30-Day Family Decluttering Challenge: A Fresh Start for the New Year

Family Decluttering Challenge: Transform Your Home Together

The new year is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to reset and refresh your home. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the clutter in your living spaces, this 30-day family decluttering challenge is designed to help you tackle the mess one step at a time—together. Best of all, it’s a family-friendly approach that teaches valuable organizational skills while fostering teamwork.

By dedicating just a small amount of time each day, you can declutter your home and create a more peaceful, functional environment. Involving your kids in age-appropriate tasks not only lightens your load but also instills responsibility and organizational habits. And if you prefer to handle tasks solo, this plan is flexible enough to fit your style.

Why Decluttering Matters

Decluttering isn’t just about creating a cleaner space; it’s about reducing stress, boosting productivity, and enhancing the overall functionality of your home. Research shows that clutter can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, making it harder to relax in your own space. By decluttering, you’re not only improving the physical space but also creating mental clarity.

Pro Tip: Declutter before you buy storage items and bins for your space. (If that means empty space is left over, bonus points!)

This Free Family Decluttering Printable has boxes to “X” out your progress, as well as the detailed task list from below for quick access! We’ll also email you some encouragement along the way.

Ready to get started? Grab a pen, sign up for the FREE FAMILY CHALLENGE PRINTABLE, and let’s transform your home together!

Week 1: Entryway and Common Areas

Coat closets can see more traffic than we realize – but they can easily become dump zones if we’re not mindful. A small decluttering session can make big impact here!

Start with the spaces that see the most traffic. These areas are often clutter magnets but can also make the biggest impact when tidied.

Day 1: Declutter the entryway (shoes, coats, and bags).
- Young Kids: Match shoes or tidy up coats.
- Older Kids: Organize bags or sort items for donation.
Day 2: Clear surfaces in the living room (coffee table, side tables).
- Young Kids: Pick up stray toys.
- Older Kids: Dust surfaces and organize cords or remotes.
Day 3: Organize bookshelves (donate or store unused books).
- Young Kids: Choose books they’ve outgrown to donate.
- Older Kids: Sort books into categories (keep, donate, store).
Day 4: Tidy one pantry shelf (remove expired items).
- Young Kids: Sort snacks into bins.
- Older Kids: Check expiration dates and organize canned goods.
Day 5: Declutter the entertainment area (DVDs, games, remotes).
- Young Kids: Put DVDs or games into cases.
- Older Kids: Sort and organize electronics or cords.
Day 6: Organize the dining table and storage areas.
- Young Kids: Wipe chairs or fold napkins.
- Older Kids: Organize placemats and storage bins.
Day 7: Tidy kitchen drawers (utensils, gadgets, or junk drawer).
- Young Kids: Group utensils.
- Older Kids: Toss broken items and organize tools.

Tip: Encourage kids to get involved by turning tasks into games, like matching items or sorting by color.

Week 2: Kitchen and Bathroom

Family Decluttering Linen Closet Bathroom — Toiletries! Do you have an excess amount you’ll never get through? Keep the favorites and toss the rest. Check expiration dates, too.

The kitchen and bathroom are high-traffic areas that benefit greatly from organization. This week’s focus will create more efficient and hygienic spaces.

Day 8: Declutter the fridge (expired food, wipe shelves).
- Young Kids: Toss old snacks into the trash.
- Older Kids: Help clean shelves and organize food categories.
Day 9: Organize under the sink (cleaning supplies).
- Young Kids: Hand you items to sort.
- Older Kids: Group supplies and discard empty bottles.
Day 10: Clean and declutter kitchen cabinets.
- Young Kids: Match lids to containers.
- Older Kids: Organize dishes and clean shelves.
Day 11: Tidy the shower and bath area (remove empty bottles).
- Young Kids: Collect bath toys.
- Older Kids: Scrub surfaces and organize toiletries.
Day 12: Declutter bathroom drawers (makeup, toiletries).
- Young Kids: Sort small items, restock TP.
- Older Kids: Organize and toss expired products.
Day 13: Clear bathroom countertops (store items neatly).
- Young Kids: Wipe counters or group toothbrushes.
- Older Kids: Sort toiletries and declutter unused items.
Day 14: Rest day – Reflect on your progress so far.
- Young Kids: Share their favorite organized space.
- Older Kids: Review what’s left to declutter.

Week 3: Bedrooms and Closets

Family Decluttering Closet Man's Dress Clothing Sorted by color — Decluttering your closet and hanging without over-filling your rods can ensure you wear the items that make you feel best and prevents any favorite pieces from being lost in the mix.

These personal spaces should be restful and organized. This week focuses on creating calm, clutter-free zones.

Day 15: Declutter nightstands (trash, personal items).
- Young Kids: Tidy their nightstand or bedside table.
- Older Kids: Help declutter and dust.
Day 16: Closet Part 1: Remove clothes you no longer wear.
- Young Kids: Pick out clothes they’ve outgrown.
- Older Kids: Sort and organize by category.
Day 17: Closet Part 2: Organize shoes, bags, and accessories.
- Young Kids: Line up shoes neatly.
- Older Kids: Sort bags and accessories into keep/donate piles.
Day 18: Tidy and fold items in the dresser.
- Young Kids: Match socks.
- Older Kids: Fold and organize drawers by type.
Day 19: Declutter the guest room or kids’ room.
- Young Kids: Pick toys to donate.
- Older Kids: Rearrange storage and deep-clean surfaces.
Day 20: Organize the linen closet (fold towels, sheets).
- Young Kids: Stack washcloths or small towels.
- Older Kids: Fold larger items and tidy shelves.
Day 21: Tidy your bedroom for a calm atmosphere.
- Young Kids: Make their own bed.
- Older Kids: Vacuum and tidy surfaces.

Week 4: Miscellaneous and Final Touches

Once you’ve decluttered, clearly label where everything goes! That way, no matter who is in charge of clean up, they’ll know where each ‘home’ is.

Tackle those often-neglected areas to round out your decluttering efforts.

Day 22: Declutter the car (remove trash, vacuum, organize).
- Young Kids: Collect trash or small toys.
- Older Kids: Help vacuum and organize compartments.
Day 23: Sort hobby or craft supplies.
- Young Kids: Group crayons or test markers.
- Older Kids: Organize craft bins or tools.
Day 24: Organize sentimental keepsakes (display or store).
- Young Kids: Pick one keepsake to display.
- Older Kids: Help organize photo albums or memory boxes.
Day 25: Tidy the laundry area (organize detergents, supplies).
- Young Kids: Match socks or wipe surfaces.
- Older Kids: Sort supplies and tidy storage.
Day 26: Declutter a small storage area (garage, attic, or closet).
- Young Kids: Hand you items to sort.
- Older Kids: Help carry and organize items.
Day 27: Revisit one area that needs attention.
- Young Kids: Dust or tidy small areas.
- Older Kids: Help with a deep-clean or final touches.
Day 28: Tackle a larger space like the garage or basement.
- Young Kids: Group small items.
- Older Kids: Assist with heavy lifting or organizing.

Week 5: Celebrate Progress

Day 29: Last push! Add final touches to decluttered spaces (hint: focus the space(s) you really want to polish up!)
- Young Kids: Decorate or arrange one area.
- Older Kids: Help with final organization, add decor to their favorite space.
Day 30: Celebrate! Share your favorite spaces with your family and reflect on your progress.

Bonus: Ready to continue? Tack on our 5-Day Digital Detox Challenge, schedule your weekly resets, or download our 5-Day Teen Decluttering Challenge for your older kids.

Tips for Involving Your Family

Lead by Example: Show your family how to declutter by doing it yourself.
Make It Fun: Use music, games, or rewards to keep everyone motivated.
Teach the “Why”: Explain how decluttering makes life easier and more enjoyable.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge efforts, no matter how small.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

If this challenge feels like too much to tackle on your own, don’t worry. At Systems by Susie, our team specializes in creating customized organizational systems tailored to your home and lifestyle. Whether you need help with a single room or your entire house, we’re here to lighten your load and help you achieve the clutter-free space you’ve always wanted.

Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you take the next step. Your fresh start is just a call away!

Decluttering is a journey, not a one-time event. By completing this 30-day family challenge, you’ve set a foundation for a more organized and peaceful home. Congratulations! Celebrate your progress, and remember to revisit these tasks periodically to maintain your newfound sense of order. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @systemsbysusie—we’d love to see your before-and-after transformations!

ABOUT

Each of my career choices-wedding coordinator, event planner, and teacher — gave me the creative freedom to organize everyone and everything. I have always thrived on to-do lists, planners, and systems! Now, I lead a team of organizers to help me on my mission. Read more…