Why Decluttering a Big Room can be a Huge Mistake

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I’m so excited for today!! I’ve been prepping and planning for months, and for a while it felt like this day would never come. It’s been a good reminder of how my poor four year old feels about his upcoming birthday (“It’s taking forreevver!”), but today’s the day!

We’re starting the new 31 Days of Decluttering challenge!

I created this course because I know what it’s like to stand in the middle of a messy room (okay, messy HOUSE!) and feel paralyzed. I know what it’s like to want to organize your home but not know where to start.

Sometimes all we need is a plan, some group support, and a gentle nudge in the right direction to make great progress, and that’s exactly what the 31 Days of Decluttering course is designed to do. It’s a plan that’s been created to focus on the baby steps we need to take to eventually (like in 31 days!) see a big transformation in our lives and homes.

As tempting as it can be to start decluttering in a big room, sometimes that’s the biggest mistake we can make. Trying to declutter our messiest spaces can require hours upon hours of work before any real progress can be seen. Pouring hours of our time into a space and not being able to really see progress afterwards is one of the fastest ways to end up feeling discouraged, frustrated, and like we should just throw in the towel. It can leave us feeling like there’s no point in even trying because nothing ever gets better.

However, the truth is that we just picked the wrong place to start.

I love focusing on small, easy tasks when I’m at the beginning of something because it’s a quick way to get some wins under my belt. Those little wins end up giving me the confidence and motivation I need to tackle larger tasks, and because I’ve already successfully completed some little things, those large tasks don’t feel quite as large or intimidating anymore.

The 31 Days of Decluttering course is structured with this in mind. Each day we’ll focus on a new area or collection of items in our home. We’ll then choose to either complete the short, 5 minute task or a longer task on days when time allows. The course is designed to fit into your life whether you have five minutes or five hours.

Best of all, in just 31 days you’ll watch your home undergo a transformation you may have not thought possible before.

I’ve received the sweetest feedback from people who have previously participated in my decluttering challenges.

Linda says, “The 31 Day Challenge and the 40 bags in 40 days challenges helped me bring sanity and calm to my home… I now declutter 15 minutes every day as a practice and list the bags that go out (I am up to 125 bags out!). Took me decades to learn these skills and now I am proud of my home and not embarrassed to invite guests in. Thank you. Thank you and thank you again.”

Kate: “After several years of not wanting to invite anyone over due to severe ‘House Shame’ issues, I found the ’31 Days of Decluttering’ series online and started decluttering my house in April using all the tips provided. I have had a fantastic breakthrough in my ‘house shame’ issues, and am worlds away to how I was living earlier in the year. I do not intend going back to my old clutter-filled ways!”

Jerica: “Emily, in 4 days you’ve managed to hit some hot spots in my life that had been okay up until recently. It’s amazing how 15 minutes to an hour can make me feel so much more in control and at peace. Thank you!”

I’ve also received countless messages from people saying I’ve changed their lives. What?! I am truly blown away every time I receive one of those messages, but I want to make one thing clear… THEY changed their lives. They are the ones who chose to do the work, even when it was hard, and they deserve all the credit! I am, however, beyond honored to have played a part in those transformations.

Now it’s your turn! If you’ve been living in a house you’re unhappy in, embarrassed by, and wish could be less cluttered and more peaceful, I’d love for you to join us! You’ve found this post today for a reason. It’s the perfect time to join us so you can get a jumpstart on your decluttering and start loving your home again!

Click here —> to visit the 31 Days of Decluttering course page for more information. It’s time you and your home became a priority in your life. You’re worth it.

Happy decluttering, friends!

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in: Organizing Mistakes: 27 Slip-Ups to Avoid During Your Next Project | Redfin