Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and letting go of what no longer serves us. This year, I’ve embraced the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge—a practice of decluttering one bag of unnecessary items each day throughout Lent. But this isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating space for clarity, peace, and purpose.
Why Decluttering Matters
We all accumulate things over time—clothes we never wear, kitchen gadgets we don’t use, papers we no longer need. While these items might seem harmless, they take up space—not just in our homes, but in our minds. Excess clutter can lead to stress, overwhelm, and distraction from what truly matters.
By intentionally letting go of the things we don’t need, we make room for: ✅ Mental clarity – Less clutter = less mental load. ✅ Spiritual renewal – Shedding excess allows us to refocus on faith and gratitude. ✅ Generosity – Items we no longer need can bless someone else. ✅ A fresh start – Just like Lent prepares us for Easter, decluttering prepares us for new beginnings.
How to Get Started with 40 Bags in 40 Days
1️. Set Your Intention – Reflect on why you’re decluttering. What do you hope to gain? Peace? Simplicity? Space?
2️.Make a List – Identify 40 areas of your home (or digital life) that need a reset—closets, drawers, email inboxes, the garage, etc.
3️. One Bag a Day – Each day, remove one bag of clutter—trash, donations, or recycling.
- Be Thoughtful – Ask yourself: Does this item serve a purpose? Does it bring joy? Could someone else use it?
- Let It Go – Donate to shelters, resale shops, or families in need. Toss what’s truly unusable. I am also saving some items for our community garage sale.
Decluttering Beyond the Physical
This challenge isn’t just about “stuff.” Consider letting go of negative thoughts, bad habits, or distractions that weigh you down.
- Unsubscribe from emails that clutter your inbox.
- Release old grudges and practice forgiveness.
- Spend less time scrolling and more time present with loved ones.
The Reward: A Lighter, More Intentional Life
At the end of these 40 days, I won’t just have a cleaner home—I’ll have a clearer mind and heart. Lent is about preparing ourselves for renewal, and decluttering is a powerful way to align our physical space with our spiritual journey.
Are you joining the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge? Let’s declutter with purpose and embrace the freedom that comes with letting go. Would you like to be part of the text thread for accountability? Please respond to this email saying “READY” and I will add you to the group.
