A 10-Day Home Reset Plan. As I stood and looked around my home, I decided right then and there that I did not want to go into the new year feeling overwhelmed and frantic. I knew if my home felt calm, then I would feel the same. So, with 10 days left until the end of the year, I decided to take action and use those last remaining days to get my home in order.
How the 10-day Reset Plan came to be….
It was December 21st, and I was feeling overwhelmed in the lead-up to the holidays and the Christmas period. Amongst all the rush of getting ready for the festive season and buying gifts, the house and everything in it had been left to fend for itself, so to speak. My home felt like it was falling into disarray and, in turn, was making me feel the same.
As I stood and looked around, I decided right then and there that I did not want to go into the new year feeling overwhelmed and frantic. I knew in order for me to feel calm and settled, my home needed to feel the same.
So with 10 days left until the end of the year, I decided to take action and use those last remaining days to get my home in order. Essentially, take back my feeling of calm and start the new year with my home refreshed. To me, that meant uncluttered, simplified, organised, clean and tidy.
Use the 10 Day Home Reset Plan at any time throughout the year…
Although I originally designed this plan to fill the remaining days of the year, you can implement the plan at any time throughout the year. Whenever you need a quick home reset. The 10 Day Home Reset Plan worked so well for me that I plan to do just that!
What the plan is and what it isn’t….
I didn’t want an in-depth deep dive into cleaning and decluttering. Just something I could do quickly that would make a visible difference. So I devised the 10-day Home Reset Plan with the aim that it would be an easy to follow plan with precise instructions. I needed simple steps to help me quickly minimise the excess, clear surfaces and remove those just-in-case items I was hanging on to. I needed to be harsh in my decisions and just get it done.
Knowing I would be working solo to complete these tasks, and with everything else going on at this time of year, I needed a decisive, easy-to-follow plan. The 10-day Home Reset Plan of action I devised needed to aid me in working fast and efficiently. Helping me to stay on track and complete as much as I could in 10 days without losing motivation or getting sidetracked.
To help keep me focused and moving forward, I included the following:
Simple affirmations and decision rules helped me navigate hard decisions and emotions that arose while completing the tasks. My goal was to be fast, efficient and ruthless. I intended to make the most of the little time I had.
A calm, simplified, uncluttered, organised, clean and tidy home….
This quick, simple and effective 10 Day Home Reset Plan offers practical steps for achieving a beautifully organised home.
The mental and emotional benefits of a clean and tidy home are powerful. In fact, the mind, body and soul all reap the benefits of creating a space that feels fresh and peaceful.
Minimising and being intentional with décor and keeping surfaces clear reduces visual clutter. Organising storage areas, limiting just in case items and implementing regular routines for cleaning and tidying aids in creating spaces that feel calm, light and welcoming.
The 10-day home reset plan emphasises practical steps for decluttering, simplifying and organising each area of your home. Clear steps and affirmations to keep you motivated.
Daily room-by-room checklists help you stay on top of tidying, from making beds and wiping surfaces to decluttering and organising every room.
So here it is! The 10 Day Home Reset Plan is laid out for you in an easy-to-follow format.
The 10-Day Home Reset
Declutter – Simplify – Organise – Clean (Designed for solo, efficient work)
Before you start (30 minutes – do this once)
Gather supplies. 4 boxes or bags labelled:
KEEP – DONATE – BIN – UNSURE (LAST CHANCE)
Cleaning spray and cloth. Phone timer. Your favourite music or podcast.
Daily structure: Work in 45-minute power sessions. Have a 10-minute break. Start another session if you have time. If not, fit another 45-minute session in later in the day when time permits. Stop when tired; quitting early is better than quitting completely. When decision fatigue sets in, and you are struggling to make quick, easy decisions, it’s time to take a break.
Remember to work fast and make quick decisions.
DAY 1 — FRONT DOOR, ENTRYWAYS & VISIBLE SURFACES
Focus: Entry points and first impressions.
Tasks:
1. Clear shoes to 1 pair per person. Put the rest away.
2. Remove all bags, coats, hats — keep only what’s used daily.
3. Empty hall table and entryway console drawers, baskets, and benches → do a ruthless edit.
4. Clear all flat surfaces and wipe clean, vacuum/mop.
Decision rule
“If this didn’t earn a place here, it doesn’t live here.”
Affirmation
“I deserve calm the moment I walk in.”
DAY 2 — LIVING AREAS (LOUNGE / FAMILY ROOMS)
Focus: Comfort without clutter.
Tasks
1. Remove everything that doesn’t belong in this room
2. Limit décor items to the best ones that you love the most.
3. Reduce throw cushions/blankets to favourites only.
4. Clear coffee tables completely except for essential items.
5. Donate or sell old media (DVD’S, CD’s & GAMES) you no longer use.
6. Recycle old magazines, newspapers, flyers and catalogues.
Decision rule
“Does this support rest, or does it distract?”
Affirmation
“Space is a luxury I’m choosing.”
DAY 3 — KITCHEN (PART 1): CUPBOARDS & DRAWERS
Focus: Function over fantasy
Tasks
Empty one cupboard/drawer at a time.
Keep:
– One full set of everyday dishes.
– One backup (guests/parties) only if used regularly.
– Any items you use regularly, either weekly or biannually.
– Appliances you use at least 4 times per year. Be honest, when did you really use it last?
Toss:
– Duplicates.
– Gadgets used less than 3 times per year.
– All the “I’m saving this just in case” containers.
– Broken or chipped glassware, cups and crockery.
– Serving ware/baking dishes not used in the past 12 months.
Decision rule
“Am I using this or just storing it? Choose clarity over clutter.”
Affirmation
“My home is not a storage unit.”
Remember to take breaks when you need them.
DAY 4 — KITCHEN (PART 2): PANTRY, FRIDGE, BENCHES
Focus: Visual calm
Tasks
1. Toss expired food ruthlessly.
2. Donate unopened items you won’t eat.
3. Remove all items that don’t belong in the kitchen.
4. Clear benches — appliances must earn their spot.
5. Wipe down inside and outside of fridge.
6. Wipe pantry shelves, create zones and organise food items.
Decision rule
“Am I eating this, or just keeping it?”
Affirmation
“A healthy lifestyle starts in the kitchen”
DAY 5 — BEDROOM
Focus: Rest, not storage
Tasks
1. Clear bedside tables to essentials only.
2. Empty and sort bedside or dresser drawers.
3. Remove all non-bedroom items.
4. Limit décor to soothing pieces.
5. Make the bed with fresh linens. Make it the visual anchor of the room.
6. Add a candle or diffuser with your favourite scent to promote relaxation.
7. Set up a reading nook or quiet space to rest and unwind.
8. Vacuum the floors and clean the fan.
Decision rule
“Does this help me rest or does it steal my peace?”
Affirmation
“My bedroom provides a calm place to relax.”
DAY 6 — WARDROBE & CLOTHES
Focus: Only what fits me now.
Tasks
Try nothing on — gut decisions only.
Keep:
– Fits your body today.
– It is comfortable to wear, and suits your current lifestyle.
– You’ve worn it in the last 12 months.
– You love it without question.
Remove:
– All the “When I lose weight” clothes. Treat yourself when you do!
– Worn-out favourites past saving.
– Anything ripped, torn, stained or just uncomfortable.
– Items with the tags still attached that have been there for more than 6 months.
– Clothes that are no longer needed in your current stage of life.
Decision rule
“Would I wear this tomorrow?”
Affirmation
“I honour the body I have now.”
Play upbeat music or a podcast you’ve already heard while you complete tasks.
DAY 7 — BATHROOM & LINEN
Focus: Clean and minimal.
Tasks
1. Toss expired makeup, skincare and medications.
2. Remove under-sink clutter and organise.
3. Clear and wipe surfaces.
4. Limit towels to 2 per person + guests.
5. Keep one spare linen set per bed.
6. Donate items you no longer love or use.
7. Toss anything that is ripped, damaged or stained.
8. Keep your favourite self-care items that you use regularly and discard the rest.
Decision rule
“More products don’t equal better self-care.”
Affirmation
“Simple routines serve me best.”
DAY 8 — PAPER, ADMIN & DIGITAL CLUTTER
Focus: Mental relief
Tasks
1. Recycle or shred old manuals, receipts and paperwork.
2. Keep:
– Legal documents
– Current warranties
3. Unsubscribe from emails.
4. Delete photos and screenshots ruthlessly.
Decision rule
“Information I don’t use is noise.”
Affirmation
“I release mental clutter with physical clutter.”
No social media during sessions.
DAY 9 — STORAGE, MISC & “JUST IN CASE”
Focus: The hardest — and most powerful day.
Tasks
Attack:
– Garage storage
– Cupboard storage
– Drawers of randomness
1. Open every box and quickly sort.
2. Fill donation bags fast.
3. Quick decisions. If it’s been stored for a long time, you likely don’t need it.
4. Toss anything that has been damaged during storage.
5. Set aside any items that need to be returned to their original owner.
Harsh rule
If it’s been stored untouched for 2+ years → it goes.
If you truly love it or feel that you need it, set the item aside. Then, at the end of the day, designate a place for it in your home. If you still don’t know what to do with it, then maybe it’s time to let go.
Affirmation
“Keeping things does not keep memories.”
DAY 10 — FINAL SWEEP + UNSURE BOX
Focus: Completion & pride.
Tasks
1. Review the UNSURE box — aim to keep a maximum of 20% of the contents.
2. Return items to intentional homes.
3. Do a full tidy and clean of each room.
4. Remove donation bags from the house.
5. Place all trash in the bin.
Closing ritual
Walk through your home slowly and appreciate all your hard work.
Notice your new spaces, and how they feel light and calm.
Treat yourself to something special to celebrate your accomplishments, for instance;
– Read your favourite book.
– Soak in a bubble bath.
– Enjoy a cup of tea in the garden.
– Go for a leisurely walk.
Final affirmation
“I finished. I followed through. This is my fresh start.”
You’ve completed the 10 Day Home Reset Plan!
Each day is a quick reset to make some space and refresh. It’s not a deep declutter. With this in mind, as you empty each drawer or shelf, only do the tasks on the checklist. Do as much as you can each day. Make notes of any items that need to be sorted in the future. Come back to those items as soon as you have time.
You’re done! Amazing effort! Remember to revisit the 10 Day Home Reset Plan anytime throughout the year. Life gets busy, and sometimes we need a quick reset and a fresh start.
