Every January, thousands of you join us for our very favorite refresh: The Simplicity Challenge. One small task each day. Thirty-one days of clearing, organizing, and starting the year with a little more breathing room. One thing we know firsthand — and hear from you again and again — is how much easier it is to get things done when they’re broken into small, manageable steps.
Fall brings a shift in rhythm. We’re back into routines. The days get shorter. We spend more time indoors. The holidays start inching closer. A little preparation now can make all of that feel way more manageable later!
So we created another mini Simplicity Challenge. Seven days. One focus each day. A handful of practical tasks to help you close out summer and make room for fall. You can do the challenge in one week, spread it over a couple of weekends, or simply move through it whenever you have time!
The Fall Simplicity Challenge
Day 1: Clear the Clutter
Every house has a few places where clutter quietly gathers. The junk drawer. The basket filled with things no one knows what to do with. The stack of papers that somehow became permanent.
Today’s tasks:
Clean out the junk drawer
Sort and toss one paper pile
Declutter one catch-all basket or bin
Clear one crowded cabinet
Gather stray items from around the house and return them to their homes
Fill a donation bag and put it straight in your car
If the thought of decluttering feels overwhelming, set a timer for 15 minutes. You don’t have to tackle everything! A few cleared spaces can make a surprisingly big difference.
Day 2: Tidy the Entryway
Fall tends to bring more stuff through the door. Backpacks. Shoes. Jackets. Sports gear. Packages. Eventually, gloves and boots and all the things that seem to multiply near the front door.
Give that space some breathing room.
Today’s tasks:
Clear shoes that no longer need to be by the door
Remove anything from the entryway that belongs to summer
Make space (and a system if needed) for cooler-weather layers
Clear the entry table or drop zone
Wash or shake out the doormat
Wipe down the front door and sanitize around the handle
It doesn’t need to be perfectly organized. It just needs to function better for the season you’re in!
