Stop and take a look around (hopefully you are reading this at home and not in someone else's house). Identify the key areas that could use some decluttering...come on I know you have some, we all do. Well, it's time to take back your space and get rid of the junk, the unnecessary, the clothes that you never or can't wear, that item that you don't know what it goes to or what it does...you get the point, why are you holding onto it?

Here at the Happiness Bucket I have a moto and it is that we should...
<blockquote>Let go of the things that no longer serve a purpose in your life today</blockquote>
<h1>The Challenge Steps</h1>
So what is the challenge? The challenge is to begin working on one decluttering project a day or week...see not hard right? Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your clutter.  It will take you some time to get everything back in order, and that time is now.  So, if you are up for the challenge, here is what you should do:
<h2>Step 1: Identify the Area to be Decluttered</h2>
Be specific as to what area it is for the day/week...you can confess that area in our Change <a href="https://facebook.com/groups/changeacademy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academy Facebook Group</a> or here in the comments...that's up to you just pick one.  Now, if the area is large set some small obtainable goals to reach by the end of the week.  Remember avoidance is not an option.
<h2>Step 2: Take a before photo</h2>
You don't have to share this image, but it is proven that sharing will help to hold you accountable. It's something about airing your "dirty laundry" that makes you want to succeed and show it in it's changed state.  I know accountability does wonders for me.
<h2>Step 3:  Set a timer</h2>
Every day during the day/week set an alarm or timer to 30+ minutes and work on tackling the chosen area. You will be amazed at how dedicated segments of time will focus your attention to the task at hand.  Go ahead if you don't believe me...try it.
<h2>Step 4:  Take an After Photo</h2>
I believe that you should always celebrate your accomplishments no matter how big or small.  It takes commitment to set a goal and then work to reach it, no matter the size...so look at the before and after and see what you have done.
<h2>Step 5:  Develop Your Maintenance Plan</h2>
Now the most important part of all of this is determining how you are going to keep it looking that way.  Many times we put in all the work to get a place looking just right and then we omit the most important part which is to determine how to maintain it over time.
<h1>Do Not Get Distracted</h1>
Do not get sidetracked by trying to develop systems or to beautify, the goal is to declutter. Place like items together, rid yourself of the unnecessary. Once you get rid of the junk and unnecessary items, THEN you can organize it...but don't go buying a bunch of unnecessary organizational stuff just yet, it serves as a distraction.

So look at this example, of a drawer declutter.  Remember the job doesn't have to be a huge project. The photos below show both the before and after.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/20111114-231610.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full" src="http://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/20111114-231610.jpg" alt="20111114-231610.jpg" />  </a><a href="http://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/20111114-231706.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full" src="http://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/20111114-231706.jpg" alt="20111114-231706.jpg" /></a></p>
Good luck and keep me posted regarding your progress!