The Challenge Your Home Needs
The new year always starts with the best of intentions, right? We’re full of energy, armed with resolutions, and determined to keep everything tidy and organized this year.
But then, life happens. Suddenly, it’s February, and you’re staring at the clutter that somehow multiplied overnight. Sound familiar?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to feel overwhelmed or defeated. Instead, try this 15-day challenge, a simple, manageable plan to tackle one corner or one category each day.
Ready to take on 2025 with a sense of calm and clarity, let’s get started.
Start Small to Win Big
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like climbing Mount Everest. Start with just one drawer. Maybe it’s that one in the kitchen that hasn’t seen the light of day since last spring.
Pull everything out, toss what’s broken, and organize the keepers into little compartments. The key is to start small, so you gain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
Once you’ve tackled that one drawer, give it a quick wipe-down with a disinfecting cleaner. Starting small gives you a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to tackle bigger tasks.
Conquer That Closet
It’s time to face your wardrobe! Start by pulling everything out and trying the “hanger trick” for clothes you have not worn for months.
Turn your hangers backward and track what you actually wear over the next month. Anything left untouched? Donate or sell.
For cleaning, grab a lint roller or a vacuum to remove dust from shelves and corners. Add a sachet of lavender or cedarwood for a refreshing scent.
When you’re done, group items like shirts, pants, and jackets together for easy mornings.
Tackling the Paper Pile-Up
Papers have a way of taking over desks and countertops. Gather all your mail, receipts, and documents into one pile. Create three categories: shred, keep, and toss.
Once you’ve decluttered, go digital! Scan what you can and organize it into folders on your computer.
For the items you keep, invest in a filing system or folders labeled by category. Wipe down your desk to finish the day with a clean, clutter-free space.
Bathroom Blitz
Your bathroom cabinets are probably holding onto more clutter than you realize. Dedicate Day 4 for bathroom cleaning. Toss expired medications, old makeup, and travel-sized toiletries you’ll never use.
Clean shelves and drawers with a multi-surface spray, and add clear bins or labels to keep things organized.
A toothbrush holder or basket can tidy up counters while giving everything a home. Now, next time you need a band-aid or lip balm, you’ll know exactly where to look.
Make Your Kitchen Shine
Day 5 is your kitchen decluttering day. Kitchens are the heart of the home, but they can also be clutter-central.
Empty your pantry and toss expired food. Group items such as snacks, spices, and canned goods and store them in labeled containers or jars.
Declutter your utensil drawer by removing broken tools or duplicates, and deep-clean your counters and backsplash.
If you find bowls, cups, knives, or other things you have not used or did not feel the need to use since last year, take them out and give them to someone else or just donate them.
This kitchen refresh will make your daily meal prep so much smoother.
Books, But Make It Joyful
Book lovers, we’re looking at you. Are there books gathering dust you know you’ll never read again? Keep your favorites, and donate the rest. Stop buying new books for your TBR pile until you finish your old ones.
Once you’ve decluttered, dust your shelves and arrange your books by color, genre, or author. Add a small plant or decorative item to make your bookshelf a design feature.
Tidy Up That Entryway
The entryway is often the first place to get messy. Declutter shoes, jackets, and random items that don’t belong.
Add a shoe rack, a small tray for keys, and a stylish basket for mail. Sweep and mop the area, then consider adding a welcoming touch like a doormat or a small plant. A tidy entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Kids’ Room
If you have kids, their room might feel like an endless cycle of chaos. Dedicate day 9 to sorting through their toys, books, and clothes.
Involve the kids in choosing what to keep and what to donate. Add storage solutions like bins, baskets, or pegboards to make cleanup easier. Vacuum or sweep the room, and teach your kids to tidy up as a fun family activity every weekend.
Refresh Your Laundry Space
The laundry room can easily become a dumping ground for mismatched socks, empty detergent bottles, and forgotten items. Day 10’s focus: declutter and clean this space.
Start by clearing out the shelves. Toss empty containers and old cleaning products, and donate anything you no longer use. Use bins or baskets to sort your detergents, fabric softeners, and cleaning supplies.
Wipe down your washing machine and dryer, clean the lint trap, and mop the floor. Add a cute sign or a small plant to make your laundry area more inviting.
Living Room Revamp
Living rooms are where life happens along with a lot of clutter. Start by removing everything that doesn’t belong: stray toys, old/random remote controls, or magazines you don’t read.
Sort through decorative items like pillows or throws, and donate anything you no longer love. Vacuum under furniture, wipe down surfaces and clean those forgotten corners.
Rearrange furniture in a more functional layout. Add a tray to hold remotes and coasters, and your living room will feel like new.
The Junk Drawer Challenge
On Day 1, we started with one junk drawer. Now, on Day 11, it’s time to tackle all the remaining ones.
Empty each one and sort the items into categories such as tools, stationery, batteries, or miscellaneous odds and ends.
Throw out anything broken, outdated, or useless. Add small organizers or dividers to keep everything in its place. Once you’ve tidied the drawer, wipe it clean before putting the items back.
Guest Room or Spare Room Reset
If you have a guest or multipurpose room, it may have turned into a storage space. Dedicate day 12 to decluttering and organizing it.
Remove items that don’t belong and find a proper home for them. Organize any stored items into labeled bins or shelves. Vacuum, dust, and freshen up the bedding or furniture.
If the room doubles as an office or craft space, ensure everything is neatly stored and accessible. By the end of the day, this space will feel ready for whatever purpose it serves.
Garage or Storage Area Overhaul
Garages and storage spaces are notorious for clutter. Dedicate Day 13 to clearing out these forgotten areas.
Start by creating categories: keep, toss, and donate. Use clear bins for seasonal decorations, tools, or sporting goods. Hang frequently used items on hooks or pegboards to free up floor space.
Sweep the floors, clean out cobwebs, and enjoy your newfound order.
Outdoor Refresh
Don’t forget about your outdoor space. Sweep away leaves, dirt, or debris. Get rid of broken planters, worn-out furniture, or outdoor items you no longer use. If you have outdoor storage, declutter it and organize tools, garden supplies, or seasonal decor.
If you have an outdoor sitting area, wash and change the seat cushions and dust all the surfaces that have caught tons of dirt for months. Check out the Best Weatherproof Storage Solutions for Outdoor Gear to add to your outdoor areas.
Make It Your Own
You don’t need to tackle all 14 days back-to-back unless you’re feeling super motivated. Take a day off when you need to because it’s about progress, not perfection.
Missed a day? No big deal. This challenge is here to guide you, not guilt you.
Decluttering and cleaning are ongoing processes, not one-time events. You can always hit reset and revisit these steps whenever life feels cluttered again.
The goal isn’t just a tidier home; it’s creating a space that makes you feel calm and happy. Check more ideas and inspiration to clean your home with Declutter Your Space (Genius Organization Tips).
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