Who needs some motivation and inspiration to clear out some clutter?? ME!
So guess what that means? I’m bringing you all along with me. 🙂 I’m going to be clearing out clutter and re-organizing things at our house this week and I’d love for you to join me.
Every morning this week around 8 a.m. CT, I’ll post the assignment for that day. Then, at 8 p.m. CT, I’ll post my accomplishments for the day! You can either link up your blog posts (if you’re blogging about the challenge) or just tell us in the comments what you accomplished that day.
Today’s Assignment:
1. Get dressed in something that makes you feel great.
2. Make a short to-do list for the day.
3. Tidy up your kitchen — do the dishes, straighten the fridge, and wipe the counter tops off.
4. Choose at least one drawer in the kitchen to clean out — remove the contents, wipe down the drawer, get rid of items you no longer love, need, or use, and then put everything back in an organized manner.
I’m also going to be reading through The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (can you believe I haven’t read it?) and blogging my thoughts as I read the book this week, too. Today, I’ll be reading pages 1-33.
Who’s joining me? Leave a comment to let me know if you’re planning to participate!
Michelle says
Cleaned my fridge and a drawer!
Jana says
I’m in! I just saw this tonight but I will catch up with Day 2!
Vanessa says
Awesome! My husband and I just read that book and really enjoyed it! Now we are trying to keep up with daily life and try to tidy all the things. 🙂 Looking forward to joining in this challenge and looking forward to your thoughts on the book.
Kimberlee Hopkinson says
I am late to the declutter party wagon, but I really need help, I have a detailed list of things to do in the house, then I usually go to that room and stand there just staring at everything that needs to be done!
Renee says
I am ALWAYS in the mood to declutter. I’m in for the 5 day challenge & am going to request that book at the library 😉
Zoe says
I’m in! Have the book but haven’t opened it yet.
Diona says
I’m late to the party but totally in!
Diane and Dean DIY says
I’m in! I have skimmed through the book but I wI’ll be more intentional now! Thank you for the kick in the you know what!
Becci says
I’m in too! Perfect timing since my kids are starting back to school on Wednesday!
Tee says
You know I’m in for this! I need a little organization – too much happening lately leaving me with a home-disaster, and adding to the stress. Maybe a little house-keeping will help!
Susan Iskowich says
I’m in! Probably not going to do a kitchen drawer clean out though, as I did a closet clean out in order to try and find a favorite pair of exercise capris that have gone missing 🙁
I LOVED the book. Personally, I think it can be quite overwhelming to do a total rehaul like she suggests, but I do get her point of how it can seem so much easier to just do things like ALL clothes at once, not just main closet, then hall closet, etc. Her way of folding clothes is so smart, too, but like one of the others said, it is hard getting the other three members of the household to do it and I don’t always want to be folding their clothes, but I think with some time and re-training, it will all work out.
traci says
I’m in – still cannot wait until you do the month challenge like before – that is the last time my ducts and doorknobs got cleaned LOL
Donna says
One day late but totally in! Thank you!
Nicole says
I’m in, but I’m reading this at 11:30 pm on Monday night so I’ll be one day behind.
Valerie says
I love it!! I’m in. Day 1 challenge accepted and completed!!!
Stephanie says
I’m totally in!!
Melanie says
Me please!! 🙂
Samantha Reid says
Perfect timing. I’m in!
Rebecca says
Yes! I need this. My kitchen needs this too!
Connie says
I’m in…just took a load to the Salvation Army today! But have plenty more to get rid of…unfortunately.
Dawn says
I always LOVE your organization challenges!!! They have helped me tremendously!! And I’m sure this one will be no exception 🙂 I’m in too!!
Jennifer says
I’m in! I love the accountability of a challenge.
samantha says
With the kids now in school, it’s time for Mama Bear to get to work on cleaning up this house! Thanks for the challenge, I’m in!
Martha says
Count me in–anything to help the house as we all venture back to school.
Susan says
I’m in
Erin R. says
Sounds like a great idea as the school season officially kicks off.
Kelly says
YEA!! I want to join!! This HOPEFULLY will be the jump start I need to get organized!
amanda says
I finally listed some items for sale that have been sitting in our storage room!! Not a kitchen drawer, but feels just as good
Jenny says
I’m in
Yvonne says
I’d love to participate in this challenge. Thanks!
Aimee Wiley says
I think you will really enjoy this book, Crystal! I just read it this past month and blogged about it (as have countless others). I ruthlessly purged my already sparse wardrobe and folded everyone’s clothes Kondo style:)
I will say, after a few weeks, I still love her way of folding for my own things, but it is more time consuming to fold seven people’s worth of laundry that way, and my kids just haven’t gotten on board yet. It has been a long re-training process with much resistance, and getting them to then put their clothes away the “right” way has only been nominally successful. I have been debating whether to just give up or to keep at it with them until they finally give in;)
Oh, but overall, this book and blogs like becoming minimalist have transformed my thinking. I am doing a one-month series on simplifying/minimalism on my blog this month as I journey through the “stuff” in my home and heart to find that place of “enough” and no more.
I will definitely be joining up with you this week, and my kitchen cupboard contents are currently spread out on the counter. I have a good stack of giveaway already started!
Cynthia Berg says
I asked my husband for that book last week, and he happily bought it for me. I just finished it last night and have already cleared out two 13 gallon bags of mine and my daughters’ clothes that no longer fit us. I can’t do a huge clean like she recommends due to chronic health issues, but I am determined to clear out at least a bag or two of my own things each week until I only have what brings me joy. So glad to see that you are resting up and healing.
Marissa says
Yay! I’m in!!! This is great, I love challenges:)
Vicki Tallacksen says
I am in?
Sam says
Love these homemaking challenges. I loved the book, it just seems soooo overwhelming right now, that’s why I think your challenge is best for me right now. I so don’t want to deal with the Tupperware that is falling out of the kitchen cupboards, but that is where I will start.
Ashley says
I’m in! We’re having a garage sale at the end of the month and I would love to add even more to our already growing pile!
Suzanne says
I’m in! Yay–so happy to be doing this with others. Much more motivating. ☺
Laura says
I’ve been wanting to read that book for a while now. I’d love to hear what you think of it.
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life says
I’m in! I did this, but seeing your picture of the book on Facebook this morning also inspired me to tackle my kids’ toys. I’ve been meaning to go through them again to purge and pull more toys out for rotating later, and today I got started. Now, my house is a little crazy from all the sorting, but after naps I’m going to get back at it!
I’m looking forward to the rest of the week! Don’t make it too strenuous– you need to prioritize recovery! 😉
jennifer says
since we had small traces of tiny ants near our pantry last night I completely cleaned it out & emptied it out to treat for ants and spent today purging what I really didn’t need to put back in the pantry and organizing it back to a system that made some sense so I guess I started the challenge without even knowing it! Though there is one drawer in my kitchen that I have been really wanting to get to and clean out and keep finding so many other “more important” things to do each day – tomorrow I will tackle that drawer no matter what!!!
Marisa says
I’m in! I did all the drawers in my kitchen and got rid of a pile of things. Thanks for the motivation!
Crystal Paine says
Woohoo! Way to go!!!
Mary says
I wasn’t that impressed by the book, which was disappointing considering all the good reviews. The way she describe material items was a little disturbing to me. I am not in the habit of having conversations with my stuff. But I’m not one to get emotionally attached to stuff either.
But, I look forward to participating in this challenge. I did a massive decluttering spree this summer and need to run through every thing again with a fine toothed comb. We are hoping to move in the next year and I want to get rid of as much as possible by then!
Renee says
I’m in……heading to the kitchen now. I went to Wal Mart this past weekend and bought all new liners for the cabinets and drawers, so this challenge comes at the perfect time. Here we go!!!!!!
Danielle says
I’m in! Love your inspiring posts, Crystal. I am a huge fan!
Tabitha says
I just got on to see what the challenge was this morning and had already done this very task! It’s so refreshing to have a tidy kitchen! 🙂 thanks for the motivation!
Crystal Paine says
Woot! Woot!
Amy says
So need this and this is the perfect week to do it. I’m joining! Thanks!
Megan says
Count me in 🙂
Tonia says
I’M IN!! My friend recently told me about this book as she employed Kondo’s tactics when unpacking and moving into their beautiful new home. I am intrigued! And I’ve also heard mention of it on two different blogs…okay, okay I’m getting the signal! 😉 We NEED to do this!! THANK YOU!!
Abby says
Very interested in hearing your thoughts on the book!
Vickie says
Love the challenge! Thank you. Will probably do more since my dear MIL is coming this week – ha!!!
Julia says
I’m in! This is the perfect bite size piece to make me get started after weeks of just looking around and being overwhelmed!! I really need to work on my kids wardrobeswardrobes (sizes, seasons, passing down clothes to the next kiddo,organizing their closets …) changing but I have to keep telling myself baby steps!!
Allie D. says
I love these challenges. I listened to the life changing magic of tidying up on youtube. I really enjoyed the book.
Julie says
Thanks for the tip about Youtube. I tried my public library, but there are 186 holds, so I would have to wait for a long time to get a copy : )
Betsy says
I’m in
Jolie says
Love love love this!!! I’ve been putting off cleaning out my flatware drawer for days!!!! Thanks for the push!
Leah Anderson says
I may not be able to do everything in one day as a work a full time job and have a couple other part time Jobs with two kids and a husband who is off of work due to a lawn mowing accident, but I will do my best because my house NEEDS to be decluttered!! 🙂
Mary Rodenbeek says
I’m in!
Tricia says
Yes. This is a good way for me to kick start organization for the Fall season. Excited to do this 🙂
Amy says
I’m in!
Jessica W says
Thank you for doing a challenge so soon after having surgery! I’m excited to participate and do some clutter-busting.
Sue says
So needed this today!!! Wow couldn’t have asked for a more perfect post….I am going to start right now thanks be blessed everyone.
Deb says
I’m in! Perfect day to start my Tidying book! My countertops are a disaster, so I’m going to substitute those for the drawer (only have 3 drawers in my kitchen and just worked on them last week).
jessica f says
Excited about joining u for the challenge!
Mackenzie says
Definitely joining in 🙂
Susan says
I just bought this book yesterday. Read the first chapter last night. Goes against the grain of very other de-cluttering book I’ve read in the past few years, but It’s very thought-provoking and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of it. Target had it for 30% off, plus with the 5% for using their red card it’s about the same price as Amazon right now.
We moved to a new home two months ago, and I took that opportunity to ruthlessly purge. No clutter in my new home. My new kitchen looks like the photo every day, with the exception of the coffee pot and few other items that we use every single day out on the counter. It’s so easy to keep clean because it’s not full of stuff.
Katrina F says
I’m reading this book and I really think the title is true. Getting rid of clutter can be life changing! I’ve finished with my clothes and will start on books today. Papers are after that and I think that will be the hardest one for me since I worry about getting rid of something I might need. I will do it though and I know I will be less stressed about paper clutter when I am finished. Marie Kondo does use cultural references that are just not what I believe but I don’t let that get in the way of using her very effective methods. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts since you seem to have a minimalist style already.
Adela says
I will be joining! I so need this right now
Jessica says
I’m in a group doing the ‘minimalist game.’
On day 1 you get rid of 1 item, day 2 – 2 items, day 3 – 3 items, all the way to day 30. By then you have gotten rid of 400+ items.
So far I am up to 103 and it’s only day 7 🙂
Joyce says
Good challange! I have been organizing one area a week since the kids started back to school and this will help to keep me going.
Kellie says
Love the 5 day challenge. I may need to read the book again. I didn’t get that much out of it. Can’t wait to hear your comments.
Kristin says
Ill be joining in!
Alicia @ Investing Love says
Perfect, simple challenge that I needed this week. Heard you talk about it on Periscope this am, and I had to come check it out. 🙂
Tanya says
I am so in!!!!
Joy says
I think this is perfect timing! ! It seems as though I get lazy in the summer and clutter multiplies! ! I instantly knew which kitchen drawer I was tackling too 🙂
Michelle says
I’m in! Well, as soon as I get home ?
It’s the day before school up here in Canada and we’re finishing up our vacation …
AM says
This book is on my kindle, and I am so excited to do this challenge! Thank you for the inspiration to start!
Amy says
I’m in! I have read the book too recently and I can honestly say it IS life changing!
Katie @ OrganizingMoms.com says
I’m in! I’ve been focusing on my closet so far this month, but there’s a drawer in my kitchen that’s been driving me crazy!
Robin Y says
Crystal, I love it when you do little challenges like this! I listened to “The Life-changing Magic…” when I was packing up to move a couple of months ago. Let’s just say a lot of our household items and clothing didn’t make the move 🙂 At first I wasn’t sure what to make of it with all the Japanese cultural quirks, but stick with it! Months later I am still reflecting on her premise of only allowing things in my life that bring me joy (especially clothing and decor items). Thanks for the motivation to keep paring down and being intentional about how to live our lives!
Kelly espinoza says
I’m definitely going to participate!!! I need the motivation! I started reading the book but I got a little overwhelmed by it, maybe your insight might help me! ?
Ramona says
I’m in. I actually started doing this yesterday and have 1 kitchen drawer done but I have others to do!
Erin Timmis says
Looking forward to this challenge!! In desperate need of consistency and order!
Serenity says
I am totally in!!!! We are selling our home and moving to a rental. I need this challenge!!!!!!
Nikki says
I’m in on this challenge! We just got back home in South America after spending nearly 4 months in the US and our home could use some de-cluttering and organizing!
Emily Garland says
I love this idea, can’t wait to see all the things I get to clean and organize.
Larissa says
I’m so glad you posted this challenge. I have been working on this myself and a little extra incentive goes a long way.
Thanks.
Juliet2912 says
I’m definitely joining in! Looking forward to more life changes…
Betsy @ A Mother's Road says
So glad you are issuing this challenge! I’ve been meaning to read this book for a couple of months, but have just not gotten around to it. You have given me the push to start reading it today. I’m going to join you in this challenge. Since we hosted church last night, I’m already starting the morning with a clean kitchen (which is rare). So I’ve got a jump start!! Thanks.
– Betsy