DECLUTTER CHALLENGE GUIDEÂ
Abundantly Minimal
THE ART OF DECLUTTERING Sometimes decluttering feels hard. You want a beautiful, clean space with none of the clutter, but as soon as you try to get rid of something, you suddenly feel attached or like you might be getting rid of something you will need in the future. Perhaps you spent a lot of money on certain items, so you would feel too guilty to get rid of it, especially if you haven’t used it yet. Perhaps you just feel overwhelmed and are not sure where to start because there is just SO MUCH STUFF!!!
All of these examples are very real, and definitely seem to manifest themselves when we start trying to declutter. The good news? You are not alone! We are here for you, and we created this Decluttering Challenge Guide specifically to support you as you simplify your life. Use this NO EXCUSES checklist to go through your entire space, purging those unnecessary items that bring you stress, unhappiness, or guilt.
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BEDROOM Dresser: Are dresser drawers packed to the brim? If so, consider keeping only your favorites of different items, such as T-shirts or socks. Is there clutter on top of the dressers? What actually needs to be there? Furniture: Do you have any excess furniture in your bedroom? While it might serve a purpose, consider removing these items to give yourself extra space and more room to breathe. Under the Bed: Is there anything hiding under the bed? While the storage is hidden, is any of it actually useful? When was the last time you used some of these items? What is laying on your nightstand and/or dressers? Â
You can do this. We are holding you accountable. Decluttering can be tough, so we are asking the tough questions. Sleep: Is there anything you could adjust in your bedroom to get more (or better) sleep? Consider removing your phone, dimming lighting, or investing in better bedding; these are all simple ways to improve one’s sleep, and make your bedroom more of a refuge. .
KITCHEN Dishware: How many plates do you need? How many cups? How often do you use that extra set for entertaining? Do you love all of your dishware, or are there some pieces you don’t care for? Have you received any free promotional items (reusable water bottles, cups, etc.) that are unnecessary? Do you have any decorative dishware that you never use and/or have no desire to use? Kitchen Gadgets: What kitchen gadgets have you not used in more than a year? Are there certain gadgets that could easily be replaced by a simpler kitchen tool, such as a knife? Where is your kitchen “junk drawer” (if you have one) or cabinet where you put items you don’t have a place for? Do all of these items serve a purpose?
Kitchen Appliances: How often do you use some of your larger kitchen appliances, such as your bread maker or ice cream maker? If you can’t remember or can’t think of a necessary use, perhaps this item isn’t worth the space it takes up in your cabinets. Pantry/Cabinets: Any expired or old foods that are cluttering up your pantry? Do you have any old or gross mismatched tupperware? Worn out dishtowels? Decorative tablecloths you haven’t used in years?
“Simplicity involves unburdening your life, and living more lightly with fewer distractions that interfere with a high quality life, as defined uniquely by each individual.” - Linda Breen Pierce
BATHROOM What personal care products or make-up does not work like you wish it did? If it doesn’t yield the ideal results, why do you still have it? Are any products or medicines expired? How many towels and bathroom linens do you have? Do you need and use all of these towels? Have you been collecting sample sizes of shampoo, etc. from hotels and other travel? Are there any excess cleaning products here that could easily be replaced with less toxic household ingredients?
LIVING ROOM OR FAMILY ROOM Entertainment: Are there movies you don’t plan on watching again? Do you still have VHS tapes or other outdated technology? Do you even have a VCR? Could you shrink the size of your media collection by using paper or plastic sleeves in a shoebox or similar sized container? What CDs do you have? Do you still use the CDs or is your music mostly digital? Do you have old electronic devices that no longer work? Perhaps look into digitally recycling them at a local center or drive.
Bookshelf: Ask yourself the following questions about various books. Have you read it? Will you read it again? If not, feel free to pass it on so others can benefit. If you haven’t read it, when are you going to read it? Why haven’t you read it yet? In some cases, if you have had it for a while and still haven’t read it, perhaps you won’t be in the future. Other: Is there any furniture, decorations, or other items that make your space unnecessarily crowded? Try removing these items from the space to see if you like the aesthetic of having less.
OFFICE
GARAGE/BASEMENT/ATTIC
Do you more office supplies than you could ever use? Are any of these items cluttering up your workspace or desk?
Are you using this area as a place to store items you aren’t sure what to do with? Look over these areas and think about the last time you used some of these items.
Are you struggling with paper clutter or digital clutter? While these things might not take up as much space, they can add stress to our days and make it tougher to find what we need. Consider scanning, shredding, or deleting excess files to make your life easier. Are there any outdated technological gadgets or other miscellaneous junk that sits out at your desk or workspace? If it doesn’t add value, it probably does not need to be there.
Do all of these items bring you joy or serve a purpose? What are you holding on to “just in case”? While the specific items we have in these areas may vary significantly, the items we keep in these areas may be used less than those kept in other parts of our homes, so there could be a lot to declutter.
ABOUT ABUNDANTLY MINIMAL We are Jake and Sarah, a husband-and-wife duo who grew tired of a stuffcentered lifestyle we developed from childhood through college. We realized that owning so many possessions didn’t make us happy and decided to change it. Getting rid of not just the excess belongings but also other unnecessary aspects of life have allowed us to reduce stress, increase our happiness, save thousands of dollars, as well as live out the lives that we have always wanted to live. Abundantly Minimal is a documentation of our journey on the road to a more minimal life, and we hope you will join us to create greater abundance in your life! For daily inspiration and support on your minimalist journey, connect with Abundantly Minimal in the ways that add value to you. Website Podcast YouTube For more decluttering advice, click on the pictures below to check out these recent YouTube videos!