National Declutter Day

Young woman decluttering her room, wearing comfy clothes, cozy home setting, surrounded by piles of stuff and organizing supplies.. — National declutter day illustration

Ah, National Declutter Day. The one day where we can all come together and tackle the chaos that has taken up residence in our homes. It's a day of purging, organizing, and, if we're being totally honest, maybe a little bit of procrastinating. So grab your trash bags and let's dive into the wonderful world of decluttering!

When is Declutter Day?

It's national declutter day on the 26th September.

The Internet History of National Declutter Day

Did you know that National Declutter Day began its journey on the world wide web? It spread like wildfire across various household organization forums, social media groups dedicated to getting rid of the mess, and, of course, meme-filled Instagram accounts showcasing the astonishing before-and-after shots of cluttered spaces turned pristine. It all started with a simple question: 'Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your life?'

From that innocent question, the idea of a dedicated day to tackle clutter took hold. People around the world embraced the concept of setting aside a specific day to declutter and reclaim their living spaces. It quickly gained traction, with online communities coming together to share tips, tricks, and success stories.

The Actual National History of Decluttering

As much as we'd like to believe that National Declutter Day has been around since the invention of brooms and dusters, it didn't actually originate as an official national observance. However, the need to declutter and organize has been a timeless struggle. People have been tidying up their spaces for centuries, whether it was to make room for the next harvest or to impress potential suitors during a social gathering.

It's important to note that although the internet played a significant role in popularizing National Declutter Day, the act of decluttering has always been a universal experience. Whether it's the joy of finding a long-lost item or the satisfaction of organizing your entire closet, decluttering brings a sense of accomplishment and peace to the chaos of everyday life.

History behind the term 'Declutter'

1950

The Birth of 'Declutter'

The term 'declutter' was coined in the 1950s, originating from the word 'clutter' which means a disorderly collection of items. The prefix 'de-' is used to express the act of removing or reversing something. Thus, the term 'declutter' was created to describe the process of removing clutter or tidying up spaces. It quickly gained popularity as a concise and effective way to convey the idea of organizing and simplifying one's surroundings.

2000

The Rise of Minimalism

In the early 2000s, the concept of minimalism gained significant traction in popular culture. Minimalism emphasizes living with fewer material possessions and reducing clutter to create a more meaningful and intentional lifestyle. This movement spurred a renewed interest in decluttering techniques and prompted people to seek out ways to simplify their lives. The term 'declutter' became closely associated with the minimalist lifestyle, further solidifying its place in modern lexicon.

2010

Marie Kondo and the Decluttering Revolution

In 2011, Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, released her book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing'. Kondo's unique approach to decluttering, focusing on keeping items that 'spark joy,' captivated audiences worldwide. Her methodology, known as the KonMari method, popularized decluttering as a transformative and spiritual practice. With her book becoming a bestseller and the subsequent release of a Netflix series in 2019, Marie Kondo inspired millions to declutter their homes and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.

Present

Continued Growth and Evolution

In the present day, 'declutter' has firmly established itself as a common term in our everyday vocabulary. The popularity of decluttering has spawned a multitude of books, articles, blogs, and professional organizing services dedicated to helping individuals tackle clutter and simplify their lives. The term has also extended beyond physical spaces and is now commonly used in the digital realm to describe the act of organizing and optimizing digital files and online presence. 'Decluttering' has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to evolve and adapt as society grapples with the challenges of modern living.