My Top 10 Tips For Decluttering Like A Boss

With the 6-Week Declutter Challenge in full swing, I thought I'd share my top 10 decluttering tips. Whether you're part of the challenge or not, a hoarder, or just a mom with clutter up to her eyeballs, these are sure to make the job a little easier!

You can also download my complete declutter guide HERE

1. Give yourself GRACE!

This is THE most important thing you can do. Otherwise you're going to spend half your day beating yourself up for things you've held on to for far too long, purchases you never should have made, or not being the "perfect" mom you set out to be as you stare at boxes of photos that should be in albums. You are perfect just the way you are and you can only move forward from here. FORGET ABOUT THE PAST!

2. Make a master list.

Make a list of all of the things that need to be done. Don't make this list mentally or you'll never check anything off. Grab a pen and paper and walk through each room of your home and WRITE IT ALL DOWN. Acknowledging what needs to be done is half the battle. Most of the time it makes you realize it's not as bad as you thought. Then, whenever you have a free 15 minutes or so, tackle something on the list.

3. Work in 15 minute increments.

I know, I know, the job is going to take hours longer. BUT! How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Even if you want to dedicate an hour a day to this project {which is totally fine by the way} you should still use a timer. Spend 15 minutes in four different rooms. It will help you to not get bored or burned out. Plus you'll start to see results throughout your home instead of just in one area.

*only exception to the rule. If you're a mom of littles we all know you can't do ANYTHING for 15 minutes without being interrupted. For you, set your timer for 5 or 10 minutes instead.

4. Let your family know about your challenge.

Hopefully it will encourage them to help with the purge! Plus, the younger your kids are, the easier it is to train them that you don't NEED all of the crap.

5. Use what you already have.

Don't go buy a bunch of organizing bins. I'm guessing you have plenty already. Instead, put all of your organizational items in one spot. Shoe boxes, utility totes, mason jars, you name it. That way when you find a drawer or cabinet that needs a little help, you know right where to find it.

6. Have a designated area for your giveaway items.

Be sure each family member knows where it is so they can help fill it. I almost always have a giveaway box right inside the garage. That way when one of my kids says somethings too small or they don't want it anymore, I tell them to put it in the box.

7. Two per day.

Place at least 2 items in your giveaway box EVERY day while you are going through the decluttering process. Some can put in twenty. But for some this can be a hard task. So start small. The more you do it, the easier it will get.

8. You don't have to toss all of it.

Don't get rid of something that has sentimental value. Yes, I know you can't take it to heaven with you. But if it's something you really love and it gives you happy memories, go ahead and keep it. Find a special home for it.

9. Take 5.

Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day to clear any piles that have crept onto your surfaces. Counters, tables, dressers, etc.

10. Get it OUT!

Plan a day to list and sell your items, have a yard sale, drop them off at a donation center, or schedule a pickup. Don't move the clutter from one area to another and then let it sit.

Are you ready? It's time to get the junk out of your home once and for all! Join me and thousands of others in the 6-Week Declutter Challenge!

Want to save all of these decluttering tips? CLICK HERE to download my Free Decluttering guide!