Exactly How I Plan To Declutter My Apartment In 30 Days
If you’ve ever looked around your apartment and felt instantly overwhelmed, trust me — you’re not alone. One minute you’re just trying to relax, and the next you’re mentally cataloging cluttered countertops, overstuffed closets, and that one chair that somehow became a permanent laundry pile. That exact moment is why I decided it was time for a real plan, not another half-hearted “I’ll get to it someday.”
I’ve tried decluttering before. I’ve binge-watched organizing videos, bought cute storage bins, and even attempted marathon cleaning days that left me exhausted and unmotivated. Spoiler alert: none of that stuck. This time, I’m doing something different. I’m breaking the process down into 30 manageable days, with a clear purpose behind every step. And honestly? It already feels way more doable.
If you’re craving less mess, more calm, and a home that actually feels good to live in, let me walk you through exactly how I plan to declutter my apartment in 30 days — step by step, no perfection required.
Why I’m Decluttering Slowly Instead of All at Once
Before jumping into the plan, let’s talk about why I’m not doing this in a single weekend. IMO, that approach sounds productive but usually leads straight to burnout. Decluttering isn’t just about stuff — it’s emotional, mental, and sometimes surprisingly draining.
By spreading the process over 30 days, I can:
- Avoid decision fatigue
- Actually finish what I start
- Build habits that stick
- Make thoughtful choices instead of rushed ones
Most importantly, this approach fits real life. Work, family, errands — all of that still exists. A slow declutter lets me make progress without my entire life revolving around cleaning.
The Ground Rules I’m Following for the Next 30 Days
Before touching a single drawer, I set a few simple rules for myself. These are non-negotiable and keep me from spiraling.
Here’s what I’m sticking to:
- I only declutter what’s assigned for the day
- I don’t reorganize clutter I haven’t decluttered
- I stop when the time limit is up
- I don’t aim for perfection — progress only
FYI, this mindset shift alone makes the process feel lighter. Decluttering doesn’t have to be dramatic or exhausting to be effective.
Week 1: Starting Small to Build Momentum
Day 1–2: Entryway and “Drop Zones”
I’m starting with the areas that silently collect clutter. The entryway, key bowl, shoe pile, and mail stack are small but powerful wins.
What I’m decluttering here:
- Old mail and paperwork
- Extra shoes I never wear
- Random bags, receipts, and coins
- Jackets that don’t belong there
These spaces set the tone for the entire apartment. Clearing them early gives me a visible reminder that change is happening.
Day 3–4: Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers
Bathrooms hide a lot of expired and unused stuff. I’m tackling one cabinet or drawer at a time.
I’m getting rid of:
- Expired makeup and skincare
- Half-used products I don’t like
- Duplicate hair tools
- Samples I’ve been “saving” for years
If it’s old, unused, or stressful to look at, it’s gone.
Day 5–7: Kitchen Counters and Junk Drawer
The kitchen junk drawer deserves its own moment of silence. I’m decluttering counters first, then moving to drawers.
My rule here:
If it doesn’t get used weekly, it doesn’t live on the counter.
By the end of week one, I already feel lighter. That early momentum matters more than people realize.
Week 2: Decluttering Storage Spaces That Cause Stress
Day 8–10: Closet (Clothes Only)
I’m not reorganizing my closet yet — just decluttering clothes. Shoes and accessories come later.
I ask myself three questions:
- Do I wear this?
- Does it fit my current lifestyle?
- Would I buy it again today?
If the answer is no, it goes. No guilt, no “just in case.”
Day 11–12: Shoes, Bags, and Accessories
This is where duplicates hide. I’m keeping only what I use and love.
I’m letting go of:
- Uncomfortable shoes
- Bags that don’t match my style anymore
- Accessories I never reach for
Less choice = less stress.
Day 13–14: Under-Bed and Closet Storage
These spaces collect things we avoid deciding about. I’m facing them head-on.
I’m ruthless here because anything hidden should earn its place.
Week 3: Decluttering Everyday Living Areas
Day 15–16: Living Room Surfaces
This includes coffee tables, shelves, side tables, and TV stands.
My goal: clear surfaces, not empty rooms.
I keep decor intentional and remove items that feel noisy or cluttered.
Day 17–18: Books, Papers, and Documents
Paper clutter adds mental weight. I’m sorting into three piles:
- Keep
- Digitize
- Recycle
Anything important gets filed immediately. No more paper limbo.
Day 19–21: Random Drawers and Catch-All Areas
These are the sneaky spots that undo progress if ignored.
I set a timer and tackle one drawer or bin per session. Small wins add up fast.
Week 4: Final Sweep and Habit Reset
Day 22–24: Bedroom Declutter
This includes nightstands, dressers, and visible clutter.
I focus on keeping only what supports rest and calm. Bedrooms should feel peaceful, not crowded.
Day 25–26: Cleaning Supplies and Laundry Area
Yes, even cleaning supplies can be clutter.
I declutter:
- Duplicate products
- Empty bottles
- Items I never use
Fewer products = easier cleaning.
Day 27–28: Digital Declutter
Physical clutter isn’t the only problem. I’m cleaning up:
- Phone photos
- Apps
- Email subscriptions
- Desktop files
This step feels surprisingly refreshing.
Day 29–30: Final Review and Reset
I walk through my apartment with fresh eyes.
I ask myself:
- Does this space feel lighter?
- Is everything easy to maintain?
- What habits do I want to keep?
I donate what’s been sitting in bags and celebrate finishing — because that matters.
What I’m Learning Along the Way
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about learning how you live.
Here are a few realizations that surprised me:
- Clutter isn’t laziness — it’s delayed decisions
- Less stuff means easier cleaning
- Clear spaces reduce mental stress
- Decluttering slowly actually works
And honestly, I’m enjoying my apartment more every week.
How I’m Making This Declutter Stick Long-Term
I don’t want this to be a one-time thing. So I’m building habits that last.
My go-to rules now:
- One-in, one-out
- Weekly 10-minute reset
- Monthly mini declutter
- Buy intentionally
Nothing extreme — just realistic systems that support my life.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Perfect to Feel Peaceful
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to declutter, this is it. You don’t need a massive weekend, fancy organizers, or endless motivation. You just need a plan that works with your life — not against it.
Decluttering my apartment in 30 days isn’t about creating a magazine-perfect space. It’s about creating a home that feels calm, functional, and supportive. And if I can do it, so can you.
So take a deep breath, pick one small area, and start today. Your future self will thank you.
