Let me tell you, I know how overwhelming it can feel when your home is bursting at the seams with clutter. A few years ago, I was there—closets packed to the brim, countertops covered in stuff, and drawers that wouldn’t even close. It felt like the clutter was taking over my space and my peace of mind.
But here’s the good news: I got through it, and you can too. I came up with this 7-day plan to tackle the chaos one area at a time, and by the end of the week, my home felt completely transformed. It wasn’t just about making my space look better—it was about making my life easier, calmer, and more joyful.
This plan is simple, doable, and honestly, kind of fun once you get going. I’m sharing everything I learned so you can take back control of your space and feel that same sense of relief and accomplishment. Ready to get started? Let’s do this together!
Day 1: Start with the Entryway—Welcome Change
Let’s start with the entryway. It’s the first thing you see when you come home, so if it’s a mess, it’s like stepping into stress. I used to have shoes everywhere, random bags piling up, and a mountain of mail. Every time I walked in, I felt overwhelmed. But once I cleared it out and added a few simple organizers, it completely changed the vibe. Suddenly, coming home felt calm and inviting.
What made the difference? A small bench for sitting and putting on shoes, a basket to catch all the loose mail, and some sturdy hooks for coats and bags. It was such an easy fix, and now it stays tidy without much effort.
Here’s What to Do:
- Clear out everything—shoes, bags, and the pile of mail you’ve been avoiding.
- Decide what truly belongs here: a shoe rack, hooks for coats, and a small bowl for keys.
- Donate or toss anything you don’t need, and find proper homes for the rest.
Picture This: A cozy bench for putting on shoes, a sleek coat rack on the wall, and a pretty basket for mail and odds and ends. Everything has its place, and it feels so much better when you walk in the door.
Day 2: Tackle the Kitchen—Cook with Clarity
The kitchen is one of those places where clutter sneaks up on you. I didn’t realize how much stress it was causing until I couldn’t find the utensils I needed, and cooking started feeling like a chore. Once I cleared the counters and organized the cabinets, it was like a breath of fresh air. I found myself cooking more often and actually enjoying it because everything was easy to find.
Setting up specific zones in the kitchen made things even easier. I put all my coffee stuff in one area, kept my most-used cooking tools near the stove, and used clear bins to organize the pantry. Suddenly, the kitchen wasn’t just functional—it was enjoyable.
Here’s What to Do:
- Clear off your countertops completely. Then, go cabinet by cabinet and empty them out.
- Group similar items and ditch duplicates or anything expired.
- Create zones: one for prepping, one for cooking, and one for daily essentials like coffee or tea.
Picture This: Clean counters with just a few essentials: a colorful fruit bowl, a neat knife block, and a coffee machine. Behind the cabinet doors, everything is in its place and easy to grab.
Day 3: Refresh Your Closet—Simplify Your Style
Closets are sneaky—they hide your clutter, so it’s easy to pretend it’s not there. But when I finally tackled mine, it was like discovering a whole new wardrobe. I got rid of everything that didn’t fit, didn’t make me feel good, or hadn’t been worn in years. Now, getting dressed is simple, and I don’t feel overwhelmed by too many choices.
One thing I loved about this process was how satisfying it felt to see my clothes hung up neatly, organized by type and color. I even invested in matching hangers and a shoe organizer, which made everything look clean and polished.
Here’s What to Do:
- Take everything out of your closet—all of it.
- Only put back what fits, looks good, and makes you feel amazing. Be honest with yourself!
- Organize by categories (tops, pants, dresses) and by color to make it visually pleasing.
Picture This: Matching hangers, clothes arranged by color, and shoes displayed neatly in cubbies or on racks. It feels like you’re shopping in your own boutique every morning.
Day 4: Clear the Living Room—Relax Without Distractions
The living room used to be the dumping ground in my house. Toys, books, random mail—it all ended up there, and it drove me nuts. I was constantly cleaning up, but it never felt tidy. Then, I made a decision: this space would be for relaxing, not for storing stuff. Once I decluttered and set up a system, the whole room felt lighter, and I actually enjoyed spending time there.
What really helped was adding baskets for the things we use regularly, like blankets and remotes. Plus, I scaled back on decorations—just a few meaningful pieces made the space feel calm instead of chaotic.
Here’s What to Do:
- Take out everything that doesn’t belong here: toys, books, or random items.
- Use baskets or storage ottomans to keep blankets, remotes, and other essentials contained.
- Limit decor to a few meaningful pieces to keep the space calming.
Picture This: A cozy living room with a plush throw folded neatly, a candle flickering on the coffee table, and just one or two favorite decorations. Everything feels intentional and serene.
Day 5: Simplify the Bathroom—Feel Refreshed
The bathroom is where you start and end your day, so if it’s cluttered, it can feel like your whole routine is chaotic. That used to be me—digging through half-used products and overflowing drawers. Once I cleaned it out and organized everything, it was like a fresh start every time I stepped in.
What worked for me? Drawer organizers for all the little items and a pretty tray for the daily essentials I use the most. Now it’s easy to find what I need, and it always looks neat.
Here’s What to Do:
- Empty every drawer, cabinet, and counter—everything.
- Toss expired products and donate unopened items you know you’ll never use.
- Use bins or drawer organizers to keep everything neat and accessible.
Picture This: A sparkling bathroom counter with a small tray holding your toothbrush, lotion, and soap. Under the sink, labeled bins keep extras tucked away but easy to find.
Day 6: Organize the Bedroom—Create a Sanctuary
Your bedroom is supposed to be a peaceful escape, but mine used to feel like a cluttered storage room. I’d wake up surrounded by piles of clothes and random things I didn’t need, and it made starting the day so much harder. Once I decluttered and kept only the essentials, the entire room felt like a retreat. Falling asleep got easier, and waking up felt refreshing.
The best thing I did? Clearing off my nightstand and dresser. I kept just a lamp, a book, and a candle on the nightstand and added under-bed storage for things I didn’t need every day. It made such a difference.
Here’s What to Do:
- Remove everything from nightstands, dressers, and under the bed.
- Only keep what makes you feel relaxed and happy—store or donate the rest.
- Add a few calming touches like soft lighting, a candle, or a plant.
Picture This: A neatly made bed with soft pillows, a candle glowing on a clutter-free nightstand, and a clean, open space that feels calming the moment you walk in.
Day 7: Declutter Your Workspace—Boost Productivity
Let’s talk about your workspace. I used to sit at my desk surrounded by piles of papers, tangled cords, and random junk, and I wondered why I couldn’t focus. Once I cleared it all off and kept only what I actually use, it felt like a weight was lifted. Suddenly, I was more productive and way less stressed.
Adding a simple desk organizer and a corkboard for inspiration made a huge difference. Now my workspace isn’t just functional—it’s somewhere I actually want to spend time.
Here’s What to Do:
- Clear everything off your desk and sort it all.
- Only keep what you use daily—everything else goes into drawers or gets donated.
- Add a touch of inspiration like a motivational quote or a small plant.
Picture This: A clean, organized desk with just your laptop, a neat notepad, and a small plant. Above it, a corkboard holds a few motivational quotes or a photo that inspires you.
Conclusion: Your Fresh Start Awaits
Decluttering your home isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about creating a space where you feel at peace. I’ve been through this process, and I can promise you, it’s worth it. Take it one day at a time, and by the end of the week, you’ll feel a weight lifted.
What’s the first area you’re tackling? I’d love to hear how it’s going for you—share your progress in the comments or on social media to inspire others!