30 Day Decluttering Challenge – Our Ultimate Guide
Living with my messy husband can be a real struggle. But when the clutter in our home started to weigh on my mental health, I knew I had to take action. So, I convinced my husband to join me on a 30-day declutter challenge.
Every day, we tackle one room in our house and say goodbye to items that aren’t serving us anymore, like clothes we haven’t worn in forever, stacks of old magazines, and dusty knick-knacks. By the end of the challenge, our goal is to have decluttered every single room in our home.
I’m hoping to create a living space that’s tidy and organized and brings me peace of mind. I want to banish the stress and anxiety of a cluttered home and start fresh.
Before I dive into my experiences with the 30-day declutter challenge, I want to emphasize that it’s not just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about letting go of old habits and making space for new possibilities in our lives.
Day 1 of 30: Bedroom Closet
Starting the 30-day declutter challenge, I’m focusing on my cluttered bedroom closet. It may be a big task, but I’m excited to organize and make my closet reflect my personal style.
Going through my clothes, I feel overwhelmed but also nostalgic. I find a shirt I wore on my first date with my husband and can’t help but smile at the memories it brings back. I keep the shirt and vow to wear it again soon. This exercise is helping me appreciate the things I’ve kept and also letting go of others. Decluttering is about making room for what matters.
Day 2 of 30: Kitchen Decluttering
Today, we tackled the kitchen. Our kitchen is the heart of our home, and it’s where we spend most of our time, but it’s also the room that tends to get the most cluttered. From stacks of mail to dirty dishes and utensils, our kitchen countertops were overrun with clutter. It was time to get organized.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy. My husband and I have different ideas about what should stay and what should go. I wanted to keep every single gadget and appliance, while he wanted to get rid of anything we hadn’t used in the past year. It was a tough battle, but we eventually came to a compromise.
The negative experience was finding out how much we’ve spent on kitchen gadgets and appliances that we never use. It was a real eye-opener, and it showed us how much we waste on things that don’t bring us joy or serve a purpose. From now on, we’re going to be more mindful of what we bring into our home and make sure it adds value to our lives.
Day 3 of 30: Kitchen Countertops
Today’s task is to tackle the kitchen countertops. The kitchen is the heart of any home and where we spend a lot of our time, so it’s important to keep it clutter-free. I know my husband and I are guilty of leaving out dirty dishes, mail, and random knick-knacks on the countertops, so it’s time to change that.
One of the biggest surprises during this declutter challenge is how much we’ve uncovered about each other’s hoarding tendencies. My husband, who I thought was a minimalist, revealed that he has a secret stash of to-go coffee cups, while I found out that I’ve been keeping every single recipe card I’ve ever received. It’s been a real eye-opener, but it’s also been a bonding experience.
To declutter the kitchen countertops, we started by clearing everything off, wiping down the counters, and sorting through what needed to stay and what could go. We found some old spices that had been sitting in the cabinet for years and donated them to a local food bank. We also discovered a stash of mismatched Tupperware and got rid of the ones we didn’t need. It was a small, but meaningful step towards creating a more organized and functional kitchen.
Day 4 of 30: Kitchen
Today’s task was a bit more daunting than the previous days as the kitchen is where we do most of our cooking, eating, and entertaining. It’s also the place where things tend to pile up the quickest. I knew this room would require a lot of work, but I was determined to make it happen.
As we got started, I found myself getting emotional. So many memories were attached to the items on the countertops, and it was hard to let go. I found an old recipe book that my grandmother used to make her famous chocolate chip cookies. I vividly remember baking with her in the kitchen as a child. I also stumbled upon a set of coffee mugs my husband and I received as a wedding gift. They were our favourites and we used them every morning, but I knew we only needed eight coffee mugs.
I took a deep breath and made a pile of items to keep and a pile of items to donate. As I went through each item, I tried to focus on the memories rather than the things themselves. By the end of the day, the kitchen countertops were clean and clutter-free, and I felt proud of what we had accomplished. The process was emotional, but it was also cathartic. I was starting to see the bigger picture, and I felt more in control of my living space.
Day 5 of 30: Kitchen
It was a tough day in the kitchen. We had grand plans of decluttering every cabinet and drawer, but things didn’t quite go as planned. Before we knew it, the morning had flown by, and we had only made it through one cabinet.
The contents of each cabinet were overwhelming, and I felt bogged down by the sheer amount of stuff we had accumulated over the years. Everything from old spices, to duplicates of kitchen gadgets, to expired condiments – it was all there, and it all had to go.
We quickly realized that we were falling behind schedule, and the pressure was starting to get to us. We began to feel like we had bitten off more than we could chew, and it was tough to keep up with the daily pace we had set for ourselves. But we reminded ourselves of why we started this challenge and pushed on.
Day 6 of 30: Kitchen
After falling behind on the declutter challenge, I was determined to catch up on Day 6. The last few days had been so overwhelming that I felt like giving up, but I refused to let myself fail. I woke up earlier than usual and got straight to work, starting in the kitchen. I tackled the pantry first, throwing out expired items and organizing the rest. Next, I moved onto the cabinets and drawers, making sure everything had a designated spot.
As I worked, I felt like a weight was lifting off my shoulders. Seeing the progress I was making was such a boost to my morale. I was finally getting a handle on the clutter, and it felt amazing. By the end of the day, the kitchen was unrecognizable. It was bright, airy, and organized, and I was proud of myself for sticking to the challenge.
That day, I learned the importance of perseverance. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when things get overwhelming, but I reminded myself that progress is progress, no matter how small. The kitchen may have taken me a few days to tackle, but the end result was worth it.
Day 7 of 30: Living Room
As we started our seventh day of decluttering, we were faced with the daunting task of cleaning out the living room. We had a lot of paper work and files accumulated over the years, and it was time to sort through everything. But as we got started, we stumbled upon a hidden gem.
In a pile of old paperwork, we found a letter from my husband’s late grandmother. It was a heartfelt letter, filled with love and encouragement, and it brought us both to tears. It was a reminder of the sentimental value that can be found in the unlikeliest of places. We carefully put the letter in a safe place and continued with our decluttering, feeling grateful for the unexpected discovery.
Day 8 of 30: Living Room Bookshelves
Today was supposed to be all about tackling the living room bookshelves, but life had other plans. I started off with good intentions, but before I knew it, the day had gotten away from me. Between running errands, work, and taking care of household chores, it was already late when I turned my attention back to decluttering.
I tried to make progress on the bookshelves, but I was exhausted. My mind was elsewhere, and I couldn’t get in the zone. I only went through a few shelves before I called it quits for the day. I felt guilty for not getting everything done, but I also knew it was essential to listen to my body and give myself a break.
I was disappointed that I didn’t get as much done as I wanted, but I reminded myself that the goal of the 30-day challenge is to declutter our home, not just to check items off a list. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll start fresh and tackle the bookshelves with renewed energy.
Day 9 of 30: Living Room
On Day 9 of the 30-day declutter challenge, a somber moment arose as we tackled the living room. As we sorted through piles of old magazines, knick-knacks, and forgotten trinkets, we came across a photo album filled with memories from our childhood.
As we flipped through the pages, tears welled up in our eyes as we were transported back to a time of innocence and carefree joy. We remembered summer vacations, family holidays, and silly moments with friends that now felt so far away. Holding the album close to our hearts, we realized how much our lives had changed since those days and how much we’ve lost touch with some of the people we once considered closest to us.
It was a bittersweet moment, but it also reminded us why decluttering is so important. Holding on to clutter not only clutters our physical spaces, but also our minds and our hearts. It’s time to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new experiences and memories to be made.
Day 10 of 30: Living Room
I woke up feeling particularly stressed this morning. With each passing day, the list of things we need to declutter just gets longer and longer. The living room was no exception. It was filled to the brim with stacks of old newspapers, magazines, and mail that my husband had been meaning to sort through for years.
As we got started on the task, I found myself getting more and more overwhelmed. My husband tried to help by sorting through some of the piles, but no matter how much we got rid of, there was always more to be done. The sheer amount of clutter in the living room was starting to wear on my nerves.
I took a break and sat on the couch, trying to calm myself down. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, reminding myself that this was all for the greater good. That thought helped me get back on track and finish the task. By the end of the day, the living room was looking much better, but I still felt the stress from all the clutter.
Day 11 of 30: Living Room
Day 11 was a bit different. I had planned on tackling our living room, but my friends came over unexpectedly and we ended up chatting and hanging out for most of the day. I was torn between decluttering and spending time with friends, but in the end, I decided just to enjoy the moment and let the decluttering wait until tomorrow. I realized that it’s okay to take a break and prioritize relationships sometimes.
However, that didn’t stop me from keeping an eye out for items that could be donated or thrown away. I made a mental list and planned to tackle the living room the next day. Spending time with friends reminded me of the importance of connections and how decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, but also about creating space for new possibilities, including stronger relationships and happy memories.
Day 12 of 30: Living Room
On Day 12, I woke up feeling worried about how much we had slacked off from our decluttering goal. My husband and I had made some progress, but it felt like it was just a drop in the bucket compared to what still needed to be done. I started to worry that this 30-day challenge would be a complete failure.
We spent the day hanging out with friends, and though we had a great time, it was a setback for our decluttering mission. We both felt unmotivated, and I think we were afraid of the work that still lay ahead. But I know we must keep pushing through and not give up on our goal. We have to remember why we started this challenge in the first place, and use that to keep us moving forward.
Day 13 of 30: Living Room
After two days of slacking off, we were feeling pretty defeated. We worried that our 30-day declutter challenge would be a complete failure. But then something unexpected happened. We stumbled upon an old photo album from our college days, filled with memories that made us laugh and smile.
Going through the album was a much-needed reminder of why we started this challenge in the first place. We wanted to create a space that brought us joy and peace of mind, not just one that was tidy and organized. The excitement and motivation from when we first started the challenge came rushing back and we were ready to tackle the next room.
We decluttered the living room, getting rid of old books, decorations that no longer fit our style, and even an old bean bag chair that was more hole than bean. We were feeling inspired and energized, and we couldn’t wait to see what the next few days would bring!
Day 14 of 30: Dining Room
We finally made it to the dining room today, a place that always seems to accumulate the most clutter. My husband and I decided to tackle the cabinets first, and boy were they a mess. Stacks of old Tupperware, out-of-date spices, and miscellaneous utensils all jumbled together.
Things we found in the cabinets:
- An old blender from college
- A slow cooker we never use
- An entire collection of shot glasses from various vacations
Despite finding some funny memories, cleaning out the cabinets was no laughing matter. It took us the whole day, but by the end of it, we finally had some breathing room. The cabinets are now organized and tidy, and we’re already feeling less overwhelmed in the dining room.
Day 15 of 30: Dining Room
We started the day feeling refreshed and energized, ready to tackle another room in our house. After all, we’ve made so much progress so far and we’re not about to let a few setbacks hold us back. This time, we decided to tackle the dining room.
The dining room was a bit of a mess. We had food items stacked on top of each other, making it difficult to find what we needed. And don’t even get me started on the expired items hiding in the back. But after a few hours of sorting through everything, we finally made it to the bottom.
We said goodbye to the stale crackers, the outdated spices, and the mouldy bread. And in their place, we put in a little effort to make sure everything was organized and easy to find. It feels like a brand-new space now, and we’re already thinking about what else we can tackle next!
Day 16 of 30: Home Office
Today, we organized the home office, which was filled with tech gadgets and trinkets. Our goal was to declutter and make the room functional as an office.
During the process, we discovered my husband’s collection of conference and event pens, organized in a drawer. I found it amusing and my husband shared his pride for the collection. The discovery brought a light moment to the intense decluttering day and reminded us of the purpose of the challenge – to create a positive and joyful home environment.
Day 17 of 30: Bathroom Shelves
Today we tackled the bathroom shelves and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with what we found. This little space had a lot more hidden gems than I expected! Here are a few things we discovered:
- An old bottle of perfume from high school that still smelled amazing
- A collection of seashells from our honeymoon
- A stash of travel-sized toiletries we can use on our next trip
It was a fun trip down memory lane as we went through everything and made some tough decisions on what to keep and what to let go of. By the end of the day, our bathroom shelves were looking much more organized and clutter-free. I can already tell that this little change will make getting ready in the morning a lot easier and stress-free!
Day 18 of 30: Bathroom Drawers
Decluttering the bathroom drawers was a quick and painless process. There wasn’t much to get rid of, just a few expired beauty products and some old toothbrushes. I was pleasantly surprised by how little we actually needed to let go of.
However, the simplicity of this task made me realize just how much stress I had been carrying throughout the decluttering journey. It was a small reminder that sometimes, the things we worry about the most are not as big of a deal as they seem.
Day 19 of 30: Bathroom
It was another day of decluttering, but this time, my husband and I were at each other’s throats. We were arguing over what to do with a box of old keepsakes that we found in the attic. He wanted to keep everything, but I felt that most of it was just clutter. The argument lasted for hours, and we just couldn’t seem to find common ground.
In the end, we decided to take a break and come back to the decision tomorrow. It was a rough day, and I was left feeling drained and frustrated. I just wanted to get this challenge done and create a clean, organized home, but it seemed like every day brought on a new challenge.
Day 20 of 30: Bathroom
Yesterday, my husband and I had a heated argument about the decluttering process. I wanted to get rid of certain items that held sentimental value to him, but he wasn’t ready to part with them. I was feeling frustrated and thought he wasn’t taking the challenge seriously.
But after a night’s sleep and a heart-to-heart talk, we were able to come to a resolution. I realized that just because the items didn’t hold value to me, they meant the world to my husband. And he understood that I was only trying to create a more organized and stress-free home.
We agreed to compromise and find a solution that works for both of us. My husband is now on board and more motivated than ever to complete the challenge. I’m grateful for his understanding and support. It’s amazing what a little communication and empathy can do to resolve a disagreement.
Day 21 of 30: Bathroom Vanity
As we tackle the bathroom vanity, I can’t help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over me. My husband and I have been working hard on our 30-day declutter challenge, and it’s starting to show. Our home feels lighter, brighter, and so much more peaceful. But, it’s not just about getting rid of stuff – it’s about letting go of old habits and making space for new possibilities in our lives.
Today, we’re focusing on the bathroom vanity, and boy, what a task that’s turning out to be. We have so many products we’ve accumulated over the years, and it’s time to go through each one and ask ourselves – do we still use this? Does it still bring us joy? If the answer is no, then it’s time to say goodbye.
It feels like we’re unearthing a treasure trove of forgotten treasures. From that old lipstick we thought we lost, to a bottle of bubble bath we’ve been saving for a special occasion. It’s like going on an archaeological dig in our bathroom!
Day 22 of 30: Bedrooms
Today was a day for thinking outside the box. Instead of just decluttering, we decided to add a little fun and creativity to the challenge. To start, we challenged each other to a “decluttering duel” where we picked items we didn’t need and tried to sell them to each other. I got my husband to buy a pair of boots I never wore and he got me to take an old blender we never used.
Next, we made a game out of it and assigned points to each item we got rid of. The person with the most points at the end of the day wins. It was a close call, but I emerged victorious! And even better, our home felt a little lighter and happier after a day of playful decluttering. We couldn’t believe we had so much fun just getting rid of stuff!
Looking back on our journey so far, it’s amazing to see how much lighter our home feels, and how much freer we feel. It’s not just about decluttering our physical space, but decluttering our minds and letting go of what no longer serves us. Here’s to many more creative and joyful days of decluttering!
Day 23 of 30: Bedrooms
Today was a slow day in the declutter challenge. We didn’t have much to do since we’ve already tackled some of the bigger rooms, but we did manage to make some progress on organizing some of the smaller spaces.
I took the time to reorganize my jewelry box, which had become a tangled mess of necklaces and bracelets. It was a therapeutic task, and I felt accomplished when I finished. I also went through my cabinet and threw out some expired products and donated a few items I hadn’t used in a while.
Overall, it was a quiet day, but a productive one nonetheless. I’m looking forward to diving into the next room tomorrow.
Day 24 of 30: Bedrooms
It’s amazing how quickly you can get the hang of decluttering when you set your mind to it. As we hit past midway point of our 30-day challenge, my husband and I are feeling more confident in our ability to declutter. Our home is starting to feel less cluttered and more spacious, and we’re both noticing a difference in our stress levels.
We’ve been following the same routine every day: we choose a room or an area, spend a few hours decluttering, and then assess our progress. By the end of the day, we’re always exhausted but proud of what we’ve accomplished. It’s been a slow and steady process, but it’s really paying off.
Looking back on the past 24 days, we can see how far we’ve come. From feeling overwhelmed and defeated, to feeling confident and motivated, this challenge has been a real rollercoaster. But we’re both excited to see what the next six days will bring.
Day 25 of 30: Bedrooms
It was just me today. My husband got busy with work and couldn’t help out with the decluttering, which was a bit of a bummer. I tried my best to tackle a few rooms on my own, but it was a struggle. I miss having my partner in crime to help me make tough decisions about what to keep and what to toss.
Despite the setbacks, I pressed on. I focused on the task at hand and made steady progress throughout the day. It was slow going, but I was proud of myself for not giving up. I realized that this challenge is teaching me to be more self-sufficient and resilient, and I’m grateful for that. Plus, I know my husband will be back by my side tomorrow, ready to tackle more clutter and help me reach our goal.
Day 26 of 30: Laundry Room
Today, I tackled the laundry room all by myself. It was a challenging task, especially when I thought about how much easier it would be if my husband was here to help. The truth is, this declutter challenge is a lot harder to do alone. There’s always so much to do, and without my husband’s support, it feels like an uphill battle.
The laundry room was a mess, filled with piles of dirty clothes, stacks of clean ones, and everything in between. I felt overwhelmed, but I pushed through. I started by sorting through the piles of clothes and deciding what to keep and what to donate. I came across a shirt that my husband had worn on our first date, and it brought back such beautiful memories. I realized that this challenge isn’t just about decluttering, it’s about letting go of the past and making room for new memories.
I missed having my husband’s help today, but I know he’s busy with work. I hope that soon, he’ll be able to jump back in and help me declutter the rest of our home.
Day 27 of 30: Bedrooms
Finally, the help I needed! My husband finally joined me in decluttering today and it was such a relief. He didn’t just help, he went above and beyond and did extra work to make up for the past two days he missed. I was so grateful to have him back on this journey with me. The extra pair of hands made all the difference and we were able to make much more progress.
Working together, we tackled the bedroom and it felt like we had a brand new space. The drawers were cleared, the storage spaces were organized, and everything had a place. I was amazed at how much more efficient we were with my husband back on board.
This challenge has been a rollercoaster of emotions and it’s amazing how much one person’s help can make a difference. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together tomorrow!
Day 28 of 30: Bedrooms
As we continue our decluttering journey, it’s become more and more apparent that this challenge has brought us closer as a couple. Working together, even when it’s tough, has made us both appreciate each other more. It’s been a rollercoaster ride but it’s worth it in the end.
Yesterday, my husband really stepped up and made up for the two days he wasn’t able to help. It was amazing to see him dive right in and tackle a room on his own. It made me feel like we were truly in this together, working towards a common goal. And seeing the progress we’ve made so far has been such a motivator.
Decluttering has given us a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It’s not just about getting rid of old things, it’s about making room for new memories and new beginnings. And that’s exactly what we’re doing, one room at a time.
Day 29 of 30: Miscellaneous Rooms
As we reach the end of our decluttering challenge, we can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, we’re exhausted from the endless sorting and organizing. On the other hand, we’re excited to see the final results of our hard work. It’s been a wild ride, but we’re close to the finish line.
We’ve made it through every room in the house, and we’re happy to say that our efforts have paid off. Our once cluttered home is now a clean and organized haven. Every room has its own designated space, and nothing feels cluttered or cluttered anymore. We can finally breathe easy and enjoy the calm and serenity that comes with a decluttered home.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge, and we’re proud of ourselves for sticking with it even when it got tough. We’ve learned so much about ourselves and each other through this process, and we wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else. The house may be decluttered, but our hearts are overflowing with love and gratitude.
Day 30 of 30: Miscellaneous Rooms
Today is the final day of the 30-day decluttering challenge and it’s a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, we’re relieved to finally be done with the task and see the results of our hard work. On the other hand, we’ll miss the daily routine of organizing and cleaning our home.
The past month has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, to feeling proud and accomplished. The process has not only allowed us to declutter our home, but also taught us a lot about our relationship and how we work together. We’ve learned that decluttering is not just about getting rid of things, but about making space for what truly matters.
At the start of the challenge, our home was cluttered and disorganized. We had piles of clothes, books, and knick-knacks that we didn’t know what to do with. But now, as we stand in our beautifully organized living room, it’s hard to remember what it used to look like. Every room in the house is tidy and feels spacious. The once cluttered spaces are now filled with light and air.
After the 30-Day Decluttering Challenge
The journey to declutter our home was not easy, but it was definitely worth it. It required patience, perseverance, and teamwork. We had to get creative with solutions and make compromises, but in the end, it brought us closer together.
The most valuable lesson we learned from this challenge is that we can accomplish anything if we work together. Decluttering our home showed us the power of teamwork and the importance of supporting each other. We realized that it’s not about having a perfect home, but about creating a home that makes us happy and feels like ours.
As we reflect on the past month, we’re filled with gratitude for each other and the home we’ve created. The 30-day decluttering challenge may be over, but our commitment to keeping our home organized and clutter-free will continue. We’ll always remember the lessons we learned and the memories we created during this journey.
