If you are feeling overwhelmed by clutter but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. I've been actively decluttering my home for the last six month, and I'm already feeling lighter, less overwhelmed. The average American home contains over 300,000 items, and according to the UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families, clutter—especially in the home—has a measurable negative impact on mental health, particularly for women. In fact, studies show that living in a cluttered space increases cortisol levels (aka your stress hormone), contributes to anxiety, reduces productivity, and can even disrupt sleep.
Clutter isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. It weighs on your mind, steals your focus, and makes everyday life feel more chaotic. That’s why I created this list of 20 doable decluttering challenges to help you take back control of your home. Whether you're after a few quick wins, want to build lasting habits, or are ready for a full home reset, these challenges include estimated time commitments and who they’re best for—so you can start wherever feels right and finally feel at peace in your space.
Decluttering Challenges, From Easy to Expert
1. 15 Minutes for 30 Days Challenge
Time Commitment: 15 minutes/day for 30 days
Best For: Beginners or anyone feeling stuck
This is your no-excuses starter challenge. Set a timer and focus on a small space each day—a junk drawer, a kitchen shelf, or one section of your closet. You’ll create momentum without burnout. Bonus: it becomes part of your daily routine.
2. One-A-Day Declutter Challenge
Time Commitment: Less than 5 minutes/day for 30 days
Best For: Busy people or anyone new to decluttering
Just one thing per day. That’s it! Toss or donate one item—an old sock, a chipped mug, a book you’re never going to read. At the end of the month, you’ve decluttered 30 things without even breaking a sweat.
3. The 12-12-12 Challenge
Time Commitment: 30–60 minutes
Best For: Anyone needing a fast result
Choose 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to return to their rightful place. You’ll feel instantly accomplished and see real change in one afternoon.
4. The KonMari Method Challenge
Time Commitment: Several weeks to months
Best For: Advanced declutterers ready for a lifestyle shift
Marie Kondo's famous method involves decluttering by category—not by room—and only keeping what sparks joy. It's structured, intentional, and ideal for those who want a dramatic reset.
5. The 90/90 Rule Challenge
Time Commitment: A few hours
Best For: Minimalists or indecisive declutterers
Ask yourself: Have I used this in the past 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90? If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go. Perfect for closets, kitchens and garages. It's ok to exclude seasonal items. Depending on when you do this, you won't be need the sled or pool floaties.
6. The Packing Party Challenge
Time Commitment: A weekend to a month
Best For: Enthusiasts of minimalism or bold experiments
Pack everything in a room as if you’re moving. Only unpack what you actually need over the next 30 days. Anything still in boxes? It’s likely just clutter.
7. The Digital Declutter Challenge
Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes/day for 7 days
Best For: Everyone with a smartphone or laptop
Clear out your inbox, organize digital files, delete unused apps, and tidy your desktop. Digital clutter adds invisible stress—decluttering it is a surprisingly powerful refresh.
8. The No-Spend Month Challenge
Time Commitment: 30 days
Best For: People battling clutter and overspending
Commit to buying only essentials for one month. This curbs impulse buys and reduces incoming clutter. Plus, your bank account will thank you.
9. The 100-Item Challenge
Time Commitment: A weekend or week
Best For: Decluttering pros or those wanting a big change
Challenge yourself to let go of 100 items. Don’t overthink—start with easy categories like books or kitchen tools. You'll be surprised how freeing it feels.
10. The Sentimental Declutter Challenge
Time Commitment: A weekend (or longer)
Best For: Anyone emotionally attached to “stuff”
Focus on memorabilia and keepsakes. Keep the most meaningful, take photos of the rest, and let go of guilt. This one is emotional—but it creates space for what matters most.
11. Room-a-Week Challenge
Time Commitment: 1–2 hours/week for 6–8 weeks
Best For: Planners and methodical declutterers
Assign one room per week. Break the space into zones (closet, dresser, under the bed) and focus on one area at a time. It’s systematic and great for entire home makeovers.
12. The 5-Minute Reset Challenge
Time Commitment: 5 minutes/day
Best For: Overwhelmed parents or busy households
Pick a clutter hot spot—kitchen counter, entryway, or coffee table—and set a 5-minute timer to clear it. It’s a game-changer for maintaining calm during chaotic weeks.
13. Closet Hanger Flip Challenge
Time Commitment: Ongoing for 3–6 months
Best For: Clothing hoarders
Hang all your clothes backward on the rod. After wearing an item, hang it the normal way. In 3–6 months, anything still backward? Donate it!
14. Paper Purge Challenge
Time Commitment: A weekend or spread over a week
Best For: Households buried in paper
Sort through bills, receipts, junk mail and school papers. Shred what’s not needed, digitize important docs, and create a filing system. Say goodbye to paper piles for good.
15. Pantry Purge Challenge
Time Commitment: 1–2 hours
Best For: Kitchen warriors
Clear out expired items, donate duplicates, and organize by category. Use clear containers or baskets for snacks, grains, and cans. Bonus: it helps you meal plan more efficiently.
16. One-Month Box Challenge
Time Commitment: 1 month
Best For: Anyone unsure about letting go
Put items you think you want to declutter in a box. Seal it and mark the date. If you don’t miss or need anything in 30 days—donate the whole box, no peeking!
17. Kid Clutter Challenge
Time Commitment: A weekend
Best For: Parents drowning in toys and art projects
Involve your kids in choosing what to keep, donate, or recycle. Keep a small rotation of favorite toys and box up the rest for later. Less mess = more calm.
18. Declutter with a Buddy Challenge
Time Commitment: A few hours
Best For: Social butterflies or accountability lovers
Tackle a room while FaceTiming a friend or invite someone over to help. It keeps you motivated and gives you someone to talk you out of keeping that 10-year-old candle.
19. Seasonal Switch-Out Challenge
Time Commitment: Once per season
Best For: Closet overflowers and holiday item hoarders
When the seasons change, review your wardrobe and décor. Donate what didn’t get used and organize the rest in labeled bins. Great way to stay current and reduce storage stress.
20. Declutter for a Cause Challenge
Time Commitment: A weekend
Best For: Altruists and motivated givers
Choose a local charity that accepts donations (like women's shelters or foster care orgs). Knowing your items will help someone else makes it easier to part with things you don’t need.
Final Thoughts
Reducing clutter can be empowering, emotional, and even fun. Pick a decluttering challenge that fits your lifestyle and start small. Whether you're tossing one item a day or doing a full minimalist reset, you’re taking a step toward a calmer, more intentional life.
