The weight of having stuff

 

You know what’s funny? Cleaning, organizing, and decluttering aren’t usually about the stuff itself. It’s about the weight of it. The mental load of thinking, “Where do I even start?” That’s what makes us stall out.

That’s why I created my 52 Weeks to a Better Home Challenge Journal—because turning big, scary tasks into small, doable steps makes all the difference. Instead of staring down a whole messy house, you’re just tackling one drawer, one shelf, or one stack of papers. Manageable. Encouraging. Actually kind of fun.

And here’s the beauty of it: this isn’t a rigid, start-at-the-beginning-and-don’t-you-dare-skip-a-week type of workbook. Nope. You can jump in wherever you need it most. Maybe your pantry is begging for attention today. Maybe tomorrow it’s your desk. Maybe next week it’s the closet that’s been hiding who-knows-what for way too long.

I like to keep my journal in a handy spot where I’ll see it often (because out of sight, out of mind is so real). I also find it helpful to block off little pockets of time on my calendar—like an appointment with myself—to tackle one of the weekly challenges. And if life gets messy and I miss a week? That’s okay. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about steady progress.

Little by little, step by step, you’ll notice your home feeling calmer, lighter, and a whole lot less overwhelming.

The 52-Week Challenge Journal is available on Amazon now!

So go ahead—pick a page, set a timer, and let’s make some space for a home that feels good to walk into.

—xoxo, Dana 💛

Like my tank top? White V-neck Pointelle Knit Tank Top. Many colors and sizes available. Less than $20. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/42kVHoT

Press-on French manicure nails are my favorites! Kiss brand “Everlasting” French Nail Manicure, Chip-Free with Flexi-Fit Technology, Medium, “Infinite,” Nail Kit with Pink Nail Glue (Net Wt. 2 g / 0.07oz.), Mini File, Manicure Stick, and 28 Fake Nails. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3Cif8Ff

If you’ve followed my blog, you know that I love sunglasses and have a lot of them! I’ve written several blog posts with ideas on how to organize them. Some of my sunglasses are very expensive and then there are inexpensive ones like these Foster Grants from Walmart. Sunsentials By Foster Grant Women’s Butterfly Sunglasses, Black. Walmart Creator ad https://walmrt.us/3N74WkG