Created by Mike Donghia. Subscribe to our blog for free daily updates.
I’m full of ideas, but let’s be honest—I often don’t know where to start. If someone would just tell me exactly where to begin, I’m pretty sure half my procrastination problems would vanish on the spot. Sound familiar?
If you’re anything like me, you want to declutter your home, but it keeps getting pushed down your to-do list. Why? Because in your mind, it’s this massive, undefined task. Well, not anymore.
Here’s the good news: I’ve put together a simple 10-day plan to declutter your house. You don’t have to tackle everything all at once; you just need to show up for one task each day. I always say people overestimate what they can accomplish in a single day but underestimate how much progress they can make with consistent effort. Ten days is more than enough time to turn your home into a minimalist haven. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Start with a Clear Vision of Your Ideal Space
Before diving into decluttering, dedicate today to dreaming about your ideal home. Walk through each room and imagine how it would look if it was perfectly organized and functional. Would your kitchen be sleek and minimalist or cozy and bustling? Think about how you want to feel in each space—calm, inspired, energized? Write these ideas down to create a guiding vision. When decluttering gets tough, returning to this vision will remind you why you started.
Day 2: Declutter the Surfaces You See Every Day
Visible clutter is the quickest way to feel overwhelmed. Begin with the surfaces you use most—kitchen counters, dining tables, and coffee tables. Clear them off completely and be ruthless about what you put back. Keep only what’s functional or beautiful. Use trays or small bins to organize essentials like keys or remotes. This simple step will give you an instant sense of accomplishment and momentum for the days ahead.
Day 3: Sort Out a Single Closet
Closets often hide the chaos we don’t want to deal with, but today’s the day to face it. Empty out one closet entirely and take stock of its contents. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love it? Does it belong here? Donate what no longer serves you and neatly organize what remains. Add bins or labels if needed for easier upkeep. By evening, you’ll have one perfectly streamlined closet that inspires confidence every time you open it.
Day 4: Organize Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first impression of your home and often the biggest magnet for clutter. Gather all shoes, coats, bags, and mail and sort them out. Designate a specific place for each item—hooks for jackets, a basket for shoes, and a tray or bowl for keys. If you’re short on storage, consider adding a small bench with compartments or a wall-mounted organizer. A neat and welcoming entryway sets a positive tone every time you come home.
Day 5: Declutter Your Bedroom
A clutter-free bedroom can significantly improve your quality of sleep and relaxation. Start by clearing items that don’t belong, such as laundry, old magazines, or random gadgets. Simplify surfaces like nightstands by keeping only essentials like a lamp and a book. Declutter your closet if time allows, removing clothing you no longer wear. Make your bed the centerpiece—add fresh sheets and pillows if possible. By the end of the day, your bedroom will feel like a true retreat.
Day 6: Streamline the Kitchen Counters and Cabinets
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a hotspot for clutter. Start with the countertops—put away appliances you rarely use and store utensils neatly. Next, move to cabinets and drawers. Toss expired food, donate cookware you don’t use, and organize items by category. Use dividers or shelf risers to maximize space. With a decluttered kitchen, cooking becomes simpler, and mealtime feels more enjoyable.
Day 7: Tidy Up Your Living Room
Your living room should be a place to unwind or gather with loved ones, not a source of stress. Remove anything that doesn’t belong, like random toys, old magazines, or cluttered cords. Arrange furniture for a cozy and functional layout. Neatly stack books, fluff pillows, and add personal touches like candles or a throw blanket. By the end of today, your living room will be a space that invites relaxation and connection.
Day 8: Focus on Paper Clutter
Paper clutter sneaks up on all of us, but today, you’ll take control. Gather every piece of paper from around the house—bills, receipts, junk mail, and schoolwork. Sort them into piles: keep, shred, or recycle. Set up a filing system for documents you need to save and go paperless whenever possible for future simplicity. A clutter-free workspace or desk area will leave you feeling organized and in control.
Day 9: Declutter the Bathroom
Bathrooms may be small, but they’re often overflowing with unused products and random clutter. Begin by emptying out drawers and cabinets, tossing expired makeup, medications, and toiletries. Group like items together—hair products, skincare, and first aid supplies. Use small baskets or drawer dividers to keep everything organized. Finish by wiping down surfaces and refreshing the space with a clean hand towel or a small plant.
Day 10: Tackle the Garage or Basement
You’ve made it to the final and often most daunting day. Garages and basements tend to become dumping grounds for things we don’t know what to do with. Break the space into zones and work on one at a time. Ask yourself if each item has been used in the past year—if not, consider donating or discarding it. Label storage bins clearly and arrange items logically, such as grouping seasonal decorations or tools together. By the end of the day, you’ll have a functional and organized space, bringing your decluttering journey to a triumphant close.
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