The Quick Version: To declutter your home in a way that feels manageable and not overwhelming, try removing one item every day for a year. Whether you throw away, give away, donate, or sell your item, the goal is to have one less thing in your home each day. For more tips keep reading.
For me, decluttering often feels overwhelming, especially when faced with endless piles of stuff. Where to start? What to throw away? Will it even make a difference? When the task feels impossible, it’s easy to freeze, procrastinate, and never get started. Last week I came upon a forum post that mentioned tackling clutter day by day, one item at a time. I knew this one was for me! There is really not much to this concept, it’s pretty simple but below are a few tips that could help make it more successful.
Why One Item a Day?
Many people start the new year with lofty resolutions like losing weight or running a marathon, but by mid February, we’ve often slipped back into old habits.
The “one item a day” approach makes decluttering almost effortless. It feels less intimidating because you’re taking small, consistent steps. Each day, you’re making a micro-decision – do I actually want to keep this chipped mug that says “World’s Best Golfer”? Probably not. By focusing on just one item a day, decluttering could feel a lot less overwhelming.
Getting Started
1. Pick a Starting Spot (If You Want)
Choose an area that bothers you the most—maybe it’s the junk drawer in the kitchen or the “stuff” corner in the living room. Give yourself a mini mission: each day, open that space and decide which item has outstayed its welcome.
If you prefer to work in a more random way, just start anywhere. No rules—just progress.
2. Prepare a Landing Pad
Set up a box or bag where your “giveaways” or “throwaways” will go each day. For example:
Donations: Pop reusable items into a donation box.
Recycling: Place recyclables in the appropriate bin.
Trash: Toss irreparably broken items straight out.
Keep your decluttering station handy and easy to access.
Sticking With It: Make It Visible
A major motivator for this project is seeing your progress. As your donation or rubbish pile grows, you’ll be reminded that you’re actively making changes. To sustain momentum, try these strategies:
1. Create a Simple Tracker
Use a wall calendar to cross off each day, or jot a quick note in your phone whenever you declutter an item. A tracker provides a visual reminder and keeps you motivated.
2. Tie It to a Routine
Incorporate decluttering into an existing habit (habit stacking). For example:
While the kettle boils, find one item to remove.
Before bed, scan the area around you for something to toss.
After checking your emails, take two minutes to pick today’s item.
Tying it to a routine makes decluttering seamless and easy to remember.
Tips for Success
1. Be Ruthless
Don’t let guilt or “maybe one day” thinking derail your progress. If it’s gathering dust or hasn’t been used in months, it’s time to let it go.
2. Donate, Don’t Just Bin
Many items, like clothes, books, and toys, can have a second life. Drop them off at your local op shop or list them online. You’ll feel good knowing your old items are being reused rather than ending up in landfill.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Every few weeks, reflect on how many items you’ve removed and how your space feels. Perhaps you can see the back of your wardrobe or enjoy a clutter-free coffee table. Small victories like these keep you motivated.
4. Watch Out for Incoming Clutter
Decluttering is about removing items, but it’s equally important to avoid bringing in new clutter. A good rule of thumb: for every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one.
Beyond 365 Items
By the end of the year, you’ll have removed at least 365 things (give or take). You’ll enjoy a lighter, brighter home and perhaps a fresh perspective on what’s truly necessary.
Getting rid of one item a day might not make a noticeable difference at first, but stick with it, and you’ll find yourself in a clutter-free zone by year’s end. Best of all, it requires minimal effort and motivation.
So grab a box, open that overstuffed cupboard or wardrobe, and say goodbye to what no longer serves you—one day, and one item, at a time. After all, every journey begins with a single step (or a single chipped mug).
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