I Just Discovered the “40 Bags in 40 Days” Decluttering Method, and I Can’t Wait to Try It

The decluttering process can be daunting if you own a ton of stuff, as I’ve come to know from personal experience. I’ve tried popular decluttering methods, like the KonMari method and the 30-minute closet clean-out, but the clutter always seems to come back. And right now, if I take one look at the piles of clothes, shoes, books, and other knickknacks I have that I should sort through, I know I’ll just end up procrastinating by doom scrolling on TikTok or watching a fun show. 

It can seem almost impossible to figure out how to start decluttering when you’re overwhelmed. That’s why the next method I’m going to try is the “40 Bags in 40 Days” decluttering challenge — I hope it helps me get off my couch and just start tossing.

This decluttering challenge instantly caught my attention because of how it claims to override overthinking during your home clean-out (something I definitely struggle with) by breaking down the decluttering into manageable tasks. Essentially, the idea of the challenge is that you will declutter one small area in your home at a time for 40 days straight, filling up one bag each day with things you want to sell, toss, or donate, until you end up with 40 bags. 

White House Black Shutters blogger Ann Marie Heasley came up with the method, which is intended to line up with the 40 days of Lent each year (it started on March 5 this year), but you can use it any time of the year. It’s become super popular online, spawning a dedicated group on Facebook.

Heasley says that you can make this decluttering method work for you by filling up less or more than the one bag, counting furniture or big items in your total, or even using boxes if need be. You can also fill up mini grocery bags or smaller tote bags to ensure you stay on track and keep motivated without feeling overwhelmed by the idea of filling up a 30 gallon trash bag.

Speaking of staying on track, there’s also a free progress tracker on Heasley’s website that you can download and print out to help you check off the areas that you’ve covered and the items you’ve purged. You can also print out her guide on possible places to declutter in your home and just check them off; it’s a great place to start, especially if you find decluttering overwhelming.

I was surprised how manageable some items are. Depending on how motivated you’re feeling that day, you can call it a win to declutter your vitamin cabinet or your utensil drawer, or do a bigger challenge like your pantry or shoe collection. You can also do “non-stuff” decluttering as part of the challenge, like clearing your inbox of emails — a Herculean task in and of itself, but one that can be done on the couch.

Plus, if you need a little emotional support, the Facebook group is full of other people sharing tips, posting about their process so far, or asking for help, as well as similar content under the Instagram hashtag #40Bagsin40Days.

Again, the whole idea of this decluttering challenge is making it work for you and keeping momentum without overwhelming you so much that you give up, which might mean extending the challenge or tackling certain areas over multiple days or weeks. As one person commented on the blog, “I figured out that, with my travel schedule, I may not be able to do 40 bags in 40 days, but I can SURELY do 40 bags/areas in 40 weeks! Achievable goals!”