DeclutteringThis post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our Disclosure Policy.
Despite knowing that I have a ton of junk laying around this house that someone could easily remove and I’d never be the wiser, the idea of getting rid of 40 bags worth of stuff in 40 days is kind of overwhelming.
As I said in my first Declutterathon post, if I try to focus on the entire house all at once I’ll get nothing done so instead I’ve broken my house down into zones.
Some zones are going to produce more bags than others. My basement storage areas, for example, may give me 40 bags all on their own (it’s scary down there), whereas my kitchen junk drawer will probably produce a sandwich sized bag of junk if I’m lucky. I don’t necessarily expect each area to produce one bag’s worth of stuff, but focusing on different areas will help keep this mission manageable and a little less overwhelming.
This is my current list of zones:
- Storage room 1
- Storage room 2
- Master bedroom
- Master closet
- Master bathroom
- My nightstand
- My dresser
- Son 1’s closet
- Daughter’s closet
- Son 2’s closet
- Kids’ dresser
- Baby’s dresser
- Garage
- Entry closet by front door
- Closet 1 by garage
- Closet 2 by garage
- Laundry room
- Kitchen cabinets
- Kitchen drawers
- Pantry
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Basement refrigerator/freezer
- Office
- Craft supplies
- Books
- Master linen closet
- Upstairs linen closet
- Cars
- Wet bar cabinets
- Cedar closet
- Sunroom
- Playroom
- Papers to shred/organize and file
- Guest bedroom
- Guest bedroom closet
- Purse and diaper bag
I’m not going to assign areas to specific days at this point because life always gets in the way of my best laid plans, and if I feel like I’m veering off track I may quit altogether. Instead, I’m going to tackle what I can when I can. The whole point of this is to make progress and work towards a more simple, balanced, and organized life so I’m not going to be so regimented that I lose track of the ultimate goal.
To be honest. some of these rooms scare me. Our storage rooms have a ton of stuff in them, and just thinking about all of that sorting and cleaning makes me want to take a nap. I’ll probably work up to those areas. I’m also going to try to remember that certain rooms will take a lot more time than others. I could spend a week or two just in the storage rooms, and that’s okay as long as I’m purging in the process.
So, tomorrow’s the big day, the beginning! I’ll be back to share some questions I’m going to ask myself when I’m struggling with whether or not I should keep or get rid of something.
Until then, I’m curious to know, what are your zones? Is there an area in your home that you’re dreading?
Just stumbled on your blog. Super cute! Love your declutter posts. I can relate! Very well written blog! 🙂
Thanks, Daniela. I’m so glad you found me. As for the declutter posts, you’re in luck… there are a lot more coming! 🙂
Just found out 3 days ago that we need to pack up & move to a smaller home in May! Yikes! Came across your blog today via Pinterest. Just created my own cleaning zones checklist, and I think (hope…pray!) I’m ready to tackle our stuff and get ready for this “adventure!” Thank you for this new series on your blog!!!
Cathy, you can do it! Actually, you are doing it; you’ve created zones, which, in my opinion, is the first step in the right direction. I’m excited to know that you’ll be doing this along with me. We can keep each other going 🙂
I am in the same boat as Cathy!! I am in ladies! Let’s do this. I am starting late so I may have to do a couple of Sundays 🙂
Happy to have you, Ceira! Let’s do this! 🙂
Thank-you for your wonderful decluttering ideas, i like the idea of the zones so you can tackle one each day. i think the idea of a filling a bag a day of stuff you dont need will work for me as i will have something to show for my effort.Take care regards Stacey
I hope it helps. I’m the same way about the bags. Being able to see the stuff go out and my rooms get cleaner helps me to stay motivated.
Zones. What a great idea. I just cleaned out my closet and bedroom about two weeks ago and got about 4 bags of stuff. Some went to the consignment store to hopefully bring me some money and some went to the thrift store. I tried everything on and was surprised by all of the clothes I had that were too big for me. So fun!! Thanks for linking up to Tips and Tricks.
I’m jealous. I wish mine were too big for me! (I have the opposite problem.) Thanks for visiting and hosting 🙂
We just moved and my garage is a hot mess. I was 8 months pregnant during the move and had very little energy prior to do much purging. I did some, but not nearly enough. I have a garage of things and nothing to do with them! I need to do SOMETHING because my husband is getting on my case. Thanks for linking up with Turn it Up Tuesday!
I wish only my garage was a hot mess. 😉
With a family of 7 and only 3 bedrooms I need the most room I can get. Love your idea on doing zones as I’m a busy mom 5 kids, college, housing cleaning, appts, couponing, etc. After all this I feel wiped out and sometimes it’s stressful on how much stuff needs donec a round the house.
I feel like I wrote this! Feeling exhausted and still having a ton of work to do is the worst. I hope you’re able to make some progress and relax a little.
Small apartment*
We moved 2 years ago from a much bigger house and I’m still trying to purge. With 3 kids & a job finding time to go beyond basic cleaning is tough. This as well as the 5 questions and asking “what should I keep?” has really given me the motivation to get started! Thank you!!!
I’m so happy to hear that! How’s it going for you?
I signed up because we really need to declutter all areas of our house! My sister also wants to declutter so am sharing the 40 Bags in 40 Days printables with her. Where do I find the decluttering guide?
Thanks for sharing, Cindy! Which guide are you looking for?