declutter - Sarah Coles

Declutter Your Home in Seven Days – One Hour at a Time

Is your home feeling a little overwhelming? Decluttering might seem like a daunting task, but with just one hour a day, you can transform your space in a single week. This seven-day plan breaks the process into manageable steps, focusing on one area each day. By the end of the week, your home will feel lighter, more organised, and brimming with a sense of calm.

Day 1: The Kitchen

The heart of the home can quickly become cluttered with unused gadgets and overstuffed cabinets.

Tip 1: Start with your worktops. Remove anything that doesn’t belong there—aim for clear and functional spaces.
Tip 2: Check through expired items in your pantry, fridge and freezer. Toss anything past its prime.
Tip 3: Sort through drawers, especially the infamous “junk drawer.” Only keep essentials, grouping similar items together.

Day 2: Family Room, Hallway, and Dining Room

These high-traffic, shared areas often accumulate random items.

Tip 1: Begin in the family room by clearing surfaces such as coffee tables and shelves. Donate or store books, magazines, and trinkets that aren’t regularly enjoyed.
Tip 2: Address the hallway next—focus on shoes, coats, and accessories. Implement hooks or bins to organise items you use daily.
Tip 3: For the dining room, clear any misplaced items on tables and chairs. Designate this space for meals and gathering only.

Day 3: Bathrooms

Bathrooms should feel clean and inviting, not cluttered.

Tip 1: Declutter your cabinets and drawers. Dispose of expired medications, beauty products, and toiletries.
Tip 2: Streamline your shower and bath area—keep only what you use daily and tidy away extras into organised caddies.
Tip 3: Use small baskets, trays, or organisers to keep everyday items like soap and toothbrushes neat and accessible.

Day 4: Bedrooms

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so it’s time to make it a place of rest.

Tip 1: Tackle your wardrobe first. Donate or recycle clothes that don’t fit or that you haven’t worn in a year.
Tip 2: Clear your bedside tables. Only keep essentials like a lamp, clock, or book.
Tip 3: Take a moment to freshen up your linens—tidy or replace as needed to add a little luxury to your space.

Day 5: Office or Workspace

Whether it’s for work or hobbies, this area can easily become a hotspot for clutter.

Tip 1: Go through your desk and drawers. Remove anything no longer serving a purpose, such as old papers or broken office supplies.
Tip 2: Organise your digital workspace too. Declutter and file folders on your computer for better virtual productivity.
Tip 3: Add simple storage solutions like file organisers, pen holders, or trays for a tidy, inspiring workspace.

Day 6: Garage

Garages often end up as storage zones, so it’s time to reclaim the space.

Tip 1: Focus on one section at a time—perhaps tools, sports equipment, or general storage.
Tip 2: Dispose of broken items and set aside duplicates or rarely used items for donation.
Tip 3: Use clear bins and labels to make future organisation easier. Consider adding hooks for tools or bikes to save floor space.

Day 7: Basement or Attic

Finally, tackle these storage-heavy areas to finish your decluttering mission.

Tip 1: Sort items into categories—keep, donate, and toss. Be honest about what you truly value or need.
Tip 2: Use sturdy, labelled boxes to store sentimental items like photographs or seasonal decorations.
Tip 3: Clear walkways and group similar items together for a more accessible and organised space.

The Finish Line

Congratulations! You’ve decluttered your entire home, all in just seven days. Each hour you’ve spent has created more space, clarity, and peace—all of which make your home a more enjoyable place to live.

Now, take a moment to enjoy your newly reclaimed spaces. Share your progress with friends and family, inspiring them to try this simple seven-day method, too. Remember, maintaining a clutter-free home is an ongoing process—embrace it and enjoy the calm it brings!

Further Reading: Simple Decluttering Challenges to Transform Your Space, How to get Stuff Done!, A Quick Declutter Plan for a Smoother, Lighter Home

For Daily Inspiration, follow me on Instagram😊

Simple Decluttering Challenges to Transform Your Space

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but unsure where to start? Don’t worry—decluttering your space doesn’t have to feel like a monumental task. Instead of tackling it all at once, why not try a simple, approachable challenge? Below, we’ll guide you through some popular decluttering methods designed to inspire even the busiest among us to create a more organised and calming space.

1. The Digital Declutter

We spend so much of our lives online, so why not start there? A digital declutter involves cleaning up your virtual spaces like your phone, computer and inbox.

Tips to get started:

Delete unused apps and old files.
Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists.
Organise photos, documents and folders into accessible filing systems. This step doesn’t take up physical space, but the mental clarity is worth it.

2. The Minimalism Game

Popularised by The Minimalists, this game is both fun and effective. On Day 1, you get rid of one item. On Day 2, two items. Day 3? Three items—and so on, for 30 days. By the end, you’ll have parted ways with nearly 500 items! This method works brilliantly for those who thrive on a little challenge and structure.

3. Room-by-Room Challenge

Decluttering one room at a time can make the process less overwhelming. Start with a room that feels manageable, like the bathroom or bedroom, then move on from there. Completing one space gives you the momentum to tackle the next. Focus on what you truly use and love in each area.

4. The 12-12-12 Challenge

This method is quick and energising—perfect for when you need a burst of productivity. Challenge yourself to find:

12 items to throw away
12 items to give away or donate
12 items to return to their proper place

You’ll be amazed at how much progress a single session can make.

5. The 10-Minutes Daily Declutter

Busy schedule? Dedicate just 10 minutes a day to decluttering. You can set a timer and focus on one drawer, shelf, or pile until the timer runs out. Slow and steady wins the race, and you’ll see results without feeling overwhelmed.

6. The Surface Sweep

If clutter tends to accumulate on surfaces like countertops and tables, this is the challenge for you. Dedicate time to clear all visible surfaces, ensuring that only essential and beautiful items remain. It’s incredibly satisfying to see those clear spaces again.

7. The 5-Minute Purge

Set a timer for 5 minutes and challenge yourself to see how many items you can remove from your space. Whether it’s old magazines, expired pantry items or broken pens, it’s amazing how much you can accomplish in such a short time.

8. Paper Declutter Challenge

Stacks of paper can be daunting, but this challenge helps make it manageable. Take one small section of papers—like a drawer or pile—and sort through it. Recycle what you no longer need, file important documents, and consider digital storage for better organisation in the future.

9. The Closet Hanger Challenge

This method works wonders for decluttering your wardrobe. Turn all your hangers in one direction. After you wear an item, turn its hanger the other way. After a few months (or a season), it’ll be clear which clothes you never wear, making it easier to decide what to donate or sell.

10. The 30 Bags in 30 Days Challenge

Commit to filling up one bag of items to donate, sell, or throw out every day for 30 days. The goal doesn’t have to be massive—a small grocery bag or box will do. By the end of the month, you’ll have made meaningful headway in clearing out clutter.

11. The 100-Item Purge Challenge

For those ready to take a deeper look at their belongings, this challenge involves finding 100 items you can part with in one session. It might seem daunting at first, but once you start counting, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to find items that no longer serve a purpose.

12. The Four-Box Challenge

This thoughtful method uses four boxes to sort your belongings:

Keep
Donate
Sell
Toss

Choose one area of your home and sort every single item into one of these boxes. This method works especially well for tough areas like garages and storage closets.

13. The Donation Box Challenge

Keep an empty box in an easily accessible location (like the hallway or a closet). Make it a habit to add items you no longer use throughout the week. Once the box is full, take it to your local charity or donation centre. It’s a simple, ongoing way to make decluttering part of your routine.

Which Challenge Will You Try First?

Decluttering isn’t about throwing everything away—it’s about creating a home that reflects your values and makes you feel calm and in control. Whether you opt for a quick 5-minute purge or commit to the 30 Bags in 30 Days Challenge, every step brings you closer to a space you’ll love.

Further Reading: A Quick Declutter Plan for a Smoother, Lighter Home, How to get Stuff Done!

For Daily Inspiration Follow Me on Instagram

Frugal Cleaning Tips

Keeping your house clean and tidy can be daunting especially when you are on a tight budget. Sometimes, you may feel like you are spending too much money on cleaning products and hiring cleaners. I totally get it! Try these frugal cleaning tips that are cost-effective and easy to implement and you can keep your house clean while saving money at the same time.

@thriftyhomeandgarden

Use natural cleaning supplies: Ditch those expensive chemical cleaning products and opt for natural, homemade alternatives. You can easily make your cleaning products using everyday kitchen essentials like white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. These natural products are not only affordable but also easy on the environment and your health.

Declutter regularly: A cluttered house not only looks untidy but it can also make cleaning more difficult. Make it a habit to declutter regularly by donating or selling items you don’t need to free up space and make cleaning easier. A clutter-free home is also more relaxing and visually appealing.

Repurpose old household items: Instead of tossing away old household items, find creative ways to repurpose them. For instance, old t-shirts can be used as rags for cleaning, while old toothbrushes can clean those hard-to-reach areas. You can also use old mason jars to store cleaning products, giving your home a rustic touch.

Streamline your cleaning routine: Having a cleaning schedule can make cleaning less overwhelming and more manageable. Allocate specific tasks to different days of the week and encourage every family member to contribute. This not only makes cleaning more efficient but it also creates a sense of responsibility and promotes teamwork.

Invest in durable cleaning tools: It can be tempting to go for the cheapest cleaning products and tools, but this often forces you to replace them more frequently. It is better to invest in high-quality cleaning tools like a vacuum cleaner, mop, and dusters, which will last longer and save you money in the long run.

Keeping a clean home shouldn’t be a financial burden, especially for young families. By implementing these frugal cleaning tips, you can efficiently keep your house tidy while staying within your budget. Remember, a little effort goes a long way. Happy cleaning!

Other blogs that you might find useful are Frugal Cleaning Tips, Window Cleaning on a Budget, Economical and Ecofriendly ways to clean your fridge, Green Cleaning with Borax: The Ultimate Guide for Eco-Conscious Homes, The Eco-Essential Elixir: White Vinegar’s Craft in Green Cleaning, The Sparkle of Sustainability: Unveiling the Power of Soda Crystals in Green Cleaning