Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? I’m with you. I’m overwhelmed by world news, health issues, writer’s block, and the fact that our Venice cottage always seems to be outgrowing itself, even though we don’t buy a lot of stuff. Whether you’re in a cozy apartment in Seattle, a suburban home in Atlanta, or downsizing in Phoenix, clutter can quickly take over your home. That’s where the 30 Bags in 30 Days decluttering method comes into play. It’s a super-effective way to reclaim your space one day at a time. And it’s particularly good for anyone who wanted to join or has enjoyed the 30-day decluttering challenges we posed in January.
What is the 30 Bags in 30 Days Challenge?
The 30 Bags in 30 Days method is a month-long decluttering challenge designed to make cleaning out your home more manageable. The goal? Remove one bag of clutter each day for 30 days. Nothing complicated. No need for perfection. Just 30 small victories that add up to one big transformation that you will feel in your bones. And who doesn’t need victories right now?
Does it have to be one of those huge construction bags? Nope. It can be any bag that you have on hand that does the trick. Your “bag” could be:
- A shopping bag of old clothes
- A reused CVS bag filled with expired pantry items
- A box bag of broken toys or electronics (I know, not a bag, but I won’t tell)
- A reusable tote of books to donate to the local library’s semi-annual sale
- A bin of old paperwork to shred
Why This Method Works for Me
This approach is realistic and sustainable. I have a terrible habit of starting a big clean and declutter, which results in exhaustion 23 minutes later and a need for bonbons and a book (Side note: Current book is Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. Holy crap. Not relaxing, but a must-read). Anyway…
By choosing a manageable method like this one and the 30-day decluttering challenge, the task feels doable to me. I’m guessing that if you are looking for decluttering tips, you’ve experienced the clutter struggle, and you are also looking for a low-stress way of building momentum and healthy habits.
Benefits include:
- Less Stress: You don’t have to declutter your entire home, garage, attic, closet (etc) in one day.
- Quick Wins: One bag a day builds momentum and can keep you motivated (it does me).
- More Space: You’ll be amazed at how much room you reclaim.
- Better Focus: Clear space = clear mind (or at least, clearer).
- Local Impact: Donating locally helps your community when you do it with intention.
How to Start the 30 Bags in 30 Days Challenge
Ready to try it? Here’s how to begin:
1. Make a Plan
Walk through your home and jot down 30 areas you want to tackle. Plan for one for each day. Examples:
- Day 1: Cleaning closet
- Day 2: Medicine cabinet or linen closet
- Day 3: Sock drawer
- Day 4: Refrigerator/freezer
- Day 5: Desk (this one was huge for me when I started working from home full-time)
- Day 6: Pantry (or just start with spices if you have an enviable walk-in pantry that seems totally daunting)
- …and so on!
2. Gather Your Supplies
Grab some bags or boxes. Label them “Donate,” “Trash,” “Recycle,” or “Sell” to stay organized. I like dividing “Recycle” into two: “City” and “Ridwell” because not everything is recyclable here in Venice. I know. Annoying. But we have Ridwell to keep our “should be able to recycle but can’t” items out of the landfill.
3. Set a Timer
You don’t need to spend hours each day. Set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes max. Once the bag is full, you’re done! These decluttering sprints really work for me. You might have more stamina. If so, feel free to bump that decluttering time to an hour. Keep in mind that if your goal is to do this every day for 30 days, you don’t want to use all your energy on the first day, so maybe building up your stamina as you see your progress will work better for you.
4. Celebrate Progress
My brain dances with glee when I get to check something off of a to-do list. If this is also you, mark each day off on a calendar or journal. You’ll feel more motivated seeing your progress in real time.
5. Get Rid of the Bags
Even if you have ample storage space, I highly recommend getting rid of your bags as soon as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to go to a donation center every day. You just want to avoid moving your stuff into bags and boxes, and then storing them in your garage for years. Try to move your discarded items along as quickly as possible to free your space and your mind (cue the song!).
Pro Tips to Stay on Track
- Pick the best time of the month for you: Starting on the 1st of any month helps with momentum, but if you have a trip planned or big work commitments three days into the month, your momentum is likely to get sidetracked. Pick the time of the month that works best for your brain and your life, and then go for it.
- Get friends involved: Challenge your neighbors or coworkers! We have friends who have helped us move, and I’m guessing they never want to go through that again. So, they are always ready to help take donations in, etc.
- Take before-and-after photos: The visual payoff is satisfying. I like doing this just for us, but sometimes social media can act as an accountability method. Just don’t feel like your space has to be magazine-ready because that’s way too much pressure.
- Stay flexible: If you miss a day, just double up the next.
What to Do with Your 30 Bags
Depending on what you declutter, here are some local options:
- Donate gently used clothes and household goods to places like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or a local women’s shelter. We love Rediscover Centers for things like tools, crafts, and holiday supplies. They have great educational programs for kids, adults, and families that take your donations and put them to work.
- Recycle electronics, batteries, or paper at your city’s recycling center. In LA, use one of the S.A.F.E. Centers, which handle household hazardous waste and electronics on a schedule (usually weekends).
- Trash anything broken or unusable (as long as it is not hazardous).
- Sell valuable items on Poshmark, ThredUp, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or a local consignment shop.
Start Grumpy, Finish Slightly Less Grumpy
I’m not saying decluttering will entirely change your life (unless you are the next Marie Kondo). However, if you are trying to simplify your lifestyle, preparing to move (never a ton of fun), or just craving a cleaner space, the 30 Bags in 30 Days method is a fantastic way to make real progress without feeling overwhelmed and drinking all the wine in both refrigerators. What? Like I’m the only one who wants a little Vinho Verde as I go through my sock drawer in the summer?
You don’t need to be perfect. Just start.
Let the decluttering begin!