How to Declutter Your Home in 30 Minutes a Day: A 30-Day Challenge!

The goal of this challenge is simple: get motivated and start decluttering in manageable 30-minute increments daily!

Patty Powers BSN, RN

3/31/20253 min read

30 Day possible decluttering challenge
30 Day possible decluttering challenge

How to Declutter Your Home in 30 Minutes a Day: A 30-Day Challenge!

The goal of this challenge is simple: get motivated and start decluttering in manageable 30-minute increments daily.

By setting a timer and focusing on specific areas, you'll build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Once you complete this challenge, you'll likely find yourself motivated to tackle even larger decluttering projects!

Getting Started: Day 1-3

Day 1:

Gather four essential containers that you'll use throughout your project:

  • One for donations

  • One for recycling

  • One for trash

  • One for misplaced items

Begin in an "easy" part of your home—a space where you aren't emotionally attached to the items. Think practical areas like under the kitchen sink or a bathroom closet. Take your four containers to this space, set your timer for 30 minutes, and start by removing trash first! If you're tackling a kitchen pantry, this means expired food goes immediately. When your timer rings, give yourself a high five and prepare to continue tomorrow!

Day 2:

Return to finish the space you started. Even though it's only 30 minutes, give maximum effort! After removing trash, identify everything that doesn't belong in that space and place these items in your "misplaced items" box. If you accomplish this in less than 30 minutes—great job!

Day 3:

Time to organize the space properly. Group similar items together—in a pantry, this means placing all pasta together, all canned goods together, all spices together. Once you've created these groupings, arrange everything neatly.

Maintaining Order: Day 4-30

Day 4:

Consider adding containers or labels to keep your newly organized items together. This step prevents your hard work from being undone by family members. Create clearly defined zones and label shelves specifically (canned goods, pasta, baking supplies, etc.). Before purchasing new containers, check around your home for ones you aren't currently using—reusing is always better than buying new!

Day 5 and Beyond:

By now, you've likely completed your first space and are ready to move on to a new area. Excellent work! Continue this process daily for just 30 minutes and watch as your donation pile grows and you gain more control over your living space. If you maintain this habit for the full 30 days, I guarantee you'll feel a significant difference in both your home and your mindset!

I'd love to hear about your decluttering journey! Share your progress, challenges, and victories in the comments below!


30 minute decluttering
30 minute decluttering
Start decluttering
Start decluttering
30 minute decluttering
30 minute decluttering
Edited and Decluttered bedroom
Edited and Decluttered bedroom
Beginning your decluttering challenge
Beginning your decluttering challenge
labeled containers
labeled containers