (30-45 Mins)

This will be challenging - we keep things knowing we use them periodically.

Cleaning out drawers and under the sink. Use your bed if needed to spend things out and divide things into groups. I would recommend using a sheet or towel to avoid damage to your bedding.

TIP: Hair accessories - a drawer divider is fantastic for this. If you don't have one, use miscellaneous small plastic containers or small boxes (whatever you have on hand)

If you don’t like what you are using make a wish list. You might find something better during this process or you can go to dollar tree when this is done and buy. Right now use what you have.

TIP: snack bags are another great idea for keeping it organized.

TIP: I wouldn’t keep cleaning supplies under the sink. Use what you have in the kitchen. Place toilet cleaner behind the toilet.

Day 1 for the kids (Kid/Guest bathroom (s) (less than 30 mins)

TIP: Make it fun, set a timer, play music, and have races to see who gets done quicker.

Have them organize their drawers with the items they use.

Questions they should ask themselves.

Do I still play with it?

Do I still use it?

Would I miss it if it’s gone?

Remember this is their bathroom and their stuff. Let them choose what to get rid of.

Their toys will all go away eventually.

Keep their toys in a plastic container with holes. Dollar Tree is a great place to find one if you don't have one already. Keep it under the sink if you have older kids too.

TIP: Anything they decide to get rid of let them sell. Reward them for choosing to get rid of their toys.

If you are kidless. Darn. It’s now your responsibility (5 mins)

This shouldn’t take long. The drawers should be empty and maybe a few things under the sink.

Day 2 Hall closet (depending on the size you might need to break this down into two or three 30 mins sessions.

If you cram your closets, take everything out. Get ready to downsize and have the trash can and donation box nearby. As you take things out, place the things in a keep, throw away or donate piles.

Your goal is to have everything fit on the shelves. Maybe one or two totes if there is space.

TIP: Storage containers are great for organization. Use what you have on hand and add what you would like to your wish list.

TIP: if you have more than one closet, make each one its own domain.

For example, I have 3- one is my replenish closet - all my bathroom and bedroom staples (extra toiletries, bedding, medicine, etc.)

By the kids' room, I have the school closet (extra paper, pencils/pens, craft supplies, backpacks, etc.)

We use our coat closet for our electronics (DVD player, Sound system). So I store anything electronic related in there including all my exercise equipment.

TIP: If you use containers use labels to show what's in there. If your closet is small and you can’t see everything, on the inside door use an index card and say what's where.

Your goal is to make each area a functional go-to spot for your things (instead of having multiple areas throughout the house. This will make it easier for everyone.

Day 2 for the kids - their room (30 mins)

Day 4 (If your kids are out of the house) Guest room(s)

This might take them some time. Spend 30 mins then take a break then another 30mins and if needed another break then finish the room.

Give them the same tools you are using, a trash can, and a donation box.

TIP: Stuff animals can be a parent’s worst nightmare. Your kids might have way to many! So set a limit of 10-15. If they can’t settle on that, have them put the rest in a box. In 6 months see if they play with them or not. If they don’t then take them to Goodwill without them knowing.

Use under the bed for storage; blankets and seasonal clothes. Use the closet floor for large toys. I would use their shelf for their shoes.

Day 3 Furniture (for example China Hutch, Entertainment Center, Bookshelves). Anything that has books, videos, dishes, etc. inside them. (30 mins)

NOTE: If you have several pieces of furniture, do one piece each day.

Get rid of everything that you don’t use. Please keep the sentimental items. Scrapbooks, yearbooks, kids’ crafts, and grandma’s dishes. Those are items you can never replace. I would recommend you put them in a spot where they are easily accessible. There are special times when you will want to pull them out.

I purposefully left 3 extra days for if you need more time in a certain area and 1 day to rest and recharge. Some of these areas will seem overwhelming. Just remember you will have a cleaner and more functional house at the end of this challenge. Stay focus. Stay positive. Stay motivated. You are halfway there! You’ve got this!!