There is power in putting pen to paper – especially when it comes to tracking your progress!
I encourage you to start keeping track of the number of items that leave your home – either by donation or by trash. You will be AMAZED at the numbers you will see! I’ve made a chart for you to download and print at the end of this post. Watch my video to learn all about it:
I have tallied my way through over 2,000 items each year that have left my home and office since 2021. And I’m here to tell you – it is quite liberating to feel the difference that you are making in your life and your home!
I keep my decluttering tally sheet posted on my refrigerator where my husband and I can both easily see it. Anytime we add items to our donation bin or declutter items that need to be trashed, we make tally marks. (Correction – I make tally marks. I have to to ask him what he has decluttered 🙂 )
No matter who adds the marks – once you start counting – it becomes quite a fun (and somewhat addictive) challenge! You will find yourself looking for things to declutter to boost your numbers!
My goal for each year is the same number as the year: i.e. 2,023 items in 2023. However, with this sheet, you can set your goal at whatever number you wish. You can start whatever time of year you wish. You may set a yearly goal of 1,000 or challenge yourself to a 1 month or 6 month goal.
You Do You! The important thing is that YOU DO SOMETHING!
If you think 1,000 items sounds like an unachievable goal, consider this:
- How many pieces of junk mail enter your home every day? Declutter your stack of mail and catalogs and you’re sure to add dozens of tally marks each week.
- Declutter your refrigerator and kitchen pantry and toss expired items.
- You know there are clothing items in your closet that you continually pass over….. DONATE them now and let them be a blessing to someone else!
- Think about your digital clutter. Clean out your email inbox and photos on your phone. It doesn’t have to be a physical thing in order to declutter it!
- Get rid of duplicate utensils and other items in your kitchen that never seem to get used.
- Declutter your car – toss all the old maps, travel brochures and miscellaneous items that end up there. (You could even count the french fries you find between your seats!)
- Do you have a junk drawer?… ‘nough said!
- Look in your desk drawer or wherever pens and pencils seem to accumulate. I’m betting you have way more than you need.
- Look for expired medications and unused cosmetic items in your bathroom.
- Challenge your kids to join and make it a fun contest. If you’ve got a house full of toys – you won’t have any problem finding plenty of things to donate!
- Click here for more ideas of where you can declutter!
REMEMBER TO DO THIS: Celebrate Your Progress!
Reward yourself with a special treat when you hit certain milestones. Treat yourself to a manicure or some other type of indulgence. Get your family together and go out for ice cream or to the movie theater for every 100 items decluttered.
I hope you’ll join me in using this decluttering sheet, and we can celebrate our progress together!
I know you’ll experience plenty of benefits by living in a less cluttered home!
Get more free downloads on my Freebies & Resources page.
Good Luck Friends! Please leave me a comment below and share your goals and numbers!
Remember to enjoy the Simple Pleasures! We know they are the best!
xoxo
Angie
P.S. Be sure to get your Free 7 Simple Steps Decluttering Guide while you are here!