I recently signed up for the 40 Bags in 40 Days 2015 Decluttering Challenge organised by White House Black Shutters. The challenge … as the name suggests … is a 40 day period where you declutter one area of your home a day.  The goal is to get rid of one bag of clutter a day (at least). The challenge officially started last Wednesday 18th February and goes through to 4th April. I have just completed week 1 of the challenge … decluttering my life one bag at a time.  So how did I go?
One thing I have come to realise about myself recently – I am quite a goal orientated person.  I love an organised challenge!  Put me in a group with a public declaration of my goals and I’ll see it through to the end. I find the idea of an official start and finish date very motivating.  Add a list pinned to the fridge – to be ticked off each day – and I’m off and running. I started the challenge well, and one week later I’m still going strong (even my Husband Paul jumped onboard over the weekend).  So far everything has been going according to plan.  I stick to one small area during the weeknights, such as under the kitchen or laundry sink, the TV unit, or the plastic container cupboard (everyone’s favourite).

Under the kitchen sink is never pretty. But you have to admit the ‘Awful’ (or after) does look slightly better than ‘Awfuller’ (or before).

No orphaned lids here!

I pick up what I might need during the day to help with the declutter (and re-organisation) – such as storage or organisational solutions. I have found Kmart has some great budget solutions.

1. Under Sink Extendable Shelf Organiser | 2. Large Clear Fridge Tray | 3. Rattan Style Storage Tub – White | 4. White Dipped Basket

A bigger and more overwhelming areas I leave to Wednesday as I have the day off work … like Miss E’s wardrobe (goodness me!).  On Saturday Paul and I tackled one area of The Garage. We cleared out one corner last weekend (in 35 degree heat … it was not pretty) but we did manage to get 3 draws of filing down to 1!

One corner of the garage done!

Both the recycling and garbage bins are now overflowing (thanks goodness its garbage collection is tomorrow). Breaking the house down to focus on one cupboard or one draw a day is stopping me from becoming exhausted or de-motivated. Monday night it took me 1.5 hours to sort through and organise the TV unit – with only one small bag to throw away! While I was tired and grumpy by the time I finished, I do feel like I achieved something, this is an area I always wanted to sort out but other chores seem to get in the way.  Now its done! Hopefully no more lost DVD’s. I have regrouped this evening following the mammoth task of sorting through Miss E’s wardrobe. This was no easy task I can tell you!

Miss E helped me sort through her wardrobe. She was happy to donate unused toys … I’m very proud of her (although one or two items did get fished back out of the bags … baby steps!).

Week 1 of the challenge … decluttering my life one bag at a time is complete. You can also follow my daily progress on instagram. Any great organisational tips you’d like to share? Are you doing the challenge, how are you going?

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