The 30-Day Less of a Hot Mess Challenge | Where It Started

Let’s kick off the new year with a “Less of a Hot Mess” Challenge! Together we’ll work through the basics of decluttering and creating a home that functions well. I’m excited because I am not naturally organized, but I’ve learned to build routines and structure into my life. These next 30 days will keep me accountable, which is exactly what I need for a fresh start in 2017! Want to join me?

The full list of challenge days is at the bottom of this post!

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Decor can’t shine when clutter is in the way. Start your decluttering journey with 30 days of uplifting, practical emails to keep you motivated!

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How It All Started

Chances are you and I live similarly hectic lives with cluttered homes. For years I’ve packed my schedule and house to the brim, yet I know there’s more to life than rushing from one task to the next and stepping over toys along the way.

More than anything, I want my home to be a refuge from the chaos of the world, yet it so often falls short. I feel irritable and stressed, as if I never have enough hours to get everything done. Does any of this sound familiar?

To be clear, I’m not chasing perfection. I don’t need a spotless house where everything is cleaned and tucked away. That sounds lovely, but it isn’t realistic with 2 little kids and two working parents.

We’ll get into goals soon, but what I really want is a home that works for me and my family and offers a welcoming place to escape the world’s mess together. I also don’t want to spend every spare minute managing what we already own. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

Simple, large photos create a unified photo gallery wall in the living room!

About six months ago I began asking readers what held them back most from creating a home they loved. Do you know what the top two answers were?

Staying organized and finding time.

I agreed completely. I need both badly!

I’d been thinking about this recently while hurriedly pulling on clothes to get out the door for an appointment. It hit me: “I am such a hot mess!” Then the next thought came: “What do I want in 2017? I want to be less of a hot mess.” That’s where the challenge name came from: 30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess. (And yes, I know January has 31 days, but 30 days just sounds better, so let’s go with it, okay?)

With that goal of being less of a hot mess in 2017 in mind, I took a hard look at my life and did some real soul-searching. What would help me get more organized and free up more time?

I must be slow, because it took me 35 years to realize the chaos comes from the clutter. I waste far too much time digging through piles of stuff and trying to tidy up all the junk.

It all comes down to one word: margin.

30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess | Declutter your Home to Focus on what Matters Most!

I need breathing room in my home: open space in the closets and clear floors. I also need margin in my calendar to enjoy everyday moments with my girls and my husband. Just writing that down made me exhale in relief.

Ahhh. Can you picture a life with margin? With open space? A life free of clutter?

In reality, I need to declutter and let go of things so I can be more organized, more present, and more focused on what matters most.

Why does something so simple still feel so hard?

For the next 30 days, starting January 1, I’m committing to decluttering and organizing the areas I call my “hot mess zones.”

Are you ready to join me and keep me accountable? I promise to be honest and real about my home, and to share encouragement on how you can make a difference in yours too.

Let’s begin this new year determined to make room for what matters most and be less of a hot mess in 2017!

LOVE these tips! 5 simple ways to add summer decor to your home!

Can I ask you for one favor?

Focus on this one task for 30 days. Don’t try to pick up other skills or multitask by signing up for another organizing course or any other intensive lessons.

Commit fully to this one.

Truly master it.

Make it your priority.

Get this right before moving on to anything else. As a serial multitasker, I’m telling you that focus is what makes it stick. Your future self will thank you for years!

Okay, are you ready to get going? Let’s do this! I’m in your corner and cheering you on every step of the way!

Right there in the mess with you, Laura

P.S. Most days you’ll also get a “The Messy Work” task. They won’t be complicated or time-consuming, but they’ll offer practical steps on your Less of a Hot Mess journey. If you want a head start on today’s task, here’s your challenge:

The Messy Work: Grab 2 trash bags and set a 30-minute timer. Move quickly through your home, filling one bag with trash and the other with things to donate. Toss the trash right away. You won’t miss it, I promise! And drop the donations off at your local charity before January 1 so you can claim a tax deduction for 2016!