Ever feel like your home is working against you? Between work, family, and endless to-dos, keeping things tidy can feel impossible. But what if just 15 minutes a day could change that?
A cluttered space weighs on your mind. It steals time, energy, and even joy. The good news? Small, consistent efforts add up. Start with one drawer, your car, or that overflowing purse. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
This isn’t about ruthless minimalism. It’s about freeing up mental space so you can focus on what matters. Simple methods—like the container concept or involving your family—make it manageable. And yes, letting go of unused items guilt-free is part of the process.
Key Takeaways
- Short daily sessions create lasting change without overwhelm.
- A tidy home reduces stress and boosts mental clarity.
- Start small—target easy wins like your bag or bathroom.
- Use tools like containers to decide what stays.
- Involve family to share the effort and maintain results.
Best Decluttering Tips for Busy People: Start Small
Small wins create momentum—begin with spaces that don’t trigger emotional decisions. A cluttered house feels less daunting when you target low-stakes zones first. Your car, bathroom, or junk drawer are perfect examples.
Why Low-Emotional Areas Work Best
Spots like glove compartments or makeup cabinets hold fewer sentimental items. You’ll make faster choices without guilt. Try these starter zones:
| Area | Why It’s Easy | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Car console | Limited sentimental value | 5 minutes |
| Bathroom shelf | Expired products are obvious | 10 minutes |
| Purse/work bag | Daily use simplifies decisions | 7 minutes |
The 15-Minute Daily Habit
Set a timer for short bursts. Rita Wilkins, an organizing expert, suggests morning or evening sessions. Even 5 minutes per day adds up. Here’s how to adapt it:
- Use a playlist to track time without clock-watching.
- Keep a donation bag in your closet for instant edits.
- Skip your spouse’s belongings—start with your own stuff.
In her TEDx talk, the speaker shared how decluttering towels first built her confidence. Moldy fridge leftovers or duplicate spatulas? Easy wins. Save photo albums and kids’ toys for later.
Quick Decluttering Methods to Save Time
Time-crunched? These fast methods cut clutter without draining your schedule. Focus on systems that deliver visible results in minutes—not hours.
The One-Minute Rule for Immediate Action
Gretchen Rubin’s one-minute rule is golden: If a task takes under 60 seconds, do it now. Hang your coat. File that receipt. Toss expired condiments. Small actions prevent piles.
Try pairing it with habits you already have. Sort mail while coffee brews. Wipe the bathroom sink after brushing teeth. Progress hides in micro-moments.
Use the “One In, One Out” Rule to Prevent Clutter Buildup
New toy? Donate an old one. Bought shoes? Let go of a dusty pair. This method works for kids’ items, kitchen tools—even apps on your phone.
Rita Wilkins swears by it for pantries: “Before buying cereal, check dates. Toss stale boxes first.” No more overstuffed shelves.
Try the Hanger Trick to Identify Unused Clothes
Turn all hangers backward. After wearing an item, flip it the right way. In 60 days, you’ll spot unworn clothes—time to donate.
Studies show we only wear 20% of our wardrobe. For hesitant keepers, use a “maybe” bin. Revisit it in a month. If untouched, let it go.
- Shop smarter: Snap a closet photo before buying. Avoid duplicates.
- Power hour: Emmy’s weekly 60-minute blitz tackles hotspots like entryways.
- Buy Nothing groups: Post unwanted items. Neighbors often collect same-day.
Declutter Your Home with the Container Concept
The container concept turns chaos into order with one simple rule: if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay. Imagine your kitchen drawer—it holds utensils neatly because it has limits. Apply that logic to every room in your home.
Empty a Space and Only Return What You Love
Start by emptying a spot completely. A junk drawer? Dump it. Now, curate:
- Keep what you use weekly.
- Donate duplicates (why own six spatulas?).
- Toss broken or expired items.
Emmy’s podcast suggests asking: “Would I buy this today?” If not, it’s clutter.
Use “Out of Sight” Bins for Uncertain Items
Struggling to decide? Try a bin labeled “Maybe.” Store it out of sight for 30 days. If unopened, donate the box untouched. Rita Wilkins uses this for pantry stuff: “Shop your inventory before buying more.”
For seasonal decor, make exceptions—but set a way to rotate it. Label bins with expiration dates (“Holiday lights: check Dec 2024”).
“Containers create boundaries. Without them, clutter expands to fill the space.”
—Organizing expert Rita Wilkins
Make Decluttering a Family Affair
Shared spaces stay cleaner with simple family rules. When everyone contributes, maintaining order becomes part of daily life rather than a solo chore. Start by modeling behavior—kids mimic what they see.
Lead by Example with Your Own Belongings
Show how you curate your stuff first. Rita Wilkins recalls childhood signs in her house: “If it takes less than a minute, do it now.” Adapt this by:
- Keeping a donation bag in your closet
- Doing weekly 10-minute tidy-ups together
- Celebrating small wins like a clear entryway
“Kids learn responsibility when they see parents making intentional choices about their items.”
—Organizing expert Rita Wilkins
Assign Simple Rules Like “Pick It Up” for Kids
Create kid-friendly systems with visual cues. A triplet mom shares her way: color-coded bins for toys and low hooks for coats. Try this age-based approach:
| Age Group | Task | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 years | Put toys in bin | Picture-labeled boxes |
| 5-8 years | Hang coats | Low hooks + stool |
| 9+ years | Sort school papers | Desktop file box |
Monthly “clutter amnesty” days help resolve contested items. Reward participation with extra screen time or a favorite meal. Remember—perfection isn’t the goal. A functional room beats a spotless one.
Daily Habits to Keep Clutter at Bay
Consistency beats intensity when keeping your space organized. Tiny daily efforts—like a 10-minute reset—prevent overwhelm. Start with high-traffic zones: counters, floors, and entryways.
Implement a 10-Minute Nightly Reset Routine
End each day with clear surfaces. Emmy’s dining table ritual takes 7 minutes:
- Wipe counters while coffee brews.
- Scan floors for stray items.
- Toss expired stuff from the fridge.
Lisa Lizotte stacks habits: “Pair tidying with brushing teeth—two birds, one stone.” Try this sequence:
| Time | Task | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 2 min | Clear mail | Color-coded tray |
| 3 min | Put away items | Basket for misc. |
| 5 min | Quick vacuum | Stick vacuum |
Designate a Spot for Incoming Mail and Paperwork
A box labeled “Inbox” stops paper piles. Rita Wilkins’ system:
- Recycle junk mail instantly.
- File bills in a drawer.
- Review magazines weekly.
“Clutter grows when papers lack a home. Give every sheet a spot.”
—Organizing expert Rita Wilkins
Play the five things game: Before bed, put away five stray items. Family participation turns it into a race. Sunday resets maintain momentum—clear hotspots together.
Focus on High-Impact Zones First
Kitchens and entryways often become clutter magnets—but they don’t have to. These high-traffic spaces impact daily routines more than any other spot in your home. Start here to see immediate improvements.
Tackle the Kitchen by Dividing It into Categories
Emmy’s cook/eat/store method simplifies kitchen triage. Group items by function:
- Prep zone: Keep knives and cutting boards near the fridge
- Cooking area: Store spatulas and pans by the stove
- Storage: Use tension rods to hang measuring cups vertically
Rita Wilkins’ pantry system prevents overbuying: “Label shelves ‘grains’, ‘cans’, and ‘snacks’. When a category fills up, stop shopping.”
Streamline Entryways with Shoe Racks and Hook Systems
The triplet mom’s slatted rack success proves entryways need limits. Try these rules:
| Solution | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Double hooks per person | Prevents coat piles |
| 2-shoe capacity | Encourages daily put-aways |
| Wall-mounted mail sorter | Stops paper avalanches |
“A junk drawer isn’t bad—it just needs boundaries. Ice cube trays corral paperclips and batteries perfectly.”
—Organizing expert Emmy
For cleaning supplies, under-sink risers create instant visibility. Just avoid over-categorizing—one bin for all rags works better than six specialty holders.
Let Go of Guilt and Unused Items
Holding onto things out of obligation drains energy. That sweater you never wear? The box of childhood report cards? They take up space in your house and mind. Freeing yourself starts with shifting perspective.
Ask Yourself: “Would I Buy This Today?”
Emmy’s 4-question filter helps cut through indecision:
- When did I last use this? (Over a year? Let it go)
- Does it fit my current life? (Past hobbies don’t count)
- Would I repurchase it now? (Be honest about value)
- Could someone else benefit more? (Think donation impact)
For sentimental items, try Rita Wilkins’ “maybe” buddy system. Invite a friend to help decide. They’ll spot dust-covered trophies you’re blind to.
Donate or Sell Items Without Haggling Over Past Costs
The sunk cost fallacy tricks us into keeping unused stuff. That $200 breadmaker? If it’s been unused for 18 days, its value is gone. Consider these ways to release items guilt-free:
| Option | Best For | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Buy Nothing groups | Quick pickups | 5 minutes per post |
| Consignment shops | Designer clothes | 1 hour/month |
| Charity donations | Instant tax receipts | 15 minutes/drop-off |
“Gifts are meant to be enjoyed—not stored. Thank them for their service, then set them free.”
—Organizing expert Emmy
Digital clutter follows the same rules. Unused apps? Delete them. Blurry photos? Archive or trash. Your future self will thank you for the rest.
Conclusion: Embrace a Clutter-Free Life
Less clutter means more freedom to focus on what truly matters. Small daily efforts—like 15-minute sessions—add up to a home that feels lighter and more intentional.
Studies show clear spaces reduce stress and boost mental clarity. The container concept helps maintain order by setting limits. Start with one drawer or shelf, and celebrate progress over perfection.
Simplify your life by letting go of unused items. Emmy’s free newsletter offers weekly motivation. Rita Wilkins recommends books like The Joy of Less to inspire mindful habits.
Ready to begin? Set a timer today. Reclaiming your time starts with letting go of excess stuff. Your future self will thank you.
FAQ
What’s the easiest way to start decluttering when I’m short on time?
Begin with small, low-emotional spaces like your car or bathroom. Set a timer for just 15 minutes a day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How can I stop clutter from piling up again?
Follow the “one in, one out” rule—when you bring something new in, remove an old item. This keeps your space balanced.
What’s a quick trick to identify clothes I don’t wear?
Turn all hangers backward in your closet. After six months, anything still facing backward can go—you clearly haven’t worn it.
How do I decide what to keep when I’m unsure?
Try the container concept—empty a space and only put back what you truly love or use. Store uncertain items in a bin out of sight for a trial period.
How can I get my family involved in decluttering?
Lead by example and assign simple tasks, like a “pick it up” rule for kids. Make it a fun, shared activity rather than a chore.
What’s the best daily habit to prevent mess buildup?
Spend 10 minutes each night resetting your space—putting things back, clearing surfaces, and sorting mail into a designated spot.
Which areas should I tackle first for the biggest impact?
Focus on high-traffic zones like the kitchen or entryway. Break them into categories (e.g., utensils, shoes) to make progress faster.
How do I let go of items I feel guilty about discarding?
Ask, “Would I buy this today?” If not, donate or sell it without dwelling on past costs. Someone else might cherish it.
