There’s something about earning points that lights a little fire inside me. My gym app has
totally figured this out. I get a point just for checking in. Two points when I track a workout. Three when I set a goal and actually complete it. If I challenge myself with something new, that’s five points. And when I finish a tough one? Fifteen points!
All those points add up—and I can trade them in for t-shirts, water bottles, gym
towels, and more. It’s a simple system, but it works. It motivates me to move more, push harder, and keep going even when I’d rather stay curled up on the couch.
So I thought—why not bring that same points system into organizing?
The Organizing Points Game:
Turn Clutter into Motivation
If you’ve ever
struggled to get started on an organizing project like decluttering—or just want a way to stay motivated—try turning it into a
game. Here’s how to earn your organizing points: Check In with Your Space – 1 Point
Walk into any room and take a look around. Notice what’s working and what isn’t. A little awareness goes a long way.
Declutter One Small Area – 2 Points
Pick a drawer, a shelf, or the top of a table and remove what doesn’t belong. Toss what’s broken, donate what you don’t need, and keep only what you truly use and love.
Set a Mini-Goal and Complete It – 3 Points
Choose a goal that’s specific and doable. Here are some examples:
I will declutter
3 items from my closet every day for the next 5 days.
I will organize my bathroom cabinet before Friday.
I will find and recycle 10 pieces of junk
mail tonight.
I will clean out one tote bin in the garage this weekend.
Once it’s done, check it off and collect your points.
Challenge Yourself – 5 Points
Take on a bigger or more daring organizing task. Here are five ideas:
Get rid of 50 items from your garage this month.
Go screen-free for a weekend and use the time to tackle your linen closet.
Sort through all your digital photos and delete duplicates.
Declutter and donate 10 clothing items you haven’t worn in the past year.
Pick one room and make it your "reset" room—a peaceful, clutter-free zone you keep tidy every day for a week.
Complete a Tough Project – 15 Points
You know the one—the attic, the basement, or that
catch-all closet that makes you want to run in the other direction. Get it done, and give yourself a full 15 points. You deserve them.
Reward Ideas – Trade in Your Points!
Set a target (maybe 25, 50, or 100 points) and reward
yourself with something that supports your efforts or just brings you joy. Here are ten great options:
A new book you’ve been wanting to read
A soft new pair of pajamas or cozy
slippers
A fresh plant for your kitchen or home office
A pretty, refillable notebook or journal
A new tote bag for library books or errands
A mini label maker or label refills
A playlist upgrade or new headphones
A relaxing candle or essential oil diffuser
The best part?
This organizing game is one you control. You decide how fast to play, which projects to tackle, and when to treat yourself.
The only rule: make progress and enjoy the process.
Every point gets you closer to a more peaceful, functional space. Keep going—you’re doing amazing!
On another note...
Book lovers (like me) light up over great stories—but there’s something extra special about receiving a gift that celebrates the whole reading experience. My Gifts for Bookworms (Beyond Just Books) curated list will delight you...or anyone in your life who loves reading!
