Spring is often when people feel inspired to reset their homes. But the truth is, decluttering is helpful any time of year, especially if you’re preparing to move, sell your home, or simply want less chaos in your daily life.
Over time, clutter builds quietly. Closets fill, drawers overflow, and suddenly we’re surrounded by things we no longer use or even notice. That’s where the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge comes in.
Maybe there’s something else inspiring you to get up and organize your life. Maybe you’re getting ready to sell your home and your agent has tipped you off on the benefits of decluttering, or maybe you’re looking to buy a new home and you don’t want to take all of those forgotten, unused items to the new place.
Regardless, if you’ve been searching Pinterest lately like I have, you’ve probably noticed a lot of tips to “decrapify” your home.
What Is the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge?
The 40 bags in 40 days challenge is basically the process of creating a list of 40 places in your home where clutter tends to accumulate. With that being said, each day for the next 40 days, I challenge you to fill one bag of any size to either trash, donate, or sell from one of these 40 locations on your list.
Why Decluttering Matters (Especially If You’re Selling or Moving)
If you’re thinking about selling your home, decluttering is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact. Clear spaces help buyers see the size and layout of rooms and lets them imagine themselves living there.
If you’ve just bought a home, make sure to keep up on your home maintenance checklist. Even if you’re buying a new home, decluttering before a move means less to pack, less to move, and a fresh start in your new space.
How to Do the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge
When creating your list of 40 locations, don’t forget the small, often-overlooked areas:
- Makeup bags
- Gym bags
- Car trunks and glove compartments
- Backpacks, purses, and work bags
- Junk drawers and bathroom cabinets
As you go through each space, handle items one at a time and ask yourself:
- When was the last time I used it?
- Do I use this?
- Does it work?
- Do I actually like it?
Bonus Tip: Clean as You Declutter
Some other great things about this challenge is that it opens up the opportunity to finally get to that deep cleaning that you have been putting off. All you have to do is bring a few cleaning supplies with you to your day’s purging location and scrub and scour as you go before you restock those shelves or drawers. Getting the kids, or even the significant other, involved can be fun too! Who doesn’t want to model in a fashion show to see what clothes still fit?
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