Declutter Challenge 2026 - Day 7 - Hot Spot Day

Karen
1 day ago
3 min read

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 Is Your Choice!

HOTSPOT

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 it’s my camera and gear. Every camera has its own system of batteries, memory cards, bags, charging cords and other accessories. And I am so tired after making a video, it just gets dumped here.

How do you clean a hotspot?

Remove the garbage first. Old manuals, packaging, broken items—gone.
Take out what doesn’t belong. Put items back where they actually live.
Define the space. Decide how much room this category deserves. Tape works wonders.
Choose what earns a place here. Start with must-have items. Make sure accessories (cords, guides, charts) stay together.
Prioritize ruthlessly. You do NOT need to fill the space just because it’s there. If you haven’t used it in the past year, ask yourself if you truly think you will next year.

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 week, we'll begin decluttering our tools. So be sure to subscribe, sign up for the daily newsletter, and prepare for squirrels and other ideas popping into your head to distract you.

Here are two videos I recommend for today.

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 #declutterchallenge2026.

See you tomorrow for Day 8.

Take Care