Declutter Your Home In 15 Minutes A Day
Do you struggle with clutter? You can have a decluttered and tidy home! In just 15 minutes a day, you can create a routine that will help you get rid of the excess and clutter in your home and put things away neatly. And most importantly, keep your home tidy every day! Ready to declutter your home in 15 minutes a day?
Some people love to declutter and some don’t but almost everyone can spend 15 minutes a day decluttering their home! And every single day your home will be freer of mess and clutter and that feels so so good! Let’s set our timers and declutter!
Does everything in your house have a home? A place it belongs, preferably near where you use it? Or do you have piles of things? Maybe they are stashed in baskets, dish pans (guilty), tote bags, trash bags, or boxes, all conveniently hidden away? Or maybe your piles are out in the open: stacks of paper, mail, magazines, shoes, books, or odds and ends.
Do you see do-dads, clothes, and random things that need putting away but end up piled in plain sight? Let us talk about the easiest and best way to declutter your home. But who has time to dig through all that mess and clean it up?
YOU DO. Yes, you do, my friend.
If you can spare just 15 minutes a day, you can declutter. This is not about overnight transformations or heavy-lifting decluttering. No forklifts are required. This is a gentler and kinder approach that actually works much better in the long run.
After decades of reading every kind of home organizing and cleaning book you can imagine, I have found the strategies that work best for me. And I am excited to share one of the very best with you.
This is a 15-minute declutter you commit to every day (five days a week). Yes, you really can have a clutter-free home and keep it that way. There are a few simple guidelines you will need to follow for this plan to work.
Ready?
Why 15 Minutes?
Sometimes, the hardest part of decluttering is simply starting. Setting aside just 15 minutes eliminates the pressure of tackling your entire home all at once. It’s quick, manageable, and can fit into even the busiest of days. Plus, seeing even a small area cleared and organized can be incredibly motivating!
Just Start
Sometimes, the hardest part of decluttering is just getting started, isn’t it? It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed when you think about everything that needs to be done. That’s why setting aside just 15 minutes a day can make things so much easier! It takes away the pressure of tackling your whole house at once and makes the process feel so much more doable. Instead of worrying about every room, closet, or drawer, you just focus on one small task. Doesn’t that sound manageable?
Fifteen minutes might not seem like much, but trust me, you can accomplish a lot in that time. Whether it’s clearing off a cluttered countertop, sorting through a pile of mail, or organizing one messy drawer, those little wins really add up. And here’s the best part: when you see even one space neat and tidy, it’s so motivating! It makes you want to keep going and tackle the next thing on your list. This approach is perfect for busy days because it’s quick and flexible. You can make it work with whatever time you have.
Remember, decluttering isn’t just about tidying up your home. It’s about creating a space that feels peaceful and stress-free. And it all starts with just 15 minutes a day.
Everything In Your Home Needs A Home
When we do not have a purposeful place for everything in our home, we can quickly spiral into clutterland. And clutter leads to stress, and stress often gives birth to its twins: inertia and apathy. Dealing with clutter feels overwhelming, so we avoid it. And what happens? More clutter piles up. It is a vicious cycle, no doubt about it.
The best way to create a calm and peaceful home is to dig in and start tackling the clutter. Cleaning out, decluttering, and finding a place for everything in your home are the keys to breaking free from clutter’s grip.
People often say, “I just do not have a place for (fill in the blank).” If that is true, then here comes a little tough love: you probably have too much stuff. I say this from experience because I have been there, too.
Our homes can get overstuffed, bursting at the seams. It is time to let go of the excess so we have space for what really matters. And maybe even create a little breathing room for our homes.
Too much stuff can weigh us down psychologically and leave us feeling tired. Clearing out the clutter is not just about organizing your home. It is about lifting that invisible weight off your shoulders and giving yourself and your home the gift of space.
Throw Away, Give Away, Put Away
Now, let us talk about how to take action on your clutter!
Your goal is to declutter your home 15 minutes at a time. Do this quickly and efficiently, and do not get caught up in the nostalgia of something.
Throw Away
Throwing things away is the fastest way to eliminate clutter. It is also the most satisfying because you can see instant results. By removing what is no longer useful or broken, you are clearing space for what truly matters.
Benefits:
- Instantly reduces visible clutter.
- Frees up space for items you use and love.
- Creates a cleaner, more organized environment.
How to Do It:
- Grab a big trash bag and toss anything that is broken, worn out, or no longer useful.
- Examples: Expired pantry items, worn-out socks, old makeup, or pens that no longer work.
- Tip: Be ruthless. If it is trash, get it out of the house immediately.
Give Away
Giving items away not only declutters your home but also helps others who might need what you no longer use. It is a meaningful way to pass on good-quality items and make space for things that truly serve you.
Benefits:
- Supports charitable causes or people in need.
- Reduces clutter without adding waste to landfills.
- Helps you feel good about letting go of items you no longer need.
How to Do It:
- Use a basket or box for items that are in good condition but no longer serve you.
- Examples: Clothes you have not worn in a year, duplicate kitchen gadgets, books you will not read again, or toys the kids have outgrown.
- Tip: Keep a donation box in your car so you can drop items off at Goodwill or a charity when you are out running errands.
Put Away
Putting things away is the key to maintaining a tidy home. By assigning a place for every item, you eliminate the chaos of clutter and create an organized space where everything is easy to find.
Benefits:
- Keeps your home neat and organized.
- Saves time because you know exactly where to find things.
- Helps prevent clutter from building up again.
How to Do It:
- Designate a basket or box for items that belong in other rooms or need to be stored properly.
- Examples: Shoes left in the living room, jackets draped over chairs, or tools that should be in the garage.
- Tip: Commit to putting everything from this basket in its proper place as soon as you finish decluttering. Do not let it become another pile of clutter.
By breaking the process into these three categories, decluttering becomes manageable and less overwhelming. Everything in your home will have a place, and you will feel more organized and in control.
Be Ruthless When You Declutter
This is my mantra! BE RUTHLESS!!!
It is time to be ruthless! Clutter loves to sneak in and take over, but you do not need to let it win. Let us be honest with ourselves, we do not need three lemon zesters. Two of them need to go! We should not have ten extra bed pillows. Just keep enough for each bed and maybe one or two extras for a guest.
Those extra and duplicate items we keep around are the very things creating clutter. And clutter is not just an eyesore. It is literally stressing us out.
Here is the truth: you do not need to show your clutter love or send it off with a grateful goodbye. You do not need to hold each item and relive all the memories attached to it. That clutter is costing you time, money, and peace of mind.
Just get rid of it. Donate it, toss it, or pass it along. And do not give it another thought. By being ruthless, you free up space and create a calmer, more functional home.
Where In Your Home Should You Start A Declutter Plan?
Starting your decluttering plan can feel overwhelming, but the key is to begin with small and manageable steps. Focus on one area at a time and build momentum as you go.
Begin in a space where you spend a lot of time, like the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. These areas will give you the biggest sense of accomplishment once they are tidy and organized. Choose a specific spot, like a countertop, a single drawer, or a small section of a room. By narrowing your focus, you make the process more doable and less stressful.
Work quickly and make decisions with confidence. If an item is broken, toss it. If it is in good condition but not useful to you, donate it. If it belongs in another room, put it away immediately. The goal is to clear the space and create order without overthinking.
By starting in a high-traffic area and focusing on just one section at a time, you will see progress quickly. This sense of accomplishment will motivate you to keep going and tackle the next space. Remember, the hardest part is getting started, but once you do, the results will inspire you to continue decluttering and organizing your home.
Next step, Maintenance
Decluttering your home is a great accomplishment, but keeping it that way requires consistent effort. The key to maintaining a clutter-free home is building small daily habits that prevent clutter from creeping back in.
Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to tidy up. Focus on putting things back where they belong as soon as you are done using them. For example, hang up coats, return dishes to the kitchen, and place books back on the shelf. These small actions take little time but make a HUGE difference.
Make a habit of evaluating new items that come into your home. Before bringing something in, ask yourself if you truly need it and where it will go. For every new item, consider removing something old to keep things balanced.
Weekly check-ins are also helpful. Choose one day a week to do a quick decluttering session. Walk through your home and look for items that are out of place or no longer serve you. This regular upkeep keeps clutter at bay and ensures your home stays organized.
Remember, maintenance is about consistency, not perfection. A little effort each day will help you enjoy a calm and organized home for the long term.
What To Do When You Have Decluttered Your Home
Decluttering is not a one-and-done project. It is an ongoing process that evolves with your home and lifestyle. Even after you have decluttered, it is important to keep those 15-minute sessions as part of your routine to refine, edit, and organize what you have.
Use those 15 minutes to revisit areas you have already decluttered. Check for items that no longer serve you, things that might have wandered out of place, or areas that could use a little extra attention. Regular maintenance helps prevent clutter from sneaking back in.
The 15-minute declutter plan is the easiest way to stay on top of your home. It might take longer than spending a week or two doing nothing but intense decluttering and organizing, but it is more sustainable and less overwhelming. Every small step forward is progress, and each session brings you closer to a home that feels calm and well-organized.
Remember, the goal is not perfection but creating a space that works for you. Keep building on your progress, one 15-minute session at a time.
Decluttering your home does not have to feel overwhelming or impossible. By taking small, consistent steps, you can create a space that feels peaceful, functional, and inviting. The 15-minute declutter plan is a simple yet powerful way to take control of your home and make meaningful progress without the stress.
Celebrate every small victory and remind yourself that each little effort adds up. Your home is a reflection of the care and love you put into it, and by keeping up with this gentle and manageable approach, you are setting yourself up for long-term success.
You have got this, my friend. One step at a time, one room at a time, you are creating a home you love. Keep going with a happy attitude and a ruthless mantra!
Other Post To Organize And Clean Your Home
The Ultimate Guide To Clean And Organize Your Home
How To Clean Your Home In 30 Minutes A Day
12 Healthy Morning Routine Habits To Cultivate
8 Smart Ideas For A Healthy Nighttime Routine
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Happy Decluttering!
Needed this encouragement today! Thank you!
Okay, okay! You’ve convinced me. 15 minutes a day for a clean home. I can do it!
I do this almost every day! It will make a big difference after a while.
Everyone thought I was crazy when I did a drastic declutter in my house, however, since then I have recieved many compliments about how well kept up it is!
Great tips….thanks for sharing!
Always great ideas for enjoying our homes!
This is doable! Thanks for the tips!
I agree, decluttering is a journey. I am slowing working my way through the guest room and the office. Any progress is a win. I have donated many things on a local free website.
You always share such great ideas with us. Thanks!
This has always been a struggle for me!
Me too Cheryl! I am not naturally neat. However, keeping a 15 minute declutter routine really helps.
I recently passed on several family heirlooms to my sister. One a chest from my great grandfather. I used it to store tablecloths, placemats, napkins, all drawers filled to the brim. Fast forward all item are now in cardboard boxes. Started to sort through them but realized I do not use most of them, some new still in package, no practicle place to put them and do not need them. Placed on market place if not sold in 2 weeks will donate. Plan to keep 1 white, 1 cream and a couple of holiday ones, they make me happy. So much easier to get rid of them than trying to find a place to put them. Lesson Learned.
Rearing 3 boys and a girl, while being a ranchers wife and a full time high school physics teacher… I’m afraid the 15 minute method would take me about 20 years! But seriously… when I retired 2 years ago, the kids were all out on their own, so I set out to completely declutter my old rambling ranch house. I found a blogger (also a teacher with a bunch of kids) that refers to decluttering as “deslobification”. Her method, “throw it away, give it away or put it away”! So far, I’ve decluttered everything except my office and laundry/mud room/pantry combo room… I know, it’s a lot of function in there!
In my rooms that have been deslobified, I use the 15 minute declutter at least once a week per room, but mostly I just use the “put it in its place” method every day. We had a houseful over the holidays, and I heard my husband tell our sons, “and if you don’t keep your stuff put up, mama will throw it in a garbage can. I know this from experience”.
I really love my nearly decluttered home! Almost done!
I just went through my underwear, bras, socks, and pajamas today. Wow, I threw away so much!
Such a great post. I just forwarded it to my daughter. I spent 2 days with her last week trying to get her condo organized. We discarded a lot of ‘stuff’ but she needs to do so much more. Maybe this article will inspire her to become ruthless about decluttering rather than overwhelmed. I need to do this also! Thanks.
This process is so so easy and it works. With busy lives, many of us just don’t have time to spend a day or more organizing. When we organize every day it becomes a habit and part of our routine.
Yvonne
Thanks for this great idea for decluttering. I try to have a place for everything but lately find I am running out of space. This means I definitely have too many things and need to get a big donate box and do a 15 min.a day purge. Really how many flower vases ,napkins,platters,pillows, dishes, paintings,ect. .does a person need even if they are all pretty. My new mantra is its ok to have space in my storage areas!!
What a great mantra! I may make it my second mantra after BE RUTHLESS
Decluttering gives us and our homes such a calm feeling. Great post!
Great advice . I have a tendency to hold onto too much. I either think I might need it sometime or maybe someone I know might need it sometime. Neither has ever happened. I definitely have entirely way too much. I am going to use your advice on the 15 minutes a day strategy.
Thanks for the tip.
I am going to try this method. Surely I can do anything for 15 minutes. My issue is that my sister and my parents have all passed away and there is so much of my childhood that I don’t remember and there isn’t anyone to ask about it anymore. The things that are in my drawers and closets in boxes help me remember my past but I have to come to the realization that its preventing me from enjoying my present. It’s a hard decision to make, but these things from my past will just have to go. I think that 15 minute intervals will be less sad than trying to do an entire room at one time. Thank you so much to this post. I feel like it will be life altering.
I hope it will be life-altering, Mechelle. You should be making memories now and not cluttering up your life with items. Save the most sentimental and let go of rest.
I am a part of a group who will be decluttering our church nursery. Does anyone have suggestions how to begin? What toys to toss, what books to toss, etc. Many have been donated by church members ridding their homes of old STUFF. Once this is mastered, we will tackle the old church library which no one, I repeat no one uses. My sister is a retired librarian, and she suggested cull the old out of date books first.
I will personally do a 15 minute declutter in my clothes closet today. Thank you for the motivation.
Good for you! I just decluttered my linen closet. This post is a good motivator! Why doesn’t your group get together and make a plan? As far as books, I would never part with them unless they are torn, or soiled. Why not have a book giveaway in your church?
Are two comments allowed? I have this issue that everything in my closet still fits. My DIL said toss what is not in style. Well, I need help knowing what is and what isn’t. Can you do a post to help guide those of us having this dilemma? You might begin by sharing how you decided which bras and panties you kept and which you let go. Other than those that are worn out did you just keep a certain number of each?
Hi Teresa, that is such a personal decision. Keep what you like and will wear and get rid of what does not fit, is tired looking, or show signs of wear.
January is certainly a great month to begin the decluttering journey!! I have had a mantra “a place for everything and everything in its place”. It does help keep clutter down for sure, BUT many of us do not live alone. Try as I may, getting a spouse or significant other to think it’s a worthwhile journey is a challenge. He just can’t let go of things and some things aren’t mine to make that decision about and it becomes a stalemate. Suggestions??
It’s hard when the people we live with are not on “our same page”. Have peace in a home is so much better than s decluttered home with stress. Coming to a compromise is the best way.