If you’re anything like me, the new year always feels like a fresh start—a chance to create space for the life you want to live. After years of raising four daughters, now five, our house has accumulated a lot of stuff. From toys and clothes to papers and gadgets, it seems like every corner holds something. But as much as I love the memories tied to some of these items, the clutter has become overwhelming.
How It Started
A few years ago, I discovered the blog A Slob Comes Clean. I saw myself in her stories—I was her in so many ways. Everything she shared resonated deeply, especially her description of a house that’s “messy, really messy,” despite me cleaning and tidying up every day.
It wasn’t until recently that it hit me: the problem wasn’t my effort; it was the sheer amount of stuff in our house. No matter how much I cleaned, I was constantly battling clutter. That realization has been a pivotal step in my journey to create a more peaceful, manageable home.
This January, I’m going to attempt to take back my home. I’ve been wanting to start the decluttering process for a long time, but for some reason or another, I have kept putting it off. What better way to hold myself accountable than to share the journey here? I’ll be taking before-and-after pictures and sharing my finished areas at the end of the month.
My goal is to declutter and minimize, one room at a time, spending just an hour or less each day. This isn’t going to be a deep declutter—that’s something I’d love to tackle down the road. For now, the focus is on just reducing the overwhelming feeling of having stuff everywhere.
I want this process to feel doable and realistic in this busy season of life. If you’re also feeling weighed down by your own clutter, I’d love for you to join me in this challenge! Together, we’ll reclaim our spaces, one manageable step at a time.
The Plan: One Room Per Week
Each week, I’ll tackle a different room, focusing on small areas each day. With just an hour (or less) of effort, this plan keeps things manageable and helps prevent burnout. And let’s be real—life happens! Since I work full-time, some days might get pushed back, but I plan to catch up on Saturdays.
You might be wondering, Elaney, why are you decluttering inside cabinets, closets, and hidden spaces? Why not just focus on the visible areas first?
The simple answer is: I need space to put the things I actually use. Decluttering hidden areas allows me to create room for the items that truly serve a purpose in my life. By clearing out what’s unused or no longer needed, I’m not just making my home look tidier—I’m setting up a system that will work better for me long term. This way, everything has its place, and I can maintain the calm, clutter-free environment I’m striving for.
I won’t be decluttering on Sundays—that’s my day to rest and recharge, and I hope you’ll take some time to do the same!
To stay on track, I made a simple checklist to put on my fridge as a daily reminder. Want to declutter along with me? Click here for the printable checklist to help you follow along with me!
Week 1: The Kitchen
- Day 1: Declutter the fridge and freezer. Toss expired items and wipe down surfaces.
- Day 2: Sort through the pantry. Donate or discard anything stale or unused.
- Day 3: Tackle the drawers—sort utensils and discard broken or duplicate items.
- Day 4: Organize under the sink. Minimize cleaning supplies to just what you use.
- Day 5: Declutter pots, pans, and small appliances. Only keep what you love and use.
- Day 6: Simplify dishes and glassware. Do you really need 20 coffee mugs? Quick sweep: wipe down counters and cabinet and appliance faces.
Week 2: Living Room
- Day 1: Declutter books, magazines, and papers. Recycle what you no longer need.
- Day 2: Minimize decorations—keep only the pieces that bring you joy.
- Day 3: Tackle toys and games. Involve kids in choosing what to donate or discard.
- Day 4: Clear out the coffee table and side tables. Remove clutter and wipe surfaces.
- Day 5: Organize blankets, pillows, and other cozy items.
- Day 6: Vacuum and dust to refresh the space.
Week 3: Bedrooms
- Day 1: Declutter closets. Donate clothes that no longer fit or get worn.
- Day 2: Continue to work on closets.
- Day 3: Last day to work on closets.
- Day 4: Clear surfaces like nightstands and dressers.
- Day 5: Organize kids’ toys or keepsakes in their rooms.
- Day 6: Minimize bedding and extra linens. Deep clean and enjoy clutter-free space.
Week 4: Bathrooms and Miscellaneous Spaces
- Day 1: Declutter medicine cabinets. Safely discard expired items.
- Day 2: Organize drawers—keep only what you regularly use.
- Day 3: Tackle under-sink storage.
- Day 4: Declutter towels and bathroom linens.
- Day 5: Sort through other storage spaces like the laundry room or garage.
- Day 6: Quick sweep and deep clean bathrooms to end the challenge on a high note!
Let’s Do This Together
I’ll be sharing my progress, tips, and maybe even some laughs along the way on Instagram. If you want to follow along, be sure to follow me there for more updates. I’m starting mine on January 6th. If you’re ready to reclaim your home, grab a timer and some boxes or bags and declutter along with me. Remember: progress, not perfection.
Join me in the comments or on social media at Wildflowers and Wooden Spoons to share your own decluttering wins and challenges. Let’s start 2025 with lighter homes and lighter hearts.
Happy Decluttering!
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