I’m so glad you found my Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life Challenge!
This challenge is inspired by the book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. If you don’t have this book, I highly recommend getting it! While not necessary, it will give you an overview of the whole KonMari system (which we are using) and the reasoning behind it. Throughout this challenge, I also give you reading assignments in the book. These are optional, of course, but extremely helpful.
To start the challenge, I suggest reading the first two chapters of the book so you can get an overview of the whole system. You will also be reading the last few pages of the book where the author talks about the profound changes you can expect in your life from employing the KonMari system. It truly is inspiring! The book is a very interesting, fun read, and I know you will enjoy it.
We will move through the Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life Challenge one week at a time. Each week will have a new challenge, but you are free to complete the challenges more quickly if you like.
Now I am going to give you the outline for the weekly challenges. When you see this rather extensive list, PLEASE do not feel overwhelmed! Just take everything a week at a time (along with a big breath) and everything will be fine 🙂
I have added a few categories and sub-categories not found in the book. This book was written by a Japanese woman and is very geared toward Japanese homes. Since American homes are quite different, I felt that some extra categories would be helpful in order to thoroughly organize our homes. (If you are from a country other than America and Japan, welcome! Feel free to adapt this list to fit your own needs).
If this is your first encounter with the Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life Challenge, be sure to click on the links for weeks one and two on the next page to get started.
Challenge Overview
Week 1–Introduction and Invitation to Join the Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life Challenge
Week 2–Preparing for the Challenge
Week 6–Clothing–Items that are Hanging
Week 7–Clothing–Socks and Underwear
Week 8–Clothing for Special Events
Week 13–Magazines and Catalogs
Week 17–Skin, Hair, and Makeup Products
Week 18–Valuables and Your Purse
Week 19–Electrical Equipment and Appliances
Week 20–Household Supplies–Medicine, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
Week 27–Odds and Ends–Pantry, Games, etc.
Your assignments for this week are:
- Read the Introduction and Chapters One and Two in The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (pages 1-61) and the concluding pages of the book (pages 179-204).
- Write your Vision Statement of what you want your home to look and feel like. Be specific. (See pages 36-38 for instructions on how to do this).
- Throughout this challenge, make sure that you get ready for the day before starting your task. I find that there is nothing more unmotivational than trying to be productive while I am still in my pajamas. Take a shower, get dressed, and put on makeup. You will get a lot more done, even if you have to start later. You’re not going to be getting dirty or sweating at any point during this challenge, so don’t be afraid to look your best!
- Mari (the author of the book) strongly suggests that you do not let your family see you throw things away. I personally have a husband who constantly retrieves things from the trash that he believes I have thrown away in error. Somebody in your home will always have an opinion on whether or not you should get rid of something. But remember, this is about what brings YOU joy. To minimize any explaining or second thoughts, figure out a way to get rid of your own items without your family seeing them.
- If you like selling things online and want to make some money as you declutter, here is a great post with a list of places to sell your things. Please do not think you have to sell your things. This is mainly for those who are already comfortable with selling their items online. 46 Sites to Use for Selling Your Stuff Online.
Mari does not talk in her book about selling your things, or about having garage sales. However, I have some thoughts about each of these things that I share in the video below.
TODAY’S FREEBIE
Next week’s challenge: Tops
Tanya Martinez says
Hi Melissa. I bought this book a few weeks ago but haven’t started reading it yet. I’m super excited that you created a challenge revolving around the book. What a great way to implement the book!!! I noticed though that weeks 27 and 28 are not “links” to click like all the other weeks are. Not sure if you noticed but just wanted to bring it to your attention so it can be fixed by the time I make it to those weeks. Thanks again for creating the challenge. I look forward to transforming my home and transforming my life!!!
Melissa Howell says
Yes Tanya, thank you! I sometimes get behind in updating those links, so I really appreciate the reminder! I have fixed them now, so no worries when the time comes for those challenges!
Tanya Martinez says
Awesome! Thank you, Melissa! I believe you created this challenge last year. How was your experience with the challenge? Have you completed it and is everything clutter free and will be now that you followed the book? Just curious how it worked for you. I’m on the first reading assignment right now. Half way through reading the first 2 chapers. Thanks again for creating the challenge! Just what I needed to help while I read the book. <3
Melissa Howell says
Hi again Tanya! I personally have completed every challenge except for my kitchen. Everything else that I have organized has absolutely stayed that way! It is a miracle! My desk is clean (four months later). My linen closet is organized. I can easily find all the makeup I want whenever I want. My purse is clean. It’s awesome!