If you’ve ever opened a junk drawer and found 47 random pens, three dried-out markers, and approximately one pencil with no eraser… welcome. You’re in good company. 

For this week’s 5-a-Day Friday Decluttering Challenge, we’re tackling something small but surprisingly cluttered in most homes: Pens, pencils, markers, and random writing utensils. And before you think, “This barely counts as decluttering,” hear me out. Small decluttering wins matter.

When your house feels overwhelming, tackling an entire room can feel impossible. But finding just five things to let go of? That feels doable. And doable is what creates momentum.

Why Writing Supplies Become Clutter So Fast

Writing utensils are one of those things we don’t think much about because they’re useful. The problem? They’re also tiny, easy to stash, and somehow seem to multiply overnight.

You probably have them:

• In junk drawers
• On kitchen counters
• In purses or diaper bags
• Stuffed into office drawers
• In random baskets
• In the car
• Somehow… everywhere

And because they’re “useful,” we rarely stop to ask: Do I actually need all of these? Usually, the answer is no.

Your 5-a-Day Friday Challenge

Today’s challenge is simple: Find five writing utensils to declutter.

Look for:

✔️ Pens that don’t work
✔️ Dried-out markers or highlighters
✔️ Broken pencils
✔️ Promotional pens you never use
✔️ Extras you realistically don’t need

You’ll probably find five faster than you think. And if you find twenty? Even better. 

A Simple Trick to Stop Pen Clutter from Coming Back

One of my favorite decluttering principles is this: Limit the space instead of obsessing over the number. Instead of deciding exactly how many pens you’re “allowed” to keep, give yourself a designated container and let that be the limit.

If the container is overflowing? It’s probably time to declutter a few. A simple pen holder, desk organizer, or drawer container can make a huge difference in keeping things from spreading all over the house, and works great for keeping supplies contained without adding visual clutter. Choose something small enough that it naturally limits how much you keep.

Small Decluttering Wins Count

If your house feels overwhelming right now, I want you to remember this: You do not have to declutter an entire room to make progress. 

Five things count. Tiny wins count. Momentum matters.

So today? Go find your five. Even if it’s just dried-up pens from the junk drawer.

That still counts. 

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