Every year since 2011 I've done a project that has changed my life forever. Since then, thousands of people have joined in and changed their lives too.
The project is called 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS, and I'll explain how it can change your life too.
What is 40 Bags in 40 Days?
40 bags in 40 days is a forty day period in the spring (coinciding with the 40 days of Lent) where you declutter one area a day.
The goal is one bag a day but you can have more or less. The 2018 challenge officially goes from Wednesday, February 14th to Saturday, March 31st. Sundays are your day off.
But you don't need to wait for the official challenge, you can start now!
How do I start?
Keep reading!
- I have a printable for you to fill out and plan all of the spots you are going to work on each day.
- Here is a list of suggestions for areas to declutter, and one of "non-stuff" things to declutter. One per day, don't go nuts and burn yourself out.
- I'll have daily prompts on my Facebook page and Instagram, and you can sign up for our newsletter. Oh and I'm not just telling you to declutter, I'M GOING TO BE DECLUTTERING TOO (and sharing embarrassing pictures).
- We also have a Facebook group that is SUPER supportive and amazing.
Other than that, just get rid of stuff. It's really as easy as that.
How long have you been doing this?
I first heard of 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS in 2010 from a blogger I enjoy, who had heard about it from another blogger.
In 2011, I had enough with the "stuff" consuming my life and wanted to try it. I admitted my problem in this post, The Stuff - It's Taking OVER, and was shocked to find that I wasn't alone! Before I knew it, others were joining me and we had a group of people doing it together. With each year it just kept growing, I've held challenges on this blog in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and now 2016.
In 2014, things really got crazy and I guess you can say we went viral.
Is your house perfectly clean?
HA! No. Even though our house is simplified, it is still a work in progress. I work from home and my husband and I have 5 children under the age of 7 in a moderate sized home.
This isn't a magic formula, decluttering is an ongoing process for a simple home. But it's a good way to give your home a refresh, see what's working (and what's not), and look at "stuff" in a new light.
With this challenge you'll be working together with myself and thousands of people all interested in the same goal: simplifying.
Any rules?
No, just get rid of stuff. 🙂
Any kind of bag works. From boxes to grocery bags to kitchen bags to furniture. Even non-visible clutter like an email inbox.
Don't focus on the bags. Focus on getting all of the unnecessary stuff out in one spot per day. Don't go nuts and tackle five spots because you want to prove something. Don't get all bummed out because you missed a day (or ten). Just focus on one. spot. per. day.
You might have 40 bags, you might have 12, and you might have 73 ½ bags, 4 boxes, 2 dumpsters, a chair, and a piano. It's all good. 🙂
Where do I put it all?
Good question! You can donate it (my personal favorite), ask a family member or friend, have a garage sale, hit up Freecycle, Craigslist, or a local Facebook selling group, recycle it, etc etc etc. Here is a list of suggestions broken down by item. Or, at last resort, it can go on the curb.
Don't let finding a place or purpose for your stuff hold you back, just get it out and move on!
(any more questions? post them below in the comments!)
I'm ready to take on the challenge!
AWESOME.
Since 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS can seem daunting, I've set up a few things to help. Here are some tools to support you and keep you motivated:
1.) Daily Progress Printable
It's easy to just jump into decluttering but it can get overwhelming.
I’ve created this printable to help you plan, keep track of your progress, and stay motivated. It is designed so that you have one day off per week, most people take Sundays off but you can pick the day.
I highly recommend printing out two copies: one for planning (rooms, spots in your home, where you want to work on) and one for your actual progress. Download your free printable here, or click the image:
To use the printable:
- Use a pencil so you can erase. (This is important!)
- In the first space, write down 40 different rooms or spots you would like to work on. Here is a list of suggested areas/rooms and another list of non-visible clutter. Be realistic, stretch larger spaces over a few days or a week (basement, attic, closets, etc).
- In the next boxes, fill in the date you worked and your actual progress. What area you tackled, how many bags you got, where they will go (thrift store, garbage, family member, garage sale). Day 1 will be the day you start, don’t forget to give yourself Sundays (or at least one day a week) off when filling it out.
2.) Get tips and support every week:
I will be periodically sending out a short newsletter which will contain decluttering advice, motivation, and links to new posts. Sign up here!
3.) Daily Facebook Prompts:
I’ll be sharing daily updates on our facebook page, so be sure to follow along!
Articles on decluttering, check-in posts, pictures and stories from myself and other participants, and other motivation. We have one of the best, most positive facebook communities out there (maybe I'm biased). Think of it as your own little support group full of cheerleaders who also need to ditch the clutter. 🙂
I’ve also set up a facebook group where members can post their progress and motivate one another. There are thousands of members and it is a really supportive group of people.
To protect your privacy, the group is "closed", which means only members can see the contents of the group. Posts may show up on YOUR personal newsfeed and your friends can see you are in the group, but they cannot see what you post unless they are also in the group.
4.) #40BAGSIN40DAYS on Instagram:
I'll be posting daily over on Instagram, you can find me at @whbsblog.
If you’re posting a picture, please use the hashtag #40bagsin40days!
Let's face it, everything looks good in black and white or with a pretty filter on it. Even your bags of crap. 😉 Here's a picture you can share to all of your people (if on your phone hold your finger on it, save the image, and share on instagram):
I've found this particularly helpful when I didn't want to do my day's bag. I'd take a picture of a dirty crazy room. Then freak out a tiny bit because I just shared that embarrassing mess to uhh, EVERYONE. But then what happened was almost magical. I'd GO NUTS ON THAT ROOM because I wanted to prove to all those insta-peeps that I am not a slob.
It was incredibly motivating. Follow me (@whbsblog), say hi, and tag me in a post if you are participating with us on Instagram! And don’t forget the #40bagsin40days hashtag when you post so you can connect with other participants.
5.) Tell everyone you know.
I want everyone I know to join us.
I want everyone you know to join us.
I want to change our lives, I want to see your progress. Big or small, embarrassing or beautiful. I want to help you and I want you to become a better version of yourself. We are in this together!
Because you know what?
- You don't need all of this stuff.
- It won't make you happier.
- Your home should not make you feel overwhelmed or stressed.
- You do not need to be embarrassed.
- You can do this. (repeat that)
- You are not alone in feeling this way.
I want to start a revolution against all of this stuff that everyone tries to sell us and tell us we need.
I want your home to be a place where you are surrounded with only the things and people you love. You shouldn't feel controlled by the paper clutter, the craft supplies from projects never carried out, the furniture Great Aunt Sally passed down to you, nor clothes telling you what size you used to be.
Join me.
You need this. I need this. I need you to join me in this. (Trust me, seeing so many faces doing this motivates ME to do my own home.)
We are all here for you and we love you and we want to see you succeed! We want to free you from the unnecessary stuff in your life keeping you from being happy.
Tricia
I would like to encourage BEFORE and AFTER photos each day! For your eyes only of course (unless you WANT to share). That has helped me (and I can show the kids what the area is SUPPOSED to look like)!
Ann Marie Heasley
Thank you for saying that!! I agree and I don't think people realize how much of a huge motivator it is.
Kathy
I realllly need to do it this year!!! My back prevents me from doing a lot, but I really hope I can make a dent this time around!
DId you realize in your post, you put the start date as "Feb 10th, 2015" instead of "2016"? I know it was probably just a typo, but I see those things without really thinking about it...
Ann Marie Heasley
AHHH! It was a typo, thank you so much for calling it to my attention, Kathy! I'm still in disbelief it is 2016. 🙂
Take it in stride and do what you can! Even if it takes you 80 days or 365 days. If you can sit while doing it, move your chair around the house. Offer to help a friend with a task, and ask for her help in return. If you need a pep talk, let me know and I'll be happy to provide a quick word of encouragement. You'll be in my prayers!
Mama Tries Blog
I LOVE this idea so much! My house is desperate for it, and the word "challenge" is just what this competitive gal needs to give her the initiative! I posted about it in my brand new blog mamatriesblog.wordpress.com with a link to your page (so I basically shared it with the four friends who read my blog).
Adrienne
I love the idea of this challenge! I printed two copies of your tracking sheet. I was already to start. Things got moved, papers got lost, and I forgot. One of my best friends and I are ready to do some "crazy decluttering" (her words to me in chat earlier today) starting on Monday. Your tracking sheet will help keep us both on track AND allow us to see our progress. Since she and I live on opposite sides of the U.S., we chat and do "15-minute missions" together as we declutter our homes and encourage each other to keep clearing out the stuff. Hope you're doing well! ~Adrienne
Yasmin
The challenge sounds really great! I need to seriously declutter! I will definitely fill these 40 bags with no problems! Thanks!
Erica
A friend shared this post last year and i started using the printable then...I am STILL using it--is that allowed? I keep filling bags and charting my progress, which feels good even though my 40 days haven't been consecutive 🙂
Vicky
I did this challenge last year before we moved house, and felt that I did pretty well, however, I've just toally outdone myself by managing 24 'bags' in 24 hours clearing out JUST my parents garage! Dad can't throw anything away, and mum won't throw away anything that doesn't belong to her, so the crap has seriously built up. They went away for the weekend, and I've had to be discreet. I can't throw away my cot (yup, the one that's over 30 years old) coz they'd notice, but I have managed to throw away/recycle loads of other stuff, namely:
3 bags of books, 2 bags of clothes, 2 boxes of bottles to be recycled, 2 boxes of paint to a community group + 1 box of paint for the bin, a box of paper, 2 bags of VHS tapes, 1 collection of EMPTY aerosol cans, 1 box of LIDS (WHY???), 4 lots of bubble wrap to various schools/people, electrical crap (2 broken microwaves, 1 broken stereo, a broken toaster, a broken digibox, CD ROMS), a box of car stuff - all broken and for a car we haven't had for YEARS, as well as a box of parcel tape which had been removed from boxes before they were flattened and kept as a memorial to the 3D boxes.
I've barely made a dent, but the sense of achievement is massive!
Jackie
Thirty-three days ago I decided to take on this year's decluttering challenge: 40 bags in 40 days. As per the website (link below): "Don’t focus on the bags. Focus on getting all of the unnecessary stuff out in one spot per day. Don’t go nuts and tackle five spots because you want to prove something. Don’t get all bummed out because you missed a day (or ten). Just focus on one. spot. per. day." Fair enough.
It's Day 34. No matter what corner I tackle today, I know what it will most likely be more papers. That's what much of my house if filled with.
But that's not what matters. That is not my focus. What matters is the mental transformation I have made over the course of a month.
As someone with tremendous anal retentive tendencies, I started out of the gate strong and followed the challenge to a T. That lasted just ten days. Then human nature took over. And I was OK with it. Imagine! Even though Sundays were the only designated day off, I was OK with playing hooky in the middle of the week. In fact, I relished it. That's because I remembered that the challenge gave me the green light to miss a day. What freedom I felt bending the rules! My friend who joined me in decrapifying their home felt as I did (for 5 minutes) when she wrote, "I am very unhappy with myself over this challenge. I am not getting near enough done and have missed way too many days. It has been harder than I thought. For me I thought the tough part would be parting with stuff but actually it is time. With work, the kids and (my boyfriend) there aren't enough to hours in the day. Next week will suck because I am working overtime all week. I'm not giving up though and I'm doing as much as I can whenever I can." I pleaded that she not be unhappy. I reminded her, "I never thought I'd get this far & I never expected to participate 100% of the time. The challenge expects me to." Remember, you can miss a day - or ten!
The most important lesson I will take away from this challenge once it is over is the way in which I think about the things which enter my home. The paper products in particular. Outside of saving my most recent Albertson's grocery receipt for Goodwill's 25% off promotions on Thursdays, all others will be trashed. So will other paperwork and bills which come in the mail and have been paid in full online. I have become hyper aware of flat white stuff which enters my front door and can't wait to toss it as soon as possible. What a gift!
Maureen
I have so much stuff! It is going to be really nice if I declutter a bit! The kids are grown so all their toys and stuff can go away! Thanks for the post! Now I have many ideas and I feel inspired to finally do it! Greets, Farringdon Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
Deb S
This is a great idea! You might want to check out VarageSale for getting rid of your junk. It's much better than Craigslist. It's a local buy and sell site and app with categories and a working search engine, and more. I love it.
jules p
for me...it is going very well. I have started my second box of 50 garbage bags. (and they are the large black ones) It is such a wonderful feeling to get rid of all the junk and clutter. And the toss, keep,donate rule is fantastic. But the "keep' for me is if I haven't used it in the past 6 months or even forgot i had it...then it gets tossed or donated.
I am so glad you started this. it has changed me and my life. Hopefully it is something I can pass along to my kids when they have homes of their own.
Margene Kiefer
Tossing and cleaning. What an uplifting feeling. I finished my kitchen and feel so free. I just walk in and out to see how wonderful it feels. Now, on to the next room...laundry room. Then on and on. Great feeling..
Marcia Adams
Moving in 18months, have 43 years of marriage stuff from myself &husband, plus my parents stuff, who recently passed away, have an awful lot of decluttering to do, started a few weeks ago, not knowing about this site, put looking forward to following this 40 bag challenge.................
Casey
I'm a little late but I'm starting today! Thanks for the great printable - I'm so excited to decrapify! (Love that word lol)
Justine
This is just what the doctor ordered. I am SO in!
Lauren
Wow! This is definitely a great challenge that would help out so much. Thank you for posting this!
Kayla
I started this challenge when you posted it and I've put it on my blog and am doing a weekly update! Thanks for the inspiration!
Kayla from theknnlife.com
Morgan Roberts
Thank you, Ann Marie! Iove this! I posted it on my blog http://www.therejoicingredhead.com and linked it to your page.
christina harrison
I'm excited to do this officially...saw a post of this on one of my college roommies FB pages...I'm starting late...but starting today! I also like to call it 'weeding' 🙂 I have a lot of weeding to do!
Tina Suwalski
I started de-crappifying last week before I even saw this and it is such a great feeling to go though STUFF and get rid of it. I also use the rule that if you haven't used it or wore it in a year then you don't need it and you won't miss it.
This is an awesome idea and I'm so in.
myriam
im so doing this. Starting tomorrow the decluttering begins!
KC T
I have to chime in and explain how I feel this DOES work as a Lenten project. Even before I found this challenge, I had already decided I needed to purge the house to make more room, physically and spiritually. We are in desperate need of space to breathe and appreciate - space to clearly SEE the important things, without the distraction of the thousand things that clutter our minds and homes. For me, Lent is a spiritual Boot Camp - refresh, renew, and refocus. I'm cleaning house on all levels, so that by Easter, I will have less nonsense sucking my energy down rabbit trails of trivial pursuits. I see this as a way to make sure we only have things that we use and love - quality over quantity - and we can more clearly define where our priorities lie as a family.
During normal decluttering, I angst over what I'm getting rid of, and worrying about what I'll do if I need it later, or if it might be missed, etc. etc. Parting is such sweet sorrow! With a Lenten project, I welcome the sacrifice and find that it opens my heart to the idea of trusting God to see to my needs - if I really 'need' something later, i have to trust that He will provide. 🙂 As I remove things, I think of where they can be sent to do the most good - it's a deeper feeling than 'decluttering'. It's gifting someone else with my treasures, even when it hurts.
So, short story long, I DO see this as a perfect Lenten focus, completely in line with our spiritual focus this season...the empty closet space is just a bonus 😀
Ann Marie Heasley
You are indeed headed in the right direction!! I agree, it is motivating. Take a quick picture before you work on a spot, that really helps me. Especially when I feel like all I've done is make an even bigger mess while sorting. 🙂 I hope you have a speedy recovery, will be thinking of you!
Sally
I started this all by my onsey. Just picking a place and going for it. My bathroom, BATHROOM, which looked clean... produced an entire bag of garbage!! So I will join you!!
Jane D Wright
After the passing of my husband of 31 years in Sept I really need to go thru all of his collected tools and " I may need this" stuff. My basement is full of it and so is my shed. I guess this is a good time as any to start and maybe I will find some "I May need" stuff too. I already have 5 boxes of stuff ready for a Spring yard sale! Thanks for the inspiration!
Janet
So far, so good! I large box of magazines (8+years worth-gone via Freecyle. Two plastic bags of books - across the street to the neighbors. FIle cabinets downstairs- small trash can filled twice, and about 2/3 of a copy paper box of stuff to shred. I still had elementary school report cards (the youngest just started college!)
Ann Marie Heasley
woo hoo!!!! Great job, Janet. Keep up the good work.
Mary Ann
Sounds like a great challenge....especially during Lent.....Count me in!!!!!!
Ann Marie Heasley
glad to have you, Mary Ann!
KC T
Oh my goodness! I came for the 40 Bags project, but then I saw your post on kids' shared bedrooms, and THEN I saw the GLITTER DIPPED MUGS!!! How can I have missed your blog all this time?!?! I am doing the 40 Bags, and will reward myself with binge-reading all the archived posts 😀
And for Easter, I'm making those mugs...maybe a set of 12! 😀
Thank you!
Ann Marie Heasley
So nice to meet you!! Sounds like we are kindred spirits. 🙂 The mugs have still held up great. We broke one, but the kids have been asking to make more. I'm thinking of a crazy sequin dipped one...
Best of luck on your 40 bags, hope to see ya around here!!
KC T
*gasp* SEQUINS?!?!?! You had me at hello..... 😀 I read through a few things last night and literally laughed out loud. I, too, have a herd of kids who share rooms, sleep together in a rotation of beds and blankets, and our house is in a constant state of upheaval from some project or another. I have an eye for bright, odd and whimsical colors and patterns, but my house is one giant neutral color scheme (50 shades of grey before that was popular - haha ) I read enough last night to know you know what I'm saying, and I am so glad to have found you!! It looks like you have already forged a path through many of my trouble area, so I am definitely putting this site on my weekly reading list 😀
Thank you, and I will keep an eye out for the sequins! 🙂
Leah Reynard
I am really a little scared but excited too -- God knows I need to do this -- and want to but I'm not good at this. and I have to say -- YOUR house does not look anything like mine. You don't even have any extra stuff to be seen. I am overwhelmed.
Ann Marie Heasley
Trust me, we make a mess!! We have four children and the daily messes that go with life. I take pictures for this website and try to straighten up. Takes me forever!! And then as soon as it's clean I shuffle everyone off into another room (or put on Netflix lol), quick *SNAP* the pictures, and before I'm even done the clean room has started to get undone. 🙂
We just moved and I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the extra stuff too. Sigh. Don't worry though, just take it a spot at a time!! Don't overwhelm yourself and go nuts! Keep in mind this is also my 5th time doing 40 bags. You're just where I was 5 years ago. 🙂 You can do this!!!
Deanna Laverty
How... do you have that much stuff? Maybe it's because I'm only in my early 20s, but I could fit all of my belongings in less than that. 🙁
Ann Marie Heasley
Good question! I think I could have said the same back when I was in my early 20s. 🙂 I wish we didn't have all this stuff, but with 4 kids and two adults, I think it just accumulates. We have all our clothes that we currently wear, the kids go through sizes like crazy so there's that, toys, all the stuff people tell you that you need in a house (and you don't), and I could go on forever. When we moved a few months back, all our stuff fit into two large moving trucks, furniture included. We could do way better than that!! I do this challenge so we can get to a more simple, minimalistic life style. But I'm a work in progress so we have a ways to go. 🙂
My advice since you're young would be to keep up a simple lifestyle, only have what you need, and constantly re-evaluate! Only keep the things you love, are useful, and that bring a smile to your face. All the rest is unnecessary.
Lindsey
Lent is a season in the Christian church intended for contemplating the life and death of Jesus. I find it very offensive that you're co-opting a religious holiday to use for spring cleaning. You could do this challenge at any other time. Jesus doesn't care how roomy your closet is.
Ann Marie Heasley
I am sorry you feel that way, Lindsey. I am Catholic and started doing this 5 years ago as my personal daily sacrifice during Lent.
You're right, Jesus doesn't care about how roomy my closet is, but I feel like morally, having too many possessions is wasteful. And if I could donate that clothing to those in need and I'm not? Or if I'm spending money wastefully on new possessions when I could be helping the poor? That IS wrong and I need to change it. I keep in mind that if He asked the rich man to give up possessions and follow Him, maybe he is asking the same of me. These are all worldly possessions, in the end they don't matter, and by doing this I hope to become more detached.
When I started this challenge I didn't expect it to catch on, it was just me and a few friends. I have spent time in prayer wondering each year if I should continue with this challenge, if that time would be better spent quietly meditating this season. But God gave me a voice and somehow, this platform for others to hear it. If I can use it to help others and help them help others by giving and living with less, then maybe I am helping to do God's work.
Thanks for your comment.
Connie Patriarca
Very well said, Anne Marie! Obviously, you have given this a lot of thought and I'm sure God is not offended by your choice of Lenten sacrifice and your encouragement to others to rid their lives of unnecessary things.
Karla
As a former Roman Catholic nun, I am sure that this purging of the 'extra and ordinary' things that may be keeping a person from the Grace of God, is a more than appropriate activity for the Lenten season. It allows the person to contemplate the Lord's sacrifice while attempting to bring oneself into a closer union with Him at Easter, by becoming fresh, clean and renewed!
It's all in how you look at the event. ????
Karen F
I'm in. We may be selling our house this year and downsizing. I am SO looking forward to de-crapify!!
Ann Marie Heasley
Best of luck!! We sold our house after last year's challenge. It helped big time!! It will be helpful not only when listing, but you will have an easier time cleaning up before showings. Your house will look larger also!
Carrie
I'm excited to do this! My theme for this year is Choose Less. It was originally meant to inspire me to buy less, spend less, and pay off debt. This fits right in though! We've only lived in our house for ten months, but I think I can still come up with forty bags.
I blogged about your challenge today! Thanks for the inspiration. http://www.simpleasitseems.com
Ann Marie Heasley
Best of luck, Carrie! I look forward to reading your post. 🙂
Lani
Count Me in! #1 bag, here I come!
Kali
I'm in I have been needing to do this!
Jess Townes
I'm exited to see a community rallying around this challenge and am going to go check out your Facebook group. I just wrote a post yesterday on this very thing and a friend read it and pointed me in your direction. (http://www.onthisnewmorning.com/2015/02/letter-of-resignation.html?m=1). I'm so glad she did! Thanks for the leadership and encouragement!
Brandi L
I am participating! We are hoping to move out of our apartment into a house next year and so we need to start decluttering and starting to pack up unused things. This is going to be great for me!!
Melissa Meinhard
I'm in! This sounds like something I need. Esp. if this is done in baby steps
Janet
I just put 8 years worth of old magazines in a box, and posted a listing to the local Freecycle group. If no one's contacted me by Monday, it's going out in the trash.
Cindy Seymour
Take them to a library, a nursing home, somewhere they can be enjoyed if no one claims them PLEASE!!
ann
Sell what you can and put it toward that credit card----two birds with one stone.. makes your head feel clearer and less stressed
Jennifer Flanagan
I am so in. I have CLUTTER everywhere! Perfect for Lent.
Tina
I so need to do This! Looking forward to starting.
Fred Hamilton
One bag a day? HELL yeah! I've been excited to start this all day. And for an atheist, still something Lentish!
Cami Hall
I'm so in!!!!
Odille
Well, I already have 2 bags of clothes and a box of shoes and handbags and some linen in the van to go to the op shop. Can I count those in? 🙂 This is a great idea. I am going to give it a go.
cary
Count me in!
Julia Lacy
I am ready to let go of the clutter in my life and be free of the crap surrounding me!
Rita
I am so happy I started this 40 bags challenge. I can feel the burden being lifted from me, and surprisingly instead of feeling burned-out I feel energized to do more! So excited to see the end result of the 40 days. I will be free! Decrappify on!
Marcia Goodnow
Being a pack rat is in my DNA...... After moving my 90 year old mother (child of the depression) out of a home she lived in for 65 years (it involved dumpsters....) I have vowed to conquer that DNA! This is also a great Lenten discipline.....I am IN. Keep after me, please.
Jana
Ann Marie,
Bless you for doing this! As a Certified Professional Organizer, I help people with decluttering on a daily basis. An accountability challenge is a fantastic motivator. Having recently moved myself, now is a PERFECT time for me to accept the challenge as well. I will be practicing what I preach and sharing my results with you all. Starting right... Now! ????
Sheena Myers
I'm in, again, since 2013! Let the decrapifying commence! 😀
Linda
This comes at a perfect time! We are downsizing and have been getting rid of stuff like crazy. My husband, who is a saver, actually got rid of a rock...that had sentimental value (don't ask!) that had followed us around through several moves. Yes, progress is being made!
Carrie
I am in!! What a great idea to help everyone get ahold of all the "stuff" in their life. It is overwhelming !
Courtney
Doing this today! I found an app, Sortly. It helps you keep track of where everything is and might be a great idea to use as you are going through everything!
Ann Marie Heasley
ooh, I will have to check that out! Thanks for the tip, Courtney.
Ann Marie Heasley
I believe it's called "Sortly", but haven't checked it out yet. 🙂
Penny
I am also moving soon. I have a lot of nice "stuff" that I want to get rid of. Especially my daughter's name brand outgrown clothes. Do you know of any websites that give a fair re-sale value list on clothing and other items? I could really use the money for the move. TIA!
Courtney
Sure!
Amy
We are doing a Lenten challenge over at vomitingchicken.com, too! We're going to get rid of lots of STUFF over the next 40 days, woohoo!
Geri
i have done this... It works if you discipline yourself to stop. I also take 3 bags. Throw away, give away, put away. The give away bags get put in the back of my SUV right away so I'm not tempted to fish something out! Throw away gets tied up and put in trash can in the garage for the same reason.
Donna Hone
Just moved. Thought I had gotten rid of stuff before the move but things are still everywhere and cluttered. Want the new place to look fresh and simple! I am in.
Lauren Zieff
How do I get added to the facebook group?
Ann Marie Heasley
request here: http://facebook.com/groups/40bagsin40daysofficial/ and we'll approve you asap! 🙂
Kim
I soooo needed this! Moved into a rent house too quick, so
All of the crap of 15yrs came with us!
New house should be ready within the next month!
Time to de-crapp-ify our lives!
Sonja
Excited about starting tomorrow... shared on my blog page.
http://chasinglostsocks.blogspot.com/2015/02/40-bags-in-40-days-2015-decluttering.html
Michelle
Hello!
Love this idea! I have a group of about 25 women in my network that have started a facebook page to join together and declutter! Thanks for getting us started.
Terri
Sounds Like a great idea! I'm In!!!
Tammie
I am planning to move and really need to simplify and downsize. This comes at the absolutely most perfect time for me. I am in. Kick my butt if I am not following through!
Sarah
Just the right thing to give up for Lent. All the crap in my life. I will de-crapify. I have not one but two junk rooms. With 4 adults living in one house, we collect way to much.
Ann Marie Heasley
Better than giving up chocolate, right? 🙂
It's human nature. Things go out, things come in, and then even more things come in and pile up. Let's DECRAPIFY! And maybe you can turn one of those junk rooms into a "mom cave" or "lady cave". You've got this!!
Jessica
does bagging it up and storing it in the garage until better weather is upon us to sell it at a garage sale work? This is why I often do not de-crapify in the cold months. Craigslist is too time consuming during my school semester as well. What do you think? Then in the spring I can post the ultimate de-crapify picture in the spring when I have a garage sale!
Ann Marie Heasley
Jessica, I say do whatever works! 🙂
I save my garage for the warmer end of the months of the challenge. (Just hoping it actually warms up by April this year, brrrrrr.) We moved and I have a lot of larger items that I haven't been able to sell, I'd like to have a garage sale as well. As long as the bags aren't getting in your way! My advice (and what I do) is to only save things that would get $1-5 or more. Or that won't junk up your garage sale. Just think if you were at a sale, would you buy it? If there are smaller things, donate those.
Hope that helps, best of luck! Can't wait to see your "ultimate" picture. 🙂
Liz Nelsen
I'm collecting my crap for a yard sale fundraiser. It's being held on a busy street so when it's over everything goes to the curb and our organization will have raised about $1000. I'm also a costume designer and have a lot of stock. I try to get rid of things that are easily and cheaply replaced to not take up valuable space. Organization is key here.
Jeri Sullivan
What a great way to "give up" stuff for Lent. I'm definitely in!!!
Ann Marie Heasley
Thanks, Jeri! Glad to have you on board.
Jacqueline Brandtner
trying to Figure out how to join. I liked the post, but, what else? Thanks.
Rene John
I am going to participate
Cheryl
This is BRILLIANT!!!!! Way to go in challenging yourself and then challenging us! We just moved for the 10th time in 11 years, and keep saying we have too much crap! This is perfect timing and a wonderful way for me to be EXTRA motivated to clear out what I don't need. Fill a bag/box to donate before it even fills up the new house! I'm in!!!!
sara
I could fill 40 bags with just the clutter in my porch blech. Love this challenge and I'll be joining in for sure!
Sara
Hi there. I just printed your printable sheet to track progress and it didn't fit on the page. Any tips for how to adjust print settings? Thanks! 🙂
Angela
Print it from the library and flag down the tech guy. Works every time.
Charlise Grisham
This is such a great idea! I am always trying to "Spring Clean" year 'round, but it sounds like it will be a lot easier if it's a "challenge". What better way to hold yourself accountable?! 🙂 Love it!
Susan
I want to try! I have sooo much Crap I need your help!
Erin
I have intented to do this the past couple years. I am doing it this year! No excuses!
Erin
Oops...Intended
Katherine
We will likely be moving sometime in the next six months. And we just welcomed baby four to the family. (One more person, and all the stuff that comes with it). All that's to say- I have more stuff than I need/use/want and would love a kick in the pants to get rid of some of it!
Janet
I am right there with you! More people equals more stuff! We are expecting #6 and I've got to tackle the boys room abf extra clothes and shoes in their room and garage before the next one gets here!