If you're eager to tidy up your home and embrace the spirit of generosity, the Reverse Advent Calendar decluttering technique is a great starting point. I gave it a try and found it so effective that I plan to continue using it.
This method, while not widely known, is incredibly simple. Each day from December 1st to the 24th or 25th, select one item to remove from your home and set it aside in a designated box or bag. After the holiday season, donate the collected items to a charitable organization.
It's a straightforward process that encourages you to inspire your family to declutter as well. I decided to begin early this year to share my experience with you, hoping it motivates you to try it out. Let me take you through my journey.
Executing the Reverse Advent Calendar Decluttering Method
I designated a box to store the items I would declutter, along with a list to keep me organized.
Here's how to successfully implement this decluttering method:
- Each day of advent (December 1st to the 24th or 25th), choose one item from anywhere in your home to donate. You can focus on specific areas or simply tackle hotspots, but there are no strict guidelines.
- Place the items you plan to donate in a specific spot, like a box or bag. I opted for a medium-sized cardboard box to ensure I had enough space for larger items.
- After enjoying the holiday, donate your decluttered items to a charitable organization. If you start now, you can help provide essential goods, like toys, to those in need before Christmas.
- You can keep track of what you've decluttered each day with a notepad. This not only helps you stay on schedule but also allows you to celebrate your progress.
A large basket can serve as an excellent holding spot for your donations. After the challenge, it can be repurposed for storing throws, extra cushions, or laundry. This one comes in seven colors.
All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Before I Started
As I prepared for the challenge, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had recently tried the one in one out method and was concerned about finding enough items to donate.
If you can't find any items, don't feel pressured to part with things you value. However, if you look around, you might discover more items than you expect that could be re-homed. A useful tip from the simple Didn't Know decluttering method: if you forgot you owned something, it's likely safe to let it go.
My Experience with the Challenge
Some items I decided to declutter during this challenge.
This challenge taught me more than I anticipated. Initially, it seemed like a small, mindful exercise, but as the days progressed, I found joy in selecting my daily item.
In the final days, I struggled to find items to give away, but I reminded myself that this was a positive sign—I truly valued what I had and had successfully removed the unnecessary.
This challenge helped me learn how to be more decisive when decluttering in a gentle manner: I had to consider both what I didn't want and what I wanted but wasn't using.
Despite some challenges, I felt personal growth throughout and would recommend this method to anyone looking to declutter, whether alone or with family.
What I Enjoyed About the Reverse Advent Calendar Method
A list of the items I decluttered, tracked daily with pen and paper.
This challenge had many aspects I loved, and I found it particularly satisfying during the holiday rush.
It felt like a mindful way to contribute, choosing items that I believed were still in good condition and could be donated or sold. It prompted me to reflect on what I truly needed versus what I merely wanted—a 'want' for me could significantly benefit someone else.
I appreciated how seamlessly this challenge fit into my busy life. Picking one item each day is manageable. If you're wondering how to declutter when overwhelmed, this method is worth considering.
Although it generates some clutter, it's not an intimidating undertaking.
This challenge is a fantastic addition to a holiday decluttering checklist and is ideal for involving kids, teaching them about gratitude before Christmas, and it also serves as a light pre-New Year clean-up.
Overall, I found the Reverse Advent Calendar decluttering method to be simple, rewarding, and effective.
What I Found Challenging About the Reverse Advent Calendar
My items organized in a bag, ready for donation.
Honestly, I occasionally struggled with the slow pace of this challenge. Limiting myself to one item per day was tough, even though it contributed to making decluttering enjoyable. I felt I could spend a few hours gathering multiple items at once. I was also tempted to look around and decide in advance what else could be donated.
The beauty of challenges like this is that you can adjust the rules to suit your motivation. If you feel inspired to declutter more, go ahead! The goal is to create a habit and remove feelings of overwhelm. If one item a day doesn't suffice, feel free to add more!
Another challenge I faced was due to spending time at my partner's place. On days away, I missed out on the challenge. I managed this by catching up on missed days when I returned, ensuring my total donations remained consistent.
This adaptability can be worked into your approach (for example, if someone else is at home, you can do the challenge together). However, if you want a quick declutter, this method may not be the best fit if you stick to one item a day.
Still, if you're hesitant about decluttering or unsure where to start, this method can gently guide you into the process.
Final Thoughts and Suggestions
After completing the challenge, my room felt much less cluttered.
Overall, I appreciated this challenge, but I wouldn't recommend it for those needing a significant decluttering effort. The Reverse Advent Calendar method is better suited for individuals wanting to ease into decluttering or create a bit of space in their homes. While removing 24 or 25 items from a cluttered house may not create an immediate impact, it might just be the encouragement needed to get started.
If you're considering trying the Reverse Advent Calendar decluttering method but will be away for several days, think about how you want to approach it—whether you'll catch up upon your return, pick out items in advance, or combine both strategies.
This method shares similarities with the 'mins game', where participants declutter one item on the first day, two items on the second, and so forth, but on a smaller scale with a holiday twist. For those seeking a more impactful decluttering experience, the mins game is a solid choice, but if you're focused on developing a healthier relationship with physical items, the slower, more mindful approach of the Reverse Advent Calendar method is certainly thought-provoking.
I rate this method a 4/10 for significant home decluttering, but an 8/10 for cultivating mindfulness while decluttering, all while contributing to a good cause.
