Does decluttering your home feel like a daunting task?
Even the word “declutter” sounds like a day-long affair. I mean, how can anyone possibly declutter their home in only 15 minutes a day?
This is what I grapple with every single day in my small home.
And when I was living in my first apartment, I just couldn’t handle all the clutter that accumulated from a college student.
Well, lately I’ve been looking all over TikTok and Pinterest to find the best way to declutter your home fast so that keeping things tidy doesn’t feel like a tortuous chore.
This way, you don’t have to dedicate an entire weekend to decluttering, and you can keep living your best life.
If that sounds good to you, let’s get started with how to declutter and organize your home in just 15 minutes a day!
Step 1: Start Small, Finish Big
Okay, let’s look at how to start to declutter your home. Step one is important!
Begin with a small area, like a drawer or a single shelf.
Tackling smaller spaces first allows you to see quick progress and will motivate you to continue.
There’s something deeply satisfying about witnessing the transformation of your home from messy to clean in a short amount of time!
And did you know that clutter causes stress?
As you clear out that drawer or tidy up that shelf, you’ll start to feel more relaxed.
So between feeling accomplished and less stressed out, you’ll find the momentum to take on bigger tasks.
Your decluttering efforts will snowball into a clean home in no time.
Just remember that decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge task – think of it as a series of manageable steps. One step at a time!
Step 2: Set a Timer
Obviously, if you want to declutter fast in 15 minutes, you’ll want to keep track of time!
Setting a timer for 15 minutes is a super powerful way to make decluttering both quick and doable.
Here’s why:
- Sense of Urgency: The ticking clock introduces a sense of urgency, encouraging you to stay focused and make decisions swiftly. This prevents the common trap of getting bogged down by sentimental attachments or overthinking each item’s fate.
- Prevents Overwhelm: The time constraint acts as a built-in safety net against overwhelm. Knowing that there’s a designated endpoint for the task alleviates the pressure and allows you to approach decluttering with a clear mind.
- Focused Attention: Allocate your attention to a specific area during the set time. This targeted approach prevents you from spreading yourself too thin and ensures that the task remains manageable. You’ll be amazed at how much impact you can have on a space in just 15 minutes.
- Trackable Progress: As the timer counts down, you’ll witness tangible progress. This visual reinforcement not only motivates you to keep going but also serves as a reminder that decluttering doesn’t always require marathon sessions – consistent, short bursts can yield significant results.
So grab a timer and use it to keep you on task.
It’ll help you manage your time better and turn a potentially overwhelming task into a series of bite-sized accomplishments – just like we talked about in step one!
Step 3: Categorize and Conquer
Okay, I know there’s no way to make decluttering completely stress-free.
But if you are wondering how to declutter your home when you are overwhelmed, sometimes you need to divide and conquer!
Create three piles: keep, donate, and discard. As you declutter, categorize items into each pile. This helps in streamlining the process and prevents second-guessing.
Be ruthless with your decisions – if you haven’t used or worn something in the last year, it’s time to let it go.
If something is truly sentimental, keep it but give it a home that isn’t in the way.
Another helpful decluttering rule is the “one in, one out” rule as you sift through belongings. Consider parting with something old for every new item you bring into your home.
This way, you can keep a balance and prevent the accumulation of unnecessary things. Plus, the more you prevent clutter, the less you’ll eventually have to clean.
Win-win!
Step 4: Tackle High-Traffic Areas First
Want to know my number one secret to how to quickly declutter your home?
Start with the areas that get used the most – the high-traffic areas.
High-traffic areas are the epicenters of daily life, and by tackling them first, you’re strategically setting the stage for a clutter-free home.
Here’s a breakdown of how to quickly declutter these spaces:
Living Room
- Start with the surfaces: Clear coffee tables, side tables, and entertainment centers of any items that don’t belong.
- Organize media: Arrange books, DVDs, or video games in an orderly manner.
- Declutter seating areas: Put away items that have accumulated on sofas or chairs.
Kitchen
- Clear countertops: Keep only essential items on the counters, storing the rest in cabinets or drawers.
- Organize pantry and fridge: Dispose of expired items and group similar items together.
- Tackle the junk drawer: We all have one – take a few minutes to organize and discard unnecessary items.
Entryway
- Establish a dedicated space for keys, mail, and shoes to avoid unnecessary clutter.
- Sort through jackets and accessories, donating or storing items you no longer need.
- Vacuum or sweep the entryway regularly to prevent dirt and debris accumulation.
Focusing on these high-traffic areas right away will make the rest of your decluttering feel like a breeze!
Once these zones are in order, your home will immediately look more tidy. And getting through each of them in 15 minutes is completely doable!
Step 5: Make Decluttering a Daily Habit
In order to be able to declutter your home in 15 minutes a day, you have to declutter every day!
That doesn’t mean you have to tear apart a closet or dig out your cupboards every day. It just means tackling something each day so that decluttering doesn’t feel as overwhelming.
And, as I said, the more you declutter, the less you’ll have to declutter!
When you include decluttering into your daily routine, try not to think about it as a “chore.” Decluttering in the morning can be a great mental warm-up, and decluttering at night can be a calming way to wind down before bed.
By choosing a specific time to declutter, you can easily make it a habit. It can also become an almost therapeutic ritual.
Okay, I know that might sound nuts. How can cleaning be therapeutic?
Well, think about it this way – decluttering for 15 minutes in the morning can help clear your mind for the day ahead.
Sometimes, our minds can get as cluttered as our living spaces just by looking at the mess!
The same goes for the evenings. You can clear your home and your mind before hitting the sack and going to sleep.
Plus, you can make decluttering a fun routine by putting on a cleaning playlist or podcast. Before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to throwing your ear pods in to listen to your favorite tunes!
Basically, the goal is to make decluttering a part of your day that doesn’t feel like a slog or a chore. If it doesn’t feel like work, you’ll be more likely to get it done.
So, sip that morning coffee or unwind before bed – and let the daily decluttering ritual become a cornerstone of your balanced and harmonious lifestyle!
Decluttering Tools That Will Help
Okay, so we’ve talked about how to get your home in order almost immediately, but achieving a clutter-free home is even easier with the help of some handy tools!
Here are a few essentials you should have to make the decluttering process easier:
Storage Bins and Containers
Invest in clear, stackable storage bins and containers.
They keep your belongings neatly organized and make it easy to see what’s inside, eliminating the need to rummage through clutter.
Label Maker
A label maker may seem like a small thing, but it can make a world of difference! Clearly labeling boxes and containers ensures that everything has its designated place, making maintaining order in the long run simpler.
I use a label maker
Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers can be a game-changer for smaller items like utensils, socks, or accessories. These simple dividers keep items separated and prevent drawers from turning into chaotic catch-alls.
Shoe Rack
Keep your entryway tidy with a shoe rack. It prevents shoes from piling up near the door and adds a touch of organization to one of the first spaces you encounter when entering your home.
Hangers with Grips
Upgrade your closet with hangers that have grips to prevent clothes from slipping off.
This small adjustment can make a big difference in maintaining an organized and clean-looking wardrobe.
Cable Organizers
Tame the cable jungle with cable organizers. These handy tools keep cords neatly bundled together, reducing visual clutter and making identifying and managing each device so much easier.
Hooks and Pegs
Install hooks and pegs to hang bags, hats, or keys in high-traffic areas.
This prevents these items from ending up on counters or tables, contributing to a more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.
Desktop Organizer
If you work from home or have a designated workspace, a desktop organizer can keep pens, notepads, and other essentials in order. This ensures a clean and efficient workspace, promoting productivity.
Your Decluttering Checklist
Alrighty! Let’s put everything together into a checklist you can use to reach your decluttering goals.
Feel free to change this list to suit your home, but these are some quick and easy decluttering tasks you can get done in 15 minutes:
Drawer Dash
- Pick a drawer, any drawer – from your kitchen to your nightstand.
- Sort through items, discarding anything unnecessary.
- Organize the remaining items neatly.
Shelf Shuffle
- Select a shelf in your living room or bathroom.
- Dust and wipe down the surface.
- Arrange items in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Closet Quick-Scan
- Focus on a section of your closet – perhaps shoes, accessories, or a specific clothing category.
- Weed out items you no longer wear or need.
- Reorganize what remains for easy access.
Paper Purge
- Choose a stack of papers – whether it’s mail, bills, or old documents.
- Shred or recycle unnecessary paperwork.
- File important documents in an organized system.
High-Traffic Touch-Up
- Zone in on a high-traffic area, like the kitchen counter or coffee table.
- Clear away items that don’t belong or are out of place.
- Wipe down surfaces for a polished look.
Bedroom Blitz
- Give your bedroom a quick overhaul.
- Make your bed and fluff pillows.
- Put away items that have migrated to the bedroom but don’t belong.
Medicine Cabinet Makeover
- Open your medicine cabinet or bathroom storage.
- Dispose of expired medications or beauty products.
- Arrange items logically for easy access.
When you’re coming up with a decluttering checklist, remember that consistency is key!
Including these tasks in your daily routine will help you conquer your clutter and enjoy a nice clean living space without feeling overwhelmed.
(For a full meal deal declutter checklist, click here!)
Quick and Easy Declutter Tips for a Cleaner Home!
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or stressful task.
With a plan and a positive mindset, your daily decluttering sessions will easily become an enjoyable part of your daily routine.
Just don’t forget to keep up with it, and you’ll be basking in the benefits of decluttering in no time!
Remember to follow me on Pinterest for more decluttering, organizing and cleaning help!
