From sharing a bedroom growing up to renting a one-bedroom apartment in New York City as an adult, I’ve had to become pretty comfortable clearing out clutter on the regular. Plus, my work has allowed me to test (and write about) plenty of creative approaches to decluttering. The latest organizing trend that has caught my eye is the ‘30 bags in 30 days’ decluttering challenge.
As the name suggests, this decluttering challenge requires you to clear out 30 bags of clutter from your home in 30 days. The size of the bag and the areas of the home you focus on are up to you. I tapped professional organizers to explain whether this approach makes sense and tips for trying the challenge without burning yourself out. (Hint: Pros recommend setting a timer!)
It’s easy for me to see how this decluttering challenge became so popular. That said, there are tons of decluttering methods out there. If this one doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, I asked experts to share a few of their other go-to strategies.
Ahead, learn more about TikTok’s latest home organizing trend. If you’re curious about other social media-approved trends to eliminate clutter, read up on why beauty lovers are loving “Project Pan.”
What is the 30 bags in 30 days challenge?
In order to complete the 30 Bags in 30 Days challenge, you must fill up one bag's worth of stuff you don't need every day for 30 days. You can donate, throw away or recycle the clutter afterwards.
“Completing the 30 bags in 30 days challenge has been incredibly helpful for me as someone with ADHD. Breaking it down into manageable daily tasks keeps me from feeling overwhelmed," says Brittney Babbitt of @littlemissfitbrit. "Plus, the bag can be any size, which makes it flexible and realistic for my energy levels and day-to-day activities.”
Although decluttering every day for about a month sounds like a great way to get organized, I still had my doubts. Are most people really able to stay consistent for 30 days? Is 30 bags a realistic amount of stuff? Is there some sort of plan that works best? Here’s what the pros say.
Should you try the 30 Bags in 30 Days challenge?
To put it simply, you should try the challenge if it motivates you. However, it's important to note that the trend isn't for everyone.
"Some people find it manageable because it breaks decluttering into small, daily tasks. However, for those with busy schedules or decision fatigue, it can feel overwhelming. It can be especially tough toward the end when obvious clutter is gone and the harder, sentimental decisions arise," says Lynda Reider, founder and chief clutter cutter of Cut the Clutter RVA.
If you're someone who finds several smaller tasks more manageable than a couple larger ones, the 30 Bags in 30 Days challenge is a clever way to keep yourself accountable. But if you like to get things over with in fewer, larger chunks, this might not be the trend for you. Still, organizers share tips and modifications you can make to the challenge as well as other decluttering methods to try out.
Tips for trying the trend:
- Start small: "For example, one cabinet of drink ware and coffee mugs or one category of all the medicines and first aid items in the home," says Lindsay Melvin of Orchid Organizing.
- Remember, bigger isn't better: Schae Lewis, CPO-certified professional organizer and owner of Mission 2 Organize LLC, suggests filling a grocery-sized bag each day.
- Don't overdo it: Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted, recommends setting a 15-minute timer to keep it manageable and celebrating small wins every day. You can even set a reminder in your phone to keep yourself on schedule.
- Make a plan: "Identify clutter hotspots so you don’t waste time each day deciding where to focus. Start with easy areas such as expired items in the pantry or the medicine cabinet," says Reider.
- Designate a decluttering spot: "Choose a location that is removed from your daily living space, if possible, and big enough to hold everything in one spot," says Lewis.
More decluttering methods:
Daunted by the thought of adding another daily task to your list? Don't worry. Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out suggests filling one bag every week instead. If you want to keep up with the pace of the challenge, use a larger bag so the amount of decluttering stays the same. And if that still doesn't motivate you, consider one of these alternative methods:
- Set it aside: "If you are wary of letting go, place items in a box and set a reminder for a future date. When that date rolls around, and you haven't needed any of the items in that box, you can donate the items with peace of mind," says Tran.
- One in, one out: "This is a more realistic goal for most of my clients. For every new item you bring into the home, you get rid of one," says Tomlin.
- The four-box method: "Label boxes ‘keep,’ ‘donate,’ ‘trash,’ and ‘sell’ to sort items easily," says Reider.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
