Decluttering Challenge: How to Organize Your Home in 31 Days
Welcome! We’re diving into a home revolution. In our “How to Organize your Home in 31 Days” series, we’ll tackle clutter and chaos.
Our mission? A home that breathes ease and simplicity. Ready? Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Finding Our Purpose for Decluttering Challenge
Today we begin a journey. This journey takes us beyond our normal scope of tidying up. Why do we want to declutter, you may be asking? To create more storage space or room for unwanted items?
This is more than that. It is to create an atmosphere that speaks to your inner self, your heart, and your passions.
Begin this process by thinking about the reasons for the change. Do you want a peaceful getaway from the stresses of the outside, maybe an organized life to help you function and think clearly, or just to condense your environment? You may simply want to have a nice home for your family and friends to visit.
Jot down your “purpose.” It could be a single word, a sentence, or even a short paragraph. This isn’t just a note. It’s your manifesto; your declaration. Post it where you can see it – on your fridge, next to your bed, as a screensaver – and tell people what you’re up to.
When you begin, realize you are not just decluttering, but you are remodeling or rather re-architecting your life. It can be powerful to see that everything you hold on to is a step closer to being your best you, or everything you discard is another level of enlightenment you want to achieve!
Keep this in mind throughout the challenge and let it formulate your why and bring you deep joy in the transformation happening not only in your home but your life.
Day 2-5: Organizing Drawers and Cabinets for Space Optimization
The next four days are dedicated to conquering drawers and cabinets, often the hidden chaos in any home. Think of these spaces as the unsung heroes of the organization; when they’re in order, everything else follows suit.
Day 2 focuses on the coat closet. This space, usually the first one seen when entering a home, can set the tone for the rest of your living space. Start by clearing it out entirely. Sort through coats, scarves, and shoes. Donate what you don’t use and organize the rest by frequency of use. Introduce hooks for everyday items and baskets for seasonal accessories. The goal is a visually pleasing and functional closet that warmly welcomes you home.
Day 3 and Day 4 turn to kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Here, decluttering precedes organizing. Remove everything, then categorize and decide what stays. Apply contact papers in your drawers and invest in drawer dividers and shelf organizers. Group items by use — cooking utensils together, and everyday dishes in an easy-to-reach spot. The same goes for the bathroom: group toiletries, make use of vertical storage, and keep the most-used items at arm’s reach.
Day 5 is all about the details. By the end of these four days, your drawers and cabinets will not just be organized, but they’ll also reflect a thoughtful approach to everyday living.
Day 6-7: Storage Organization Ideas and Hacks
Days 6 and 7 of our challenge focus on maximizing storage solutions and turning cramped and cluttered spaces into models of efficiency and order.
Day 6 is all about the small kitchen. The challenge here is to optimize every inch. Begin by reevaluating your kitchen layout. Can you move less-used appliances to higher shelves or a different area? Next, embrace the art of vertical storage. Wall-mounted racks for pots and magnetic strips for knives can be game-changers. Utilize the insides of cabinet doors for hanging utensils or spices. Stackable and transparent containers help in organizing pantry items while saving space. Remember, the key to an organized small kitchen is accessibility combined with order.
Day 7 shifts to a DIY project for the bathroom: a DIY Hanging Pocket Organizer. This is particularly useful for bathrooms where built-in storage is limited. Start by selecting a durable fabric or material that complements your bathroom’s decor. Cut it into pockets of various sizes to accommodate different items – from hairbrushes to skincare products. Attach these pockets to a sturdy backing that can be hung on a door or wall.
By the end of this mini-makeover, you’ll see a big change in two key areas of your home. Your compact kitchen will turn into a beacon of clever, space-efficient organization. Your bathroom will shine with a unique, handcrafted storage solution that’s as practical as it is stylish.
Day 8-10: Mailbox, Foyer Decluttering Solutions
In the next three days, we shift our focus to the areas that create the first impression of our home: the mailbox and foyer.
Day 8 starts at the mailbox. Tackle the often-overlooked pile-up of mail. Establish a daily habit of sorting mail immediately – recycle junk, file important letters, and action bills and invitations. Consider installing a small shelf or basket near the mailbox for the organization.
Days 9 and 10 are all about the foyer. This space sets the tone for your home’s interior. Begin by decluttering – shoes, coats, and miscellaneous items should all have a designated spot. Introduce a small console table for keys and mail, add a shoe rack, and perhaps a coat stand. The goal is to create a welcoming yet clutter-free entrance that efficiently supports your daily comings and goings.
By the end of Day 10, you’ll have streamlined two key areas that welcome you and your guests, setting a serene and organized tone for the rest of your home.
Day 11-15 – Bedrooms Optimization
Over the next five days, let’s revamp your bedroom into a tranquil retreat.
We start on Day 11 with a big clear-out. Grab all those items that just don’t belong – be it random coffee cups or lingering work stuff. Then, it’s wardrobe time. Say farewell to the clothes you no longer wear and organize the ones you keep by category.
Come Days 12 and 13, we focus on bedside tables and dressers. Anything that’s not useful or joy-sparking? It’s time to part ways. Tidy up the essentials in a way that’s both handy and visually appealing.
On day 14, we tackle the underwear drawer. Get those bras, boxers, tanks, and socks all sorted so you can see and grab them easily. It might seem minor, but it’s a change that’ll make your mornings a tad brighter.
By Day 15, you’ll witness a wonderful change. Your bedroom will have transformed into a clutter-free, calm oasis, the perfect environment for unwinding and getting restful sleep.
Day 16-20- Efficient Living Space
The living room, our communal heart, is next in our decluttering quest. Over these five days, we’ll transform it into a welcoming, harmonious space.
Day 16 begins with a thorough decluttering. Remove items that don’t belong and reassess decorative pieces. Do they add to the room’s ambiance or merely occupy space?
For Days 17 and 18, we’ll focus on sprucing up your entertainment area. Let’s start by getting those cables under control. A bit of organizing can make a huge difference. Make sure each of your devices and gadgets has its own designated place.
Next, we’ll tackle your collection of books and magazines, etc. Arrange them neatly, but also think about adding a stylish flair to the setup. This step is about blending practicality with a bit of pizzazz, crafting a space that’s not only efficient but also visually appealing.
Then, Day 19 brings a fresh vibe to your furniture. Move things around to create a smooth flow and an open, airy feel. Position your seats to foster easy conversation and chill-out moments.
When Day 20 arrives, you’ll be amazed at the transformation. Your living room will have evolved beyond just being tidy. It will be a warm, welcoming haven, ideal for making and cherishing those special moments. This space will not only be neat and orderly, but also a comfortable and inviting area where memories are made and shared.
Day 21-25- Solving Bathroom Storage Issues
In these five days, we focus on the bathroom, a place of daily rituals and relaxation. Our goal is to create a space that is both functional and serene.
Day 21 starts with a deep declutter. Remove expired products, unused items, and clutter from countertops. Assess what’s essential and what’s taking up unnecessary space.
Days 22 and 23 involve reorganizing storage spaces. Use drawer dividers for smaller items, and consider adding shelving or baskets for additional storage. Group items by their use – keep all hair care products together, skincare in another area, and so on.
On Days 24 and 25, let’s tackle that hidden gem: under-sink storage. This spot’s often forgotten but has tons of potential. Time to bring in stackable bins or slide-out drawers. They’re perfect for keeping cleaning stuff and bulky items neat and within easy reach.
With this tweak, your bathroom’s going to turn into a tidy haven, making your daily routines more soothing and less cluttered.
Day 26-28 – Laundry Room Organization
Jumping into Days 26 to 28, it’s all about giving your laundry room some love. This area often gets overlooked but deserves a bit of sprucing up to make laundry less tedious and more manageable.
Day 26 is your fresh start. Clear out everything. Sort through all your laundry supplies: detergents, softeners, brushes, and miscellaneous bits and bobs. Get rid of any empty containers or things you no longer need.
Next, Days 27 and 28 are about getting clever with storage. Bring in shelves for soaps and cleaners. Get bins with labels for sorting clothes. Hang drying racks on the wall – it’s a real space-saver!
Your laundry room’s going to shine with orderliness. Everything’s in its place, making the daily grind of laundry way smoother and kind of fun!
Day 29-30 Garage and Attic Decluttering Strategies
The final two days of our challenge focus on the garage and attic – spaces often relegated to the background but crucial for overall home organization.
Day 29 is about the garage. Begin by removing all items and categorizing them – tools, sports equipment, seasonal decorations, etc. This is also the perfect time to let go of things that haven’t been used in years. Introduce shelving units and storage bins for categorized items. Clearly label everything, and consider using a pegboard for tools to enhance visibility and accessibility. The aim is a garage where everything is easy to find and within reach.
Day 30 shifts to the attic. Similar to the garage, start by categorizing items. Since the attic is often used for long-term storage, prioritize sturdy, clear bins for easy identification. Label each bin and create an inventory list if necessary. Arrange items in a way that frequently used items are easily accessible, while seasonal or rarely used items can be stored further back.
Day 31: Keeping It Clean
Maintenance day! Reflect on your progress and plan to keep your space organized. Remember, a tidy home is a journey, not a destination.
Wrapping Up Our How to Organize Your Home Challenge
Congrats on completing the challenge! Your home is now a reflection of your spirit and style. Keep up the good habits, and enjoy the tranquility of your organized space. Don’t forget to connect with me on Twitter and share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for joining! 🏡
Oh I love your reasons — I wish I could convince my husband. I think he’s coming around. =) I’ll have to print out all 31 of your posts for him to read at work. lol
I’m a few months late, but I’m ready to learn! Thanks!!
Love the blog.
Your posts make me smile! I’m so glad that others value organization and tidiness as much as I do! I’m a busy undergraduate right now, and so many of my friends don’t understand why an 18 year old is so concerned about keeping her dorm room impeccable at all times. I can’t wait to share this series with them! Thank you so much for doing this! I hope that we can be in more contact in the future!
I love it- I’m in the middle of major overhaul in our home- this is perfect! I’m doing #31 days of Exploring God’s Creation! hope you come visit- I may need to know more about that dish towel wreath!!!
hmm…seems you and Beth are posting from 2 ends od the spectrum.
Wow! Love this, I will participate! 😀
I found your blog through Pinterest and just read Day One. This seams to be a pretty clever series. Thanks a lot!
Greetings from Germany!
This will be a fun, not so heart heavy, series to follow! Thanks for offering it!
Blessings,
Lisa
I am decades behind, but this gives me hope!
Look forward to reading your series! I too am linking up to 31 Days – mine is of cutting cost at home, and a big way to do that is through being organized!
I love it when I am organized and stressed out when I’m not. I never took the time to understand why or how being organized effects me. Thank you for opening with the reasons what being organized means to you. I am so excited to start my 30 days!
I need to get organized, found this link on Pinterest. Can’t wait to have a more organized decluttered home in 31 days.
Yay! I am so excited about this! I love to declutter and organize and any suggestions are always helpful!
Oh, this is just so wonderful! I am excited to see another blogger doing this on organizing! My main objective is to motivate others ladies to get their house, schedule, and lives in order and organized! Great “meeting” you!
Becky B.
Also found this on Pinterest! Instead of 31 days, though, I am doing it in 31 weeks as part of my New Years Resolution. And next year at this time I can smile at all I’ve accomplished. Yea!
I will definitely be reading all 31 days when I get a chance. Thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait to declutter my home
I just found this on Pintrest, and it is just what I need! I am drowning in clutter. I’m not a hoarder, my house is livable, there is is just too much stuff. It’s just enough to get stressful. I desire for a house that is peaceful and light. So even though this series is over, I’m starting on day one. Thank you for this series!
Ivy
Thank you so much for posting this, I have read through it all! I can’t wait to get more organized. I have always been pretty good at purging but get ‘mom guilt’ when it comes to getting rid of too many of my kids toys. I do have a question and may have missed the post somewhere but how do you organize/clean your kids rooms? I have 3 –9, 6, and 2. My girls share for now and my 9 yr. old has 4 tubs that go under her bed (books, art supplies, dolls/barbies, little pets) and they have a lg doll house…she does ok as long as she puts things back. But my younger 2 have tubs of toys and my son has some shelves but it still gets out of control. Do you let yours have toys in their rooms (our house is too small so no playroom) and do you let them clean their own rooms and then just go in once in a while to help? I would love your suggestions.
Great idea. Looking forward to it.
I’m ready for company….I have a huge home and lots of family. Im looking forward to having AND KEEPING a cleaner, more organized home that someday I can be proud of…thanks for the encouragement! !! Found u on a friend’s Pinterest page. 🙂
Love your blog! I want to create a peaceful sanctuary for my husband to relax after his long, stressful days at work and this will help me immensely!
Love your blog and I’m trying to convince my friends to do a 31day organizing together 🙂 Would you be able to link/make a blog post about the beautiful wreath hanging on the cabinet in the pic above?! I also found you on Pinterest via the oranized home binder, which led me to look at everything else! Very well done!
found the wreath link after looking some more! Looking foward to trying it after I Pin it on Pinterest! Maybe I’ll post it on my blog someday after I get organized 😉
hehe…glad you found the post about the wreath! Have fun!
I read your content you have done great job
Wow, I am amazed that you have five kids and still have a house that looks so clean! I can hardly manage with just my husband and son. I am planning on following through this series on my blog, if you want to check it out. amsherwood.wordpress(dot)com/2013/02/07/busy-day/
you also inspired me to do this for my home!
I love your description of why you organize. I feel the same…but I’ve never been able to put into words quite as well as you did! I’m looking forward to this series!
Kell, will you be my personal coach, encourager and cheerleader as I take on these 31 days of organizing????
Behind…but getting started!
I am so excited I found your site! I really am no good at organizing but I honestly do try! The reasons I want more organization in my home are for the same reasons you listed above! Your ideas I have seen so far are affordable, simple, & yet make a big difference. I can’t wait to read the rest of the 31 days. Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
LOL, we have the EXACT same comment message…”your comments make me smile”!
I grew up in a fairly unorganized home, and i always thought I would completely defy that and be the complete opposite. But, the habits followed me, and now I struggle every day with “stuffing” or “tossing” because I don’t feel like putting things away properly.
I am totally doing this challenge.
Thank YOU!!!!
-Jade
I’m here! ok, I’m committed…Let’s go! Thank you!!
Thanks for the wonderful tips! I’ve got lots of contact paper added to my shopping list this week lol! Very inspiring! I LOVE to organize and keep things neat, but like you said, it is so easy to get caught up in life’s everyday business that the clutter and disorganization gets out of control very easily. I am so glad I came across this on Pinterest!
This is great!! Thank you!!
I am so in need of this. I have returned home to be with my elderly mother with a a daughter who just completed college. I feel like I am losing ground no space no closet space along with being a very didsorganized person, except in my mind:). I need this and I am hoping to start the Neew Year with some organization.
Love this idea!
I wanna jumpstart! I need this SO bad! Thank You! 🙂
I found this through pinterest and have shared with everyone I know!! I started off at Day 31 and worked my way down…Everyone is always asking me to help them with their organization and I had to tip my hat off to you throughout this blog! I’m subscribed and taking a look around the rest of the site! Thanks for all that you do 🙂
I love your introduction and couldn’t agree more. . .how do I get the other 5 people I live with agree with this philosophy??? Ha! I will be back. . .going to “like” you on FB right now. Glad I found your post 🙂
Pinned! I’ll be reading most if not all of these! 🙂
I know this was quite some time ago, but just came across this set of posts through Pinterest. I love your sense of humor and how clearly you define why we create beautiful homes – not because we need to have our houses look like so-and-so’s house, but because we want it to be a place that allows us to do the things we love! Thanks for your time and effort to this project. 🙂
learning from you. thanks.
Hi! I followed a link from Pinterest and found you. Definitely needing some organization. We recently moved, and I need to get this under control. I look forward to reading all your posts!
I have been letting my stay at home husband run the house for the past two years and now have been laid off and this place is so run down and yucky I just can’t live with it anymore, so the gloves are on and we are busy…. all the suggestions knowlegde is greatly apprecaited as my family make it real easy to get unmotivated.
Just found your blog. And I LOVE IT! I’m getting married in August and looking for all the tips I can find to learn how to start our home. THANK YOU! =)
found you on pinterest . I am very organized just like new ideas
This should be fun! Can’t wait to see what you share with us!
Is it a cop-out to make this a new year’s resolution? I’m so refreshed to find this challenge, and I am eager to embark for a touch of sanity with my 2.5yr old and 6 month old. Perhaps it wall also relieve some strain on my marriage as one of you commented.
Am I crazy to try this early? We are in our first home, a real fix-er-upper and we are still figuring out the space and organization as a whole. Heck, we just need closet doors back up after finishing painting last summer.
Additionally, the title of your site is intriguing. Are you a perfectionist learning to be an imperfectionist? Perhaps that’s too personal, but I’m unlearning all the time!
I am gonna try this! Thanks for the blog!
Hi! I’m also doing 31 Days…31 Days to a Clutter Free Home. I’m going to add you to my reader so I can follow along. I love how you said “I organize my home because I believe that when we clear out the things that don’t matter, we make room for the things that do.” That is SO true. When our homes are a mess, we have to stop everything and deal with the mess rather than tending to those things/ people that really matter.
I just found your blog through Pintrest and I’m hooked! I’ve been reading back blogs for over an hour lol. You have some amazing ideas, thanks for the inspiration!!
We are packing up our things and moving to our first house at the end of this month. I’m excited to clear out a lot of the things we don’t need/use while we pack and have a fresh (organized) start in our new home!
I just read through every single article you wrote and they are absolutely wonderful. I am currently in the process of packing up to move in with my grandparents for college (yay for organized teenagers… I bet you didn’t even know we exist!) and these were delightfully helpful for me to figure out exactly what to keep and how to get the remainder left with my parents ready and nice for them.
Thank you so much for this. I just found your blog and I am absolutely drowning in clutter. Starting this today. Right now.
Thanks to Facebook and Pinterest I found you and boy am I glad! I have decluttered but it re-accumulates. Your photos are gorgeous and your ideas are genius. I’m really looking forward to your 31 days of organizing.
Gonna be a busy month, huh? grin
~Mother Connie
Love the inspiration behind this. Am starting day 2 tomorrow!
linamum’s is ditto for me. I’m here, and grateful to learn from you and be inspired. Thank you for doing this.
(P.S. Likewise Pinterest!)
Hello from Italy! I’ve only just started following and I like the fact that what you suggest seems achievable for me, too. I’ve made a list of small organising projects I want to do around my home, 1 a week, and hope – with your help and inspiration – to carry them through. Thank you for sharing what you have learnt.
Here and willing…. somethings gotta budge!
Oy, I now live with my elderly parents, who once were very tidy and organized. Not so much any more. Now it’s my job, and I use it as a meditation. And I try not to be hard on myself when I don’t keep up. That’s an important part of being mindful in your quest for organization.
I AM HERE AND EXCITED TO BE HERE!!!!
I found your website tonight when I was looking for ideas on how to organize small spaces…I am ready and motivated and sick and tired of having an unorganized life…thanks for the great ideas…and the motivation…
Perfect timing for me to find this on pinterest just when I wanted to get my new years resolutions headed in the right direction! Your home looks lovely!
I love the way your introduction makes me NOT feel guilty for not being more organized. Looking forward to the next 30 days. =)
Can’t wait for the next posts! I organize because it makes me feel less stressed. Also because my mom always says that your house is the reflection of how you deal with your life, and if your house is chaos, so will be your life!
New follower! 🙂
Great post. I will look forward to being back for more this week to see what you are doing. Please come by for a visit too. This is so much fun isn’t it? I just love all of this 31 day goodness!
Blessings,
Debbie
Just want you to know that i added you to my bookmark bar. you’re right next to Anthropologie.
Am looking forward to this challenge although I think it will take more than 31 days for me to accomplish! Here goes.
Hi! I just found you via Sometimes Sweet. I am really excited to start this big organization project. I can’t wait to get started. This is going to be a lifesaver during the holidays and I need a serious overhaul. Yay!
Just found this on Pinterest, and HAD to comment. I am so looking forward to reading these posts. I struggle to keep my house up, partly because I don’t really know how to best organize it! I have health problems and am not always able to do the things that need done (especially with 2 small children running around!! (0:) It drives me crazy (literally) to see the disarray and time wasted trying to find things. Thank you for this!! I can’t wait to put these things into practice!
Great idea! We all need help in this area! 🙂
I can never say no when someone asks, “can you use …….” My house is so full, there is not a corner without a “tub” or something tucked in there. I am just going to get rid of most of this stuff. I have tubs of yarn, fabric, quilt scraps and all kinds of books. I have just run out of room.
Organize, organize, organize.
Marilyn Brashear
Wow this is exciting! I would love to take part, I’m a late-comer but I definately feel like I have no idea how to organize and I feel very distracted. I’d like to free up space to enjoy my young kids before they grow up.
I really need help with organizing, looking forward to the info, Thanks!
I am here!! I just found you last week and am making today DAY ONE!!! I have sooo much to clear out!:)
I have put your button on my blog and am off to like you on FB and Twitter!!
I love the idea of clearing out stuff to make room for people.
Wow, I simply cannot wait to declutter my home. Thank you!
So glad you are joining in with this series!! Sounds super helpful!
It’s labor day weekend for me which = 3 days off of work. My goal is to detail my home this weekend, de-clutter, say goodbye to clothes/shoes i haven’t worn, etc. I started yesterday by tackling the dreaded office/spare bedroom closet aka misc/catch all/place for stuff that doesn’t belong anywhere. After a couple of hours of pulling everything out and rearranging things definitely looked worse than when i started and i started to dread the undertaking. Then I came across this delightful 31 day series and am newly motivated! 😉 Thank you for sharing so many wonderful tips and ideas!! I am very jazzed about all the hard work that lies ahead of me this weekend instead of loathing. God bless you and your beautiful family.
I too found this link on Pinterest quite awhile ago and have been saving it for a month with 31 days 🙂 March is the month. A perfect plan for some spring cleaning!
My husband always jokingly gives me a hard time about being too organized but the reality is, he loves it. I’ve been happily married for 14 years and I think my organizing has a lot to do with the happy part.
We don’t waste time or get frustrated dealing with small things that could avalanche into something bigger (I’m thinking of misplaced car keys that could potentially make us late for x,y,z as an example).
Looking forward to the next 31 days. No matter how organized I may feel I am, there’s always something new to learn!
I really need your help! I waste so much time looking for things! Thanks for your suggestions. When do I start Day 2?
I loved what you said about why you organize! I needed to hear that! I will be following these posts!
I am willing to give it a try. It seems like every room is an avalanche waiting to happen.
I found you on Pinterest.
Love your gorgeous (and peaceful) pictures!
Thanks! I need this!
I saw this on Pinterest and am excited I will be able to follow from the begining!
This is awesome!! love it !! Passing this idea along to my daughterm for her kids!!!
I want to organize because we NEED to! Our apartment is just a tad too tiny for the three of us. I started last week. Def reading!
i’m such a nerd. someone pinned this on pinterest and i was so excited to see all 31 days that i started poking around and couldn’t figure out why i couldn’t find all the tips. then i realized you are doing it THIS october. duh! i guess i’m in denial that it’s already october. i’ll be sure to follow you on reader now. thanks for doing this!!
Kari
I’m going to keep checking you out…I have some organizing to do, and look forward to seeing what you have!
Hi Kelleigh! I LOVE this! I would love to have a printable version of it to add to my personal HMB! I am just starting my first full time job and am working my way through this! My family is loving it, but sometimes my husband needs to be online for different things and I enjoy having something I can refer to.
Thank you so much for your blog…just found out about it, and after a couple of hours reading your posts I have nothing to do but thank you! It’s been helpful already! And I’ll be reading it frequently…
Congratulations!
Your children and your home are beautiful…wish you and your family health, happiness and love, always!
Luiza
S√£o Paulo, Brazil
Really very informative content is here, thanks for sharing such info.
Rogan
Thank you 🙂
I am inspired! Thanks!!!
Looking forward to your ideas!
I’m really looking forward to reading all of your posts on this topic. Glad I found you!
Looking forward to all of your organizational ideas!!!
I dream of this much organization. It’s not only organized, it’s pretty too. Love it!
Thank you. Married 21years and changed from too tidy to not tidy. I am now home afer 25 years of full time teaching and I have my perspective back. I am going to take the challenge and pray it takes this time. Thank you from all the women you don’t know you encourage.
God bless,
L
Great site.I like your wreath on the cabinet door what is it made out of?
I found you on Pinterest and I am SO HAPPY I did! Pure Awesomeness! Thanks Kelleigh
All these things hold true. Having clutter in your house clutters your mind and leaves little room for things you love!
I’ve found since decluttering my house that I can get more done, I’m happier (because I don’t have things around that I dislike!) and I’ve got more space.
Absolutely spot on 🙂
Love this idea! I’m can’t wait to read all of your ideas and follow your progress. When we move into our new home (hopefully next week) I will be starting this process. Thanks for the inspiration!
Great ideas…I look forward to getting started on some of these projects!
I love to be organized and am working towards getting our home back in order! I’m new to staying at home, so it’s a little chaotic around here. I really love the way you summed up the goal of organization and I have to say that’s exactly how I feel- only you said it so much better. “It’s creating a space that nurtures and welcomes and sets us free to invite people into our homes and our lives” Looking forward to reading along with you!
You are one pretty amazing lady! Thanks for all the ideas!
I like your reasons for organizing. I need to codify my approach as well.
I see Tsh’s Organized Simplicity on your table. I LOVE that book:) Your photos are lovely. I’ll be following along.
WOW!! My best friend (for many years) found you on Pinterest and helped me by phone (she lives in another state) to locate your blog. We are both SO EXCITED by all your ideas and thoughts. I look forward to learning how to “de-chaos” my home. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Organizing in Canada!!! I’m with Sarah on the idea of “clearing out stuff to make room for people!”
Ohhhhhhh there is hope for me at last. hope this will help me.
I know this post is a few years old.. but I found it and thats what counts.. my husband and I bought our home last year. we have 2 kids.. im also a stay at home mom.. your blog in general has inspired me to start being the mom and wife I know God made me to be.. i need to be more available to my family and enjoy that time with them.. however I cant do that when im constantly picking things up and trying to find them a home.. so im currently working on taking pride in my home. im on day 2 of your declutter/organization challenge.. i did my entry way closet.. im on a super tight budget so i could only afford to upcycle some items in the home and a couple of bins from our dollar store which i intend to decorate with my crazy amount of craft supplies.. but im really proud of the work i did.. no more mess when you walk in my house.. thank you for taking the time to do this month long challenge.. i appreciate it… Much Love and blessings..
thank you so much. I really love your blog
Your opening line is my mantra for the next month! Love it!
I am very disorganized. Hope this helps.
Thanks to Pinterest I just came across your site. Fell in love on Day One. Thank you for sharing, for documenting, for organizing!!!
I have such poor organization skills as a result its a stressed home environment , on days that I get even just 70% in order its amazingly great but I don’t get that more than once a week … will be taking on board as much as I can from you
Just the simple phrase u used about making space for people … inspires me like never before.
P.s found u on pintrest
Thanks for posting this. Found on a friends pinterest. Always looking for looking for a way to organize better and to live with less. Less is more is my motto and I am always striving to get better with this.
I’m liking what you are saying so far. But your credibility is reduced a bit by the incorrect apostrophe in this statement:
“Because our hearts and minds can only take so much chaos. And life has enough chaos of it’s own.”
Please fix this. Remove the unnecessary apostrophe in the possessive “its” and I’ll like you even more.
Thanks!
Haha, you’re right. I fixed it. Thanks.
Glad to see I haven’t gotten to late of a start. I am looking forward to doing this, and will be done just before Christmas, which is becoming my least stressed time of the year, because I have started teaching myself and my family that it is just not about what you get or give but why.
imperfecthomemaking.com
I’m an organizing freak, and I love learning new and different ways to handle the craziness! And I extra LOVE those flashcards! Did you make them? They’d be great to use with The Boy.
Coming in a little late but count me in!
I love your dishtowel wreath! Made or purchased? Could you tell us how to make or where to find it. I wanna copy it!
When I first read “Because our hearts and minds can only take so much chaos. And life has enough chaos of its own,” I thought that was so brilliant & I wanted to thank you for that. Then I kept reading. I’m going to frame the whole thing & put it up on my wall. So beautifully spoken (written). Thank you.
ok so now that your house is B-E-A-utiful!! you want to come to my house-I need so so so much help. I feel like I know the great tips and ideas of want I want it to look like-I just can’t accomplish it and keep it that way. I will admit it I have WAY to much stuff.
Love your blog and please keep up the great work!
Gotta get this done!!! I did my hallway closet yesterday, but just found this blog today. Nice to have some direction on how to make my home the organized haven it can be!
I too grew up the youngest of 6 in a row home, and 4 girls in one room, wasn’t an easy thing for keeping organized, lol. And I’m sad to say the disorganization has followed me but the last two years I’ve been cracking down on downsizing so I’m psyched to have found this link on Pinterest. Can not wait to read up and get it figured all out!! Thank you very much!!
Hi! Just found your blog and this series from Pinterest. Looking forward to reading all of your tips for organizing. Thanks for sharing!
I desperately need to get organized so my environment at home can truly be peaceful. Thank you so very much for creating a rehab program for people like me, who want to ovecome the unhealthy behavior patterns that keep them trapped in household chaos. The next 30 days will be life-changing for me and my family!
I love this post…and I love your sentiment: make room for things that really matter…and painting things teal!
Oh my, I just realized that I haven’t visited your site for some time and missed this great series! I will start right away!
I’ve been trying to get organized over the last 2 years now and it’s been going up and down. Lately rather down than up! I really need this kind of motivation, because I know that the whole family feels so much better when the house is clean and free of clutter! I’m in!
I can’t waitto get to the days about the kids organization (I may have to sneak ahead ;0) )
This is my first day. 🙂
Looking forward to reading along!
Dear Kelleigh Beckett,
I want to let you know I will be stalking you from here on out, your blog that is. I only stumbled onto your blog late Monday and now here it is in the wee hours on Tuesday and I’m still reading.
I am a Mom of four sons, ages 26-13. I was 10 when I had my first son. Eww, that is creepy scratch that, I was 21. 🙂 The oldest has blessed me with two incredibly wonderful grandchildren. Our two younger boys are obviously still home. My point is, I wish I would have had your wisdom earlier in my life. You seem to be a gal with a good head on your shoulders.
When we had all four of our boys home it was organized chaos. My husband worked long hours and I tried to manage a cleaning business along with being the “Yes Gal” at church for anything that needed done. It didn’t take me long to recognize that sometimes it was OK to say NO to doing what others deemed as “God’s work”. This revelation, if you will, came to me when I was teaching my youngest two boys, then ages 2 and 3 about the birth of Jesus. I asked them (Zach 3 and Luke 2), what kind of animals they thought might have been at the manger. Zach said sheep and lambs. Luke said Mommy I think there were cows and chicken nuggets. Yes, sadly my child had consumed many chicken nuggets to the point he thought all chickens were just that way. I hung my head in shame ( after I peed a little laughing so hard), and declared that day to be as organized and as focused on my children as possible. I have not for one moment regretted doing so, even though I fail daily. 🙂
Anyway, sorry for telling you my life story. I just want to encourage your creativity. May God bless you and your family in ways you never imagined.
Sincerely,
Vickie
Great series!
I would love to see how you would organize toys, and what your limits on them would be. I’m trying to purge kids’ clothes and toys, and I like sticking to a number. There is so much STUFF that we don’t NEED.
Thanks for all you do!!
Hi Inspired Mama! Thanks! I’ve blogged about how we organize toys here: http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2011/11/toy-rotation-bins.html
I’ve always been organized, but lately am unable to organize my house. So I’m on board for 31 days. The worst seems to be my kitchen, I have a small hose and a lack of space. I have Pie Safes and extra cabinets, but still not organized, I’m a good cook so have lots of kitchen item, help!!!
I was so happy when I saw several devoted to kids, but mine are grown, so I guess that gives me extra days to try and catch up!!
I will try my best to organize more! Found you at Pinterest. I am a new follower.
With all I’ve got going on in my life, my home gets disorganized quickly. I’m looking forward to this series.
I too am participating in 31 Days, with my series on 31 Days to Slash Your Budget Painlessly.
How can we follow this?
I’m planning on having a baby, I made a “Pregnancy” section for ideas on the room, shower, and clothes. So helpful to have one place for it all.
Kelleigh Beckett :
My son-in-love is always teasing me because I am a teal (blue teal, actually) lover and ensured my granddaughters received the color with their birth gifts (teal onesies were my idea of genius). I am thinking of starting a teals-anonymous group… wanna join?
to great love, faith, and friendships
faithful
Great! I love it. All ideas are very helpful and make life so easier. It helps me lot to get organized
I’m making this my New Years Resolution and following through for the month of January and everyday after. I want my house to be cleaner and more organized for my growing family.
Thank you Pinterest for finding this for me!
I’m totally addicted to your blog.. You have such great ideas. Keep up the great work and thank you sharing.
Okay…I’m inspired. I love your taste and think you do an amazing job with your completely adorable home. By any chance do you homeschool? If so, I would love to see how you would organize your school room. I have so much trouble keeping mine organized. Thanks for the inspiration.
Starting today. so by Feb 1st my home will feel like a home!
Glad to find your blog!! Can’t wait for all the tips! 🙂
I love how you said, “When we clear stuff out, we make room for people.” It will be in my head each day as I round up the clutter and put it back in its home! I’m following for more insightful thoughts!
Amazing. I just googled this moment how to start organizing. Today was my day for motivatio.
I need this! I’m doing 31 days also- 31 days of free printables & the last week will be organizational printables 🙂
I will be following along your 31 days!
-Kristi
@ Creative Kristi
Thank you so much for this. I live in a shared house, so tidying up and finding homes for things is probably as easy as if I had kids.
One housemate and I have gone through all 31 days (not one a day, I’m afraid) and found it inspirational as a concept, but incredibly practical as well.
Thank you!!
So happy I found you just in time for a New Year of being organized.
My first post is up and I linked to your site! Thank you!
occupationmnhousewife.blogspot. com/2012/01/31-days-to-organized-home(dot)html
I totally agree with you that organizing the home and removing clutters help you make space for other important things, I like reading this blog.
log homes
I loved all your reasons for getting organised, they are so true. Something I am working towards is only having the things around me that I love. Another very important reason for me to get more organised is living in a compact home! It becomes cluttered so easily, and I spend way too much time sorting it back out again. Totally unproductive! I’m looking forward to your posts!
Can’t wait to get started….long overdue project…
I am so excited about it….I am one of those who would rather avoid household chores over outdoor work…have started couple of days with a great energy that fades out in couple of hours bcoz dont know what to do and where to begin…
Ok thanks to whoever pinned this so it was brought to me tonight! I am so so sick and tired of our chaotic house- I have to learn to re-organise our house in a very big way, and KEEP IT organised! In the past months I have really noticed the amount of stress that both myself AND my husband go through- and to be honest the kids too- because of the stuff everywhere. Sign me up! (Although I have to say right now in NZ school holidays have just begun so will have to incorporate my kids into it as well!) Thanks for being so amazing- I’m looking forward to all of it.
Looking forward to learning some good things
My reason for organizing? All the above mentioned reasons! I definitely need a refuge!!!! Thanks for this! I am also looking forward to this challenge!!!
I just had to stop and tell you that I sat down and read all 31 at once and then got up and did TONS of work on my house. Husband came home and said, “Wow, you did SO MUCH work today!” He never notices if I accomplish something, so your blog inspired me and it shows!! On to more organizing tomorrow. Thanks 🙂
Me too! I got up after reading a few posts and cleaned out my kitchen cupboard full of cups and glasses, lol. Then I went into our linen closet and dumped a bunch of stuff and straightened up. Can’t wait to read more!
I’m moving this weekend to a new home and have vowed to be organized once we settle in… I’ll be reading this every day and apply what I learn! Thanks!
Just saw this on Pinterest. We’re moving in 22 days. Packing is insane (when is it not?). We’re getting rid of things as we go. I’ll definitely be employing these strategies at our new house, as we’re downsizing. Everything has GOT to be organized and in it’s spot, or we’ll go crazy.
I found you on Pinterest, so wonderful! Thank you for your fun ideas and blog. I’m going to start my 31 days any day now…lol. I must also find you on facebook, this looks like a great personal challenge.
I’m in…I want to di-clutter this home I’ve lived in for 18 years.
Oh my! I’m happy that I stumbled upon your blog! I need to organize my room!!!