The 10×10 Decluttering Challenge: How to Let Go of 100 Items in 10 Days
A practical day-by-day guide to simplify your home, boost motivation, and create lasting order, one small win at a time.
Do you ever feel like clutter is quietly taking over your home? Drawers won’t close, shelves are full, and the thought of tackling it all feels overwhelming. You are not alone. Many of my clients start their decluttering journey feeling exactly the same way, unsure where to start and convinced they don’t have enough time.
That is why I love introducing people to the 10×10 Decluttering Challenge. It is a simple yet powerful plan that helps you let go of 100 items in just 10 days. Instead of spending entire weekends buried in piles, you focus on small, clear goals each day. The result is a lighter home, calmer mornings, and the motivation to keep going.
Why the 10×10 Decluttering Challenge Works?
The challenge is built on psychology as much as organisation. Big, undefined projects create decision fatigue, but small tasks create quick wins. When you remove only ten items a day, you build confidence without burning out. Ten days is long enough to create momentum yet short enough to feel doable even for busy families.
Clients often tell me they finally feel in control because the 10×10 Decluttering Challenge gives them structure. They stop second-guessing themselves and start seeing results. After a few days, clutter that once felt permanent suddenly looks negotiable.
Getting Ready for the 10×10 Decluttering Challenge
Preparation is the key to success. Here is what I recommend:
Choose your categories ahead of time. A balanced list could include: clothes, books, kitchen gadgets, kids’ toys, paper clutter, bathroom items, décor, shoes, office supplies, and sentimental pieces.
Create a donation station. Keep a box or bag ready for items leaving your home.
Print or draw a tracker to mark off every batch of ten. Watching progress grow is surprisingly motivating.
If you like a clear road map, download my free Room by Room Decluttering Checklist to help you decide where to focus each day.
Day-by-Day Guide: Letting Go of 10 Items
Each day of the 10×10 Decluttering Challenge is an opportunity to build confidence, create space, and see visible progress. By focusing on just one category a day, you remove decision fatigue and give yourself a clear win. Here’s a detailed plan to make every step easier.
DAY 1: Clothes
Start with your wardrobe because it delivers instant results. Pull out ten items you haven’t worn in at least a year or that no longer feel like “you.”
Helpful tips:
Stand in front of a mirror and ask: “Would I buy this again today?”
Check for fit, comfort, and lifestyle match — not just price or memories.
Keep a donation bag nearby so decisions don’t get undone later.
If you’re unsure about an item, place it in a “trial box” for 30 days; if you don’t miss it, let it go.
Day 2: Books and Magazines
Books carry stories, but not all deserve space on your shelves.
Keep only titles you truly love or plan to read in the next six months.
Donate novels you’ve finished and won’t revisit.
Recycle magazines older than a year unless they have sentimental value or timeless recipes/articles.
Ask yourself: “Would I buy this exact book again if I saw it today?”
Day 3: Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen drawers are clutter magnets. Focus on tools you actually use.
Keep one of each utensil type; duplicates can go.
Say goodbye to chipped mugs, scratched pans, or appliances you’ve used once.
Imagine how much easier cooking will be when your counters and cupboards are clear.
Day 4: Kids’ Toys
This step is about teaching values as much as organising.
Turn on music and make decluttering a game — the “Toy Store Game” works wonders: spread toys out and let kids “shop” for favourites.
Explain that donating toys helps other children enjoy them.
If your kids resist, set a number goal (“Pick 10 toys you love the most”) instead of asking them to part with things directly.
Day 5: Paper Clutter
Paper tends to multiply quietly, so tackle it now.
Create three quick piles: Recycle, Shred, Keep.
Toss expired coupons, old receipts, and instructions for gadgets you no longer own.
Store essential documents in clearly labelled folders.
Snap a photo of information you want but don’t need to keep physically.
Day 6: Bathroom Items
Bathrooms hide expired or forgotten products.
Check expiration dates on skincare, sunscreen, and medicines.
Let go of hotel samples or half-used products you never reach for.
Keep only what fits easily on shelves or in a small organiser.
Day 7: Décor
Decorative pieces should spark joy, not dust.
Look around each room and notice what you stop seeing because it’s been there so long.
Keep the items that truly add warmth or meaning.
Empty space can be just as beautiful as decorations.
Day 8: Shoes and Accessories
Shoes and bags multiply quickly.
Try everything on — if it pinches, slips, or no longer suits your style, donate it.
Keep a small, visible selection of accessories you love and actually wear.
Use a “seasonal swap” box so off-season items don’t crowd your daily choices.
Day 9: Office Supplies
Desks often hide forgotten clutter.
Test pens and toss any that don’t work.
Recycle old planners, manuals, or duplicate cables.
Keep only supplies you use weekly; donate extras to schools or charities.
Day 10: Sentimental Pieces
This is where people often get stuck and where the biggest emotional rewards wait.
Lay out keepsakes and select the ones that truly represent memories you cherish.
Take photos of items before donating or recycling them. A picture can hold the story without taking up space.
Create a small “memory box” for your most treasured items. Limit its size so you focus on quality, not quantity.
PRO TIPS FOR EVERY DAY CHALLENGE
Set a timer for 15–20 minutes. Knowing there’s an endpoint keeps energy high.
Take before-and-after photos to celebrate progress and stay motivated.
Make it social: share your wins with friends or in a community group — accountability makes it fun.
Be kind to yourself. Letting go is a skill that grows with practice. Even five items are a success if you’re consistent.
Visualise your goal: a calm living room, an easy-to-use kitchen, a wardrobe you love. Keep that image front and centre.
By putting these tips into practice, you will gain much more than a neater space. You will grow more confident in your decisions, feel lighter day to day, and save time you used to lose searching or second-guessing. When you wrap up the 10×10 Decluttering Challenge, take a moment to celebrate your progress. If you want to keep the momentum and avoid common pitfalls, grab my free Decluttering Mistakes Fix-It Guide, it is a simple way to make sure the clutter stays away for good.
Celebrate and Keep the Momentum
By the end of the ten days, you will have released 100 items — sometimes more. Celebrate! Take a picture of the donation pile, or enjoy a peaceful evening in your refreshed space.
To maintain your success, try one of my favourite maintenance habits:
One-in, one-out: when something new enters, something else leaves.
Five-minute reset: spend a few minutes each night returning things to their homes.
Set clear homes for daily essentials: keys, bags, and chargers live in the same spot every time.
If you would like more guidance on keeping clutter from creeping back, take a look at my free eBook 10 Decluttering Rules That Actually Work. Inside, you will find practical ways to stay organised and avoid the common traps that often appear after a big clear-out.
Adapting the 10×10 Challenge for Families
Families often worry about involving children, but decluttering can become a shared project. Give each family member a small basket for the day’s ten items, put on some music, and set a timer to keep it light and fun. If you’d like more ideas, my free eBook Declutter with Kids: A Survival Guide shares playful scripts and games to help everyone stay engaged. Even if each person contributes just two or three things, you will hit the daily goal quickly.
A Fresh Start Is Only 10 Days Away
The 10×10 Decluttering Challenge proves you do not need weeks of free time to create a calmer home. Ten intentional days are enough to release 100 items, reclaim space, and rediscover the joy of living with less.
If you’re unsure where to start or whether to declutter or organise first, I’d be happy to help you figure it out. You can reach out to me directly using the GET IN TOUCH button below or book a FREE 15-minute consultation to talk through your space and specific needs. Let’s find the best approach for you. Your home can feel peaceful and welcoming.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
About
Less & Home is a professional decluttering and home organising company based in Rickmansworth. I currently work with clients within a 10-mile radius. If you’re unsure whether I cover your area, please contact me as I may still be able to help you.
Get your Free eBook!
Sign up for the newsletter and receive “10 Decluttering Rules That Actually Work” a practical guide to help you clear space with confidence and less stress.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved