Declutter Challenge 2026 - Day 2 - Squatters & Squirrels
- Karen
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
What doesn't belong in your space? These are the squatters. All those items that you dumped here because you were in a hurry or you just could not make a decision on where in your home they should go.
So the question you are asking today is:
Does this belong in
my sewing space?
If the answer is no, today is the day we put it all back where it belongs. The kitchen, the bedroom, laundry room, storage room or garage. Just put it back. Don't get distracted by trying to organize where they go to. Just put it there and deal with making it nice another day.
Now, it is possible that your space is like mine; it doubles as a guest room. So it's also about moving items back into my space once the guests have gone home.
Be sure use your timer. My favourite is the white cube one in the orange link. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll accomplish in 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If you need more time, be sure to take a short break in between. You might also need a buddy to help clear out some of the larger items.
Beware!
Do not get distracted by where your items end up. I know that I desperately need to declutter the top of my dresser after the holiday....but that's for later.
Brain Dump....SQUIRREL!!!
Today might also be the day you need start a brain dump. This is just a place where you can quickly put ideas. I like to call them squirrels. They distract you from the task at hand, especially when the going gets tough. I am using a white board, my bullet journal and my phone. But you can use post-its or a plain notebook, too.
Be sure to use your timer so if you get distracted it will zing you back into the present.
As well as items that belong in other spots in your home:
You might find items that need to be returned.
You may remember items that need to be returned to you.
You could find items that you need to send a thank you note for.
Add them to the list to deal with after the timer goes off.
This day has always made me look hard at items that I have hung onto for years. Those miscellaneous items that fit no where else in my home. This is the 6th year of the challenge, and I do feel more mentally prepared to deal with some of these emotional decisions. Items I have said YES to for several years I am now able to see that it's now a NO as it longer fits me and my future. Some I have said YES to, but yes to a more pared down version. I often say, decluttering is like peeling an onion. Each year a layer is removed.
Sewing Machine Preparation
After you get the squatters out of the way, take a moment to clean your sewing machine.
Following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Clear out all the fluff
Give it a bit of oil
Change the needle
Rethread the machine
Add a fresh bobbin
And pull out the project you set aside to work on, as a reward for completing the day's task.
I hope you feel the energy of your space changing the way I feel mine is. There's a real excitement building for the new project I am working. And I'm psyching myself up for an older UFO.
You have probably found some items that you are shaking your head wondering why they are in your sewing room. Post them with the hashtag #declutterchallenge2026.
If you missed of the any previous day's videos you can find them here. (just scroll to the bottom).
Here are my recommended videos for today. Just click on the photo.
I’ll see you tomorrow for Day Three.