As the fall season begins, it’s a great time to refresh your home and mindset through decluttering. Not only does decluttering create a cleaner, more organized space, but it also provides incredible mental health benefits. One effective and simple approach is the 30-day decluttering challenge—each day, you get rid of the same number of items as the day you’re on. For example, on day one, you get rid of one item, on day two, two items, and so on. By the end of 30 days, you will have cleared out 465 items!

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about creating space for a more peaceful mind. Let’s explore the steps, tips, and mental health benefits of this approach and how to get started.

The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering

Living in a cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression. Clutter creates visual chaos, making it harder to relax, focus, and feel at peace. By decluttering, you can:

Reduce stress and anxiety: A clean, organized space promotes a sense of calm and control.
Improve focus: A clutter-free space allows you to concentrate better, improving productivity.
Enhance your mood: Decluttering gives a sense of accomplishment, boosts self-esteem, and reduces the mental burden of a cluttered space.
Prepare for the holiday season: Decluttering now means less stress when preparing for family and friends during the holidays.

The 30-Day Decluttering Challenge

The beauty of this challenge is its simplicity. Each day, you only focus on one additional item, making the task feel manageable rather than overwhelming. Here’s how to approach the challenge:

Day 1: Start small by finding one item you no longer need. This could be something as simple as a broken pen or an unused kitchen gadget.
Day 2: Find two more items—maybe a book you never plan to read or an old pair of shoes.
Continue Daily: Each day, add one more item to the list, whether it’s clothing, décor, kitchenware, or even digital clutter.

By breaking it down day by day, the challenge feels less daunting. Plus, decluttering in small doses makes it easier to be thoughtful about what you’re getting rid of.

Where to Start

To make decluttering more effective, start by focusing on specific areas of your home. Here’s a plan to guide you:

Kitchen: Go through each cabinet and drawer, clearing out expired food, unused appliances, and duplicate utensils.
Bedroom: Declutter closets and drawers by donating clothes you haven’t worn in over a year or that no longer fit.
Living Room: Check shelves and tables for old magazines, books, and knick-knacks that are taking up space.
Bathroom: Get rid of expired makeup, toiletries, and items that you no longer use.
Home Office: Organize paperwork and shred anything unnecessary. Recycle old documents, magazines, and office supplies.

Tips for Decluttering

Don’t Overthink It: If you haven’t used something in the past year and it doesn’t hold sentimental value, it’s probably time to let it go.
Use a “Maybe” Box: Place items you’re unsure about in a box. Donate it if you don’t retrieve anything from the box within a month.
Focus on Sentimentality: Keep sentimental items that truly bring joy, but let go of things you’re only keeping out of obligation.
Set a Timer: If decluttering feels overwhelming, set a 15-minute timer and work in short bursts.

Local Donation Resources

When you declutter, don’t just toss everything in the trash. Many items can be donated to local shelters or nonprofit organizations to help others in need. Here’s a list of local resources for donating items in your area:

Grand Forks, ND:
- CVIC: Accepts donations of household goods, toiletries, and other essential items to support families in need.
St. Cloud, MN:
- Catholic Charities of St. Cloud: Accepts donations of clothing, household items, and furniture for those in need.
Detroit Lakes, MN:
- Lakes Crisis & Resource Center: Provides support for families in crisis and accepts donations of household items, clothing, and more.
Fergus Falls, MN:
- Someplace Safe: A nonprofit that accepts donations of gently used clothing, household goods, and supplies for families in need. Learn more on their website.
Alexandria, MN:
- The Church of St. Mary Caring & Sharing Room: Accepts donations of household goods and clothing to assist those in need within the community.
Winona, MN:
- Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota – Winona Community Warming Center: Accepts donations to support families in need, including clothing, household goods, and supplies.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering is a powerful tool for boosting your mental health, reducing stress, and preparing your home for the upcoming holiday season. By following the 30-day decluttering challenge, you can slowly and methodically rid your home of unnecessary items while supporting local charities. Start today and make your home a place of peace and order before the holidays arrive!