Becoming a mom changed the way I think about our home in ways I never expected. I’ve always loved an organized space, but once Ollie arrived, that love turned into something more meaningful. When our home felt calm and in order, I felt calmer too. Our mornings went more smoothly. I could actually be present instead of running through the mental list of everything that felt undone around me.
I think a lot of moms know exactly what I mean.
An organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s not about having everything look like a magazine. It’s about creating a space that supports your family… one that makes the everyday feel a little easier, a little lighter, and a little more like the life you actually want to be living. That’s what this challenge is all about.
Starting soon, we’re going to work through 30 spaces together, one manageable area at a time. But before we dive in, I want to make sure you feel completely set up for success. Here’s everything I recommend having on hand before day one:
A Donation Box
Before you do anything else, find a box and designate it as your donation box. Put it somewhere visible and easy to access — a corner of your entryway, your laundry room, wherever makes sense for your home.
As we work through each space, anything that’s leaving your home goes straight into that box. When it’s full, it goes. Having a dedicated place removes the decision-making in the moment, which makes the whole process so much easier to keep up with.
When your box is ready to donate, Goodwill and Savers are always wonderful options. It’s also worth looking into local organizations in your area — women’s shelters, children’s organizations, and community centers often have specific needs and are so grateful for thoughtful donations.
Bins and Baskets You Love
I truly believe you’re more likely to maintain an organized space when it looks beautiful. A bin you love is a bin you’ll actually use. You don’t need to purchase everything before we start, but having a few go-to options on hand will make a real difference as we create new systems throughout the challenge.
Look for neutral tones, clean lines, and pieces that feel at home in your space. My favorite places to shop are Target (The Threshold x Studio McGee line is so beautiful and so practical), Amazon, and The Container Store. Woven seagrass and rattan pieces in particular are timeless and work in almost any room.
A Label Maker
One of the smallest investments that makes the biggest ongoing difference. Labeled bins get used correctly. Labeled shelves stay tidy. And there’s something so satisfying about a freshly labeled space — I can’t fully explain it but I absolutely stand behind it.
I love this label maker — it’s easy to use, and the labels look clean and polished.
Unscented Trash Bags
Simple but important. Have a good supply of unscented trash bags on hand before we begin. Scented bags can feel overwhelming in a small space, and you’ll go through more of them than you expect over 30 days. Having a full box ready means you won’t have to stop mid-session to track one down.
A Gentle Cleaning Spray
As we clear out each space, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give it a quick wipe down before putting things back. I always have Branch Basics or Blueland nearby — both are non-toxic, effective, and make the whole process feel a little more thorough and satisfying. Spraying down a freshly cleared shelf before reorganizing it is such a small thing, but it makes the end result feel so much more intentional.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
If you haven’t read this book, now is the perfect time. It’s a quick read and it completely shifts the way you think about your belongings — not just where things go, but why you’re holding onto them in the first place. Even if you’ve read it before, it’s worth revisiting as we head into the challenge. It has a way of reigniting that motivation to let go of what’s no longer serving you.
A Non-Toxic Candle and Your Favorite Music
This one might feel small, but it genuinely makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Light a candle you love — I’ve been reaching for Primally Pure’s candles lately and they’re absolutely beautiful — put on whatever music makes you feel good, and if you can, open a window. Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When the space smells good, the music is right, and there’s a little fresh air coming in, it can feel really lovely. Give yourself that.
The Right Mindset
More than any product or supply, the thing that’ll carry you through this challenge is the way you approach it. Go in knowing that your home is going to feel calm, fresh, and like a true sanctuary when we’re done — and that it’s going to happen one small space at a time. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up for one space each day and trust that the small wins are going to add up to something really beautiful. I’ve seen it happen and I know it will for you too.
Your 30 Spaces in 30 Days
Here’s every space we’ll be tackling together over the next 30 days:
- Day 1: Must-haves for decluttering — your toolkit for the challenge
- Day 2: Kitchen countertops and surfaces
- Day 3: Junk drawer
- Day 4: Pantry
- Day 5: Under the kitchen sink
- Day 6: Spice rack or spice drawer
- Day 7: Entryway and drop zone
- Day 8: Coat closet
- Day 9: Living room surfaces
- Day 10: Cabinets next to the fireplace and TV
- Day 11: Primary bathroom counter and sink
- Day 12: Under the bathroom sink
- Day 13: Linen closet (medicine and toiletries)
- Day 14: Kids’ bathroom
- Day 15: Nightstand
- Day 16: Bedroom dresser
- Day 17: Primary closet
- Day 18: Bedding refresh
- Day 19: Kids’ bedroom surfaces
- Day 20: Laundry room
- Day 21: Cleaning supplies
- Day 22: Laundry room closet
- Day 23: Toy bins
- Day 24: Kids’ closet
- Day 25: Upstairs loft and playroom
- Day 26: Sunroom and playroom
- Day 27: Kids’ cups, plates, utensils, and baby gear
- Day 28: Office room
- Day 29: Office desk
- Day 30: Digital clutter — photos and files
I’m so glad you’re here. Sign up here, and I’ll see you when the challenge begins!
