Simple Tally Sheet Keeps You Decluttering

There is power in putting pen to paper – especially when it comes to tracking your progress!

I encourage you to start keeping track of the number of items that leave your home – either by donation or by trash. You will be AMAZED at the numbers you will see! I’ve made a chart for you to download and print at the end of this post. Watch my video to learn all about it:

I have tallied my way through over 2,000 items each year that have left my home and office since 2021. And I’m here to tell you – it is quite liberating to feel the difference that you are making in your life and your home!

I keep my decluttering tally sheet posted on my refrigerator where my husband and I can both easily see it. Anytime we add items to our donation bin or declutter items that need to be trashed, we make tally marks. (Correction – I make tally marks. I have to to ask him what he has decluttered 🙂 )

No matter who adds the marks – once you start counting – it becomes quite a fun (and somewhat addictive) challenge! You will find yourself looking for things to declutter to boost your numbers!

My goal for each year is the same number as the year: i.e. 2,023 items in 2023. However, with this sheet, you can set your goal at whatever number you wish. You can start whatever time of year you wish. You may set a yearly goal of 1,000 or challenge yourself to a 1 month or 6 month goal.

You Do You! The important thing is that YOU DO SOMETHING!

If you think 1,000 items sounds like an unachievable goal, consider this:

How many pieces of junk mail enter your home every day? Declutter your stack of mail and catalogs and you’re sure to add dozens of tally marks each week.
Declutter your refrigerator and kitchen pantry and toss expired items.
You know there are clothing items in your closet that you continually pass over….. DONATE them now and let them be a blessing to someone else!

Think about your digital clutter. Clean out your email inbox and photos on your phone. It doesn’t have to be a physical thing in order to declutter it!
Get rid of duplicate utensils and other items in your kitchen that never seem to get used.
Declutter your car – toss all the old maps, travel brochures and miscellaneous items that end up there. (You could even count the french fries you find between your seats!)
Do you have a junk drawer?… ‘nough said!

Look in your desk drawer or wherever pens and pencils seem to accumulate. I’m betting you have way more than you need.
Look for expired medications and unused cosmetic items in your bathroom.
Challenge your kids to join and make it a fun contest. If you’ve got a house full of toys – you won’t have any problem finding plenty of things to donate!
Click here for more ideas of where you can declutter!

REMEMBER TO DO THIS: Celebrate Your Progress!
Reward yourself with a special treat when you hit certain milestones. Treat yourself to a manicure or some other type of indulgence. Get your family together and go out for ice cream or to the movie theater for every 100 items decluttered.

I hope you’ll join me in using this decluttering sheet, and we can celebrate our progress together!

I know you’ll experience plenty of benefits by living in a less cluttered home!