Declutter Challenge 2025 - Day 7 - Hot Spot Day

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This past week we cleaned out the garbage, and moved all the non-sewing clutter out of our space. We cleaned out the paper and put our archives in a safe spot. We’ve found our sewing machine and had some fun making on our Declutter Challenge project 

Traditionally, day 7 has been a catch up day. I know many of you have busy lives and despite your best intentions you might have missed a day. Or you might need an extra day. Or you might be tired. There is no judgement here. It’s called a challenge for a reason, and you are entitled to rest if you need it! 

Today it's Dealer's Choice!

If you find yourself in a good place, today is good day to tackle a HOT SPOT. What is a hotspot? It’s a dumping ground. It often starts with indecision. You have something and you don’t know where it goes so you put it "here" and will figure it out later. Except, not only does later never come, but we begin to dump everything we are unable to make a decision on in the same spot. 

For me today it’s the corner of my countertop. It’s supposed to be just for my video equipment, but it has become a catch all for all things electronic. So today I am clearing it out.

So how do you clean a hotspot?

1. Identify and throw away all the garbage.

2. Remove all the items that don’t belong.  If this spot is actually a home to an important category then follow these next steps too.

3. Identify how much space you want your items to take up. 

4. Next ask yourself the question, “What items are worthy on of being in this spot?" Start with the important, must keep items.  

5. Prioritize what’s most valuable to you. 

Note: You do not need to fill the space just because you can. Be ruthless. If you have not used the item in the past year, what are the chances that you will use it in the coming year? If there are any remainders after these steps, you donate, recycle or trash them. 

Speaking of trash, this is also a great day to empty your garbage and drop off donations! 

As always, the first week is full of surprises. I will admit that I have far less to declutter than in past years, but I am doing the same daily challenge that you are. I find it so valuable to clear out and get reacquainted with what I have. And I am always shocked at what sneaks in. It also means that I have had to revisit some decisions I could not make in past years. With fewer items to declutter, they are actually harder to avoid. 

Next we'll begin decluttering our tools. So be sure to subscribe. 

I love reading your stories online. If you have a special moment that you’d like to share from this first week, please post it in the comments, Facebook group or online with the hashtag #declutterchallenge2025

See you tomorrow for Day 8