Decluttering your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, small, consistent efforts can make a big difference — and they don’t have to take all day! Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, these five simple decluttering tasks will help you create a calmer, more organized home.
1. Set a 15-Minute Timer
Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on decluttering just one small area — a drawer, a shelf, or a section of your countertop. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short burst of focused time.
Playing fun, upbeat music in the background can help brighten the mood and keep your energy levels going.
2. Apply the One-Year Rule
Be honest: If you haven’t used, worn, or even thought about an item in the past year, chances are you don’t need it. This works especially well for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and random items tucked away in storage.
3. Keep a Donation Box Handy
Create a designated donation box in your closet, laundry room, or garage. Whenever you come across something you no longer need, drop it in the box. Once the box is full, it’s time for a donation trip!
4. Declutter by Category
Instead of tackling an entire room (which can feel overwhelming), focus on one category at a time — books, shoes, beauty products, linens, or pantry items. This keeps the process manageable and helps you see real progress.
5. Follow the "One In, One Out" Rule
A simple habit to prevent future clutter: every time you bring something new into your home, remove one item you no longer need. This keeps your space balanced and stops clutter from building up again.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be complicated. These easy tasks help you clear space and create calm — one small step at a time.
Are you ready to dive into decluttering your own home, but need more guidance to stay on track?
Download my free Declutter Checklist to help keep you on task as you declutter room by room.