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I didn’t realize when this Declutter Challenge started that I would be getting ready to sell my house by the end of the challenge. Of course, others in this challenge are facing twists and turns too, some they expect and some they didn’t. Whatever is going on in your life, or suddenly pops up, you feel so much more ready for anything when you don’t have clutter blocking up your life.

I asked readers and participants to share their personal success stories. Without payments or bribes, these kind people took time to share their experiences. I am so grateful to each of them, because maybe you will relate to their story and be inspired to start a declutter journey of your own.

I asked: “Did the Declutter Challenge help you?

The Answers In Your Words …

B.E. said: “This is my first year participating in the challenge and it has pushed me forward more than any book or documentary has. I loved reading other real life success stories, but also the challenges that people encountered along the way. Something I’ll take away from this group is “progress, not perfection”. I can’t wait to participate in this challenge annually and hope it gets easier and easier over time.”

H.J. said: “Yes! I have some new routines and have seen changes in my family as well. My twelve year old now says, “I don’t want to be a hoarder, just get rid of it…” which is huge for her! Our house is easy to keep clean and more comfortable. 🙂 Thank you! :)”

K.F. said: “For the first time in 14 years of being a single mum I have a bedroom I can relax in. No boxes, no piles, no discarded “stuff” with nowhere to call home. My own calming refuge in a life of dealing with my own physical health issues and my sons mental health issues. We are calmer, we are less stressed, we have more time for each other. It is blissful having my teenagers come into my room and sit on the end of the bed and talk to me before they go off to sleep. I am so lucky to have found you Mary, my life needed you so “

M.V. said: “For years I have moved “piles of stuff” around my house. I would clean for hours before a party and all the piles would end up in my bedroom. 4 years ago I started this challenge and joined a local buy nothing group. I donate to my “neighbors”. We have been living in our house for over 10 years and finally this year my piles are disappearing. I no longer stay up all night before a party to clean. I do laundry once a week now and everyone still has clean clothes. I started decorating and only bring stuff in my house that won’t end up in a pile. Every year I re-read all the articles posted as a refresher. About 4 times a year, I help my boys (9yrs & 10yrs) declutter their rooms. I have a much better understanding of how they keep their rooms. Every year the challenge gets easier and I feel like I’m cheating some days because it doesn’t take much time in an area/room like it used to. I constantly remind myself to put things away now and if I let the house go for a few days it only takes a few hours to clean up. Thank you Mary for starting this group and continuing every year.”

S.K. said: “This declutter challenge has totally transformed the way I maintain my home. This is my first year doing the challenge, and even though I’ve gone off course a couple times, I now have better tools to get back on track.”

N.H. said: “I now think twice before I bring home random stuff, and am more careful about the “I might could use this for something” attitude when out shopping.”

P.T. said: “Yes! I only wish I had this type of mentality 25 years ago when my kids were small. It would have prevented me from having so much stress in my life. This is my 2nd year and first time completing the entire challenge. Differences in our life… 1. I will not buy something if I do not have the exact place in mind that it will go and how it will make our lives better by purchasing it… huge! 2. I make an effort to keep my main floor free of clutter and cleaned up daily so that I will not be embarrassed by my home if friends drop in unexpectedly. 3. I used to think I could not complete a housecleaning task without a large chunk of time available. I have learned to break down larger tasks into smaller ones and complete things in 15 minute slots. For instance, if I am waiting for an appointment or picking someone up and I am out of the house, it becomes a useful time to declutter my purse or declutter my van. 4. I continually look at items in my home and ask, “Does this item give me joy? Do I use this item?” If both answers are no, then out it goes.”

K.B. said: “This was my second year, although, honestly, I only made it through the first few weeks. That’s because last year I did such a great declutter, learned how to keep things clutter free, started new cleaning and laundry routines, and kept it up. I really did not have much to declutter this year. Thank you Mary, for “teaching” us how to live decluttered. Thanks to everyone who posts their awe inspiring pictures.”

M.F. said: “This declutter has changed me in a good way, now when i go shopping and i see something i want i ask myself what purpose will this serve me? 98% of the time i will not buy it. “

B.S. said: “It’s easier to clean”

S.S. said: “Yes! I have never been able to complete a challenge. Life happens! But each challenge I do, I get further and further. I’m a work in progress… I will continue with you as long as you will have me! Thank you!”

L.G. said: “This challenge has help me a lot to understand that I don’t need to hold on to things that I do longer need! The feeling you have after you declutter is the greatest!”

S.U. said: “This challenge has totally transformed my home. I found this group at the exact right time as I’m due to have a baby soon and knew I needed to clear the clutter! It feels sooooo good to have less stuff! Cleaning is even more enjoyable “

G.C. said: “Absolutely! Now if things get a little out of order (which with 5 children 12 years down to 1 month old happens frequently) it is so much easier to to get house cleaned up and comfortable again. It has also helped set the kids up for success, they have less to worry about taking care of which makes it easier to do chores. Thank you for this program!”

M.W. said: “This was my first year but it is the first time since we have lived in the home that every room, including the attic, that every area is functional especially the basement. My hubby is actually getting rid of stuff and his area is the cleanest it has ever been. He still has more to go but we both are enjoying knowing where everything is which is leading to less stress. Thank you for the challenge and looking forward to doing this again with the rooms being less cluttered to start.”

S.S. said: “The declutter challenges have taught me to be more choosy about what comes into my house and allows me to finally have a place for everything!”

L.G. said: “This is my third year going through the challenge. It took 20 years to clutter our house so I didn’t expect to declutter overnight. But this challenge has made a huge difference! And, this year others in the family have really joined in to make a difference in their rooms. The areas that have been thoroughly decluttered have stayed that way and each year I make more progress. Thanks you Mary for your guidance in the process. Thank you fellow Facebook friends for your positive support.”

K.J. said: “This was my first year and I’m so excited to have gotten rid of so much clutter. I was able to turn part of the basement into a sewing studio.”

During the Challenge

During the challenge, occasionally people would post things *unprompted* in the group that were so extra inspiring that I saved it!

T.H. said: “Thanks to this challenge, I got to spend this weekend actually being with my family. My dishes are caught up, my kitchen clean and beautiful, my laundry is caught up. I played with my kids, spent time with my husband ON THE COUCH, and was able to be present rather than doing housework the whole time preparing for the week ahead.” -☺ feeling thankful & excited.

K.M. said: “Mary, I want you to know how thankful I am for you and for leading us in this challenge. I am a pretty strong organizer and I declutter and tidy up almost every day. But going through every nook and cranny of my home has helped me tackle those projects I tend to put off. I have found much more clutter than I thought I had 😳. And I’m enjoying my laundry room/office and kitchen so much since the challenge began! In fact, you have helped me connect to my home in a new way and it feels so pretty and fresh and I am loving it! Thank you!! 💖”

L.A. said: “For those of you who are new or stressing about keeping up with the group or not being able to finish I just want to share a little of my story. I started this challenge for the first time in 2015. I was all in! And although I did get rid of a lot I still had more to do when my husband became ill. He has now been bed bound since 4/15/15. doing this challenge earlier that year made everything so much less crazy during such a stressful and crazy time. I have done this challenge every year since and it is easier every year. I am able to purge more and discover better organization systems. This year will likely be the easiest year yet, but I plan on getting rid of even more and tweaking the few things that don’t work for me. This challenge and the people here have been a blessing beyond what I could have imagined. In a time where stress and worry has sometimes been overwhelming, I have found calm in my home and in my systems. Even now when things get totally out of control I have a sense of calm about me knowing it won’t take long to get things back together.”

A.W. said: “I like that it is one simple area per day. I don’t feel as overwhelmed as I would if it was the entire room. I work and have 4 kids, as well as have RA and Hashimoto’s so my energy level is limited. I really like the way this plan is broken down and I feel like I can see myself sticking with it because it is not too taxing! Thanks for the encouragement!

J.W. said: “I owe Mary a Big THANK YOU! I started the challenge last year and got side tracked (ADD), this year I started again with more intent to finish. I can’t say I completed everything, but life is so much easier now. I actually walked around my house yesterday looking for things that still needed work. There is just myself and my  husband now and he is even picking up after himself, thats a first in 19 years. 😊 I had family come to visit no mad rush, there were already fresh sheets on the beds, room in the closets and I could just sit and enjoy the visit. I see so many great stories and now mine is included. So Thank you Mary for all you have done and are doing to give us our lives back!!!”

K.F. said: “Hooray!!!! I see that Mary’s system is having a long term effect on me. Today I took every single item out of my fridge and small deep freeze. There were no expired items to toss this year! Better yet, since the first time I went through this challenge (2016) I now ask myself if I have a *plan* to use the food before I buy it. I almost never throw out any food now. Thanks, Mary!”

You’re next –

I feel so honored to be part of your journey. Thanks for being here!!

{And if you’re feeling inspired now! It is always the right time to start decluttering!}

From my home to yours,
Mary

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