Today is Day 1 of the Freedom from Clutter in 40 Days Challenge.  Like most big projects, it makes sense to get organized first.  If we simply say, “I am going to declutter my house.”  That is an overwhelming project.  My mother taught me from a rather young age to divide up projects into smaller projects.  When cleaning up my room (again as a child and really to this day) she taught me to work on the room in sections and then take small breaks in between so that I would not become overwhelmed.  This is a plan that is echoed by cleaning and organization expert FlyLady.  She advises setting a timer for 15 minutes.  This 40 day challenge is not something that you want to burnout out on by Day 2.  You are in this for the long haul so that at the end you can enjoy all of the freedom that a clutter-free home brings.

 

 

Ok………on to the organization.  Let’s get out a notebook and write down the different areas of your home that you want to declutter.  This list will not be the same for everyone, but I am including a room by room guide here to help you create your list.  You may not get to every area of your home in just 40 days, but boy can you put a huge dent into that clutter if you keep focused on moving things out of your house every day.

Kitchen (the heart of a real food home)

• upper cabinets
• lower cabinets
• all drawers
• under the sink
• drawers
• pantry
• refrigerator (inside and out)
• top of the refrigerator
• freezer
• spice cabinet/rack
• countertops
• any additional furniture in the room like microwave stands, etc.

Living Room/Family Room/Rec Room

• entertainment center
• toy storage
•  desk
• side tables, drawers
• DVD/VHS/CDs/Games
• magazine storage
• books, bookshelves
• chest or ottoman storage
• display shelves

Bedroom

• under the bed
• dressers
• closets
• bedside tables
• bookshelves
• desk/other furniture in the bedroom
• chest
• toy storage (for a child’s room)

Foyer/Front Closet/Mudroom

• shoe storage
• coat storage
• mail
• baskets/storage totes
• backpacks
• purses
• shopping bags
• desk
• table
• storage unit
• pet supplies/toys

Dining Room

• dining table
• buffet or side table
• hutch
• china cabinet
• bookshelves
• other furniture

Other Areas

• basement/attic/garage
• laundry room
• linen closet
• bathroom
• toy room
• craft storage
• office
• deck/porch/patio
• car/truck/van

Want to join us in our efforts to gain the freedom that a clutter-free home provides? Join our Freedom from Clutter in 40 Days Challenge and get caught up here.  You can start anywhere along the way.  Make sure to join our special Facebook group where you can share your progress, get motivation, and support others.

Have fun tossing!

What areas of your home are you going to work on first?  Is there anything you would add to this list??

If you are interested in simple recipes your family is sure to love make sure you check out my recipe index.  I am adding new recipes all of the time so make sure you check back often.  You will also want to grab this free meal-planning printable calendar to make your meal planning easier.  It has areas to plan your daily activities and your evening meal prep.

 

Are you ready for Day 2?  Click on the image for more decluttering tips.