10-Minute Decluttering Tasks for a Clutter-Free Life

If you’re looking for some quick decluttering wins, this is the post for you! If you’ve got a spare 5 or 10 minutes (perhaps while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil!) you could use that time to tackle one or more of these quick 10 minute decluttering tasks. Set a timer, pick your task and let’s go!

Quick Decluttering Tasks

1. Hang Your Coat and Put Shoes Away Right Away

The entryway is often the first place clutter accumulates. Combat this by making it a habit to hang your coat and put your shoes away immediately upon entering your home. Invest in hooks or a coat rack to make this process quick and convenient. Not only will this instantly declutter your entryway, but it will also set a positive tone for the rest of your living space.

2. Clear Nightstand Clutter

A cluttered nightstand or bedside table is nobody’s friend. Take 10 minutes each day to clear away any items that have accumulated on your nightstand. Return books to shelves, put away electronics, and create a minimalist, calming atmosphere that promotes restful sleep.

3. Make Your Bed Every Morning

The importance of making your bed every morning cannot be overstated. It sets a productive tone for the day and instantly transforms your bedroom. Spend just 10 minutes each morning arranging your pillows and smoothing out the sheets – a small effort that pays off in significant decluttering dividends.

4. Put Clothes in the Laundry or Away

Clothing left strewn across chairs or on the floor can quickly contribute to a cluttered appearance. Take a mere 10 minutes to put dirty clothes in the laundry and fold or hang clean clothes away. This simple task will keep your living spaces looking tidy and save you time in the long run.

5. Keep the Dining Table Clear

The dining table often becomes a dumping ground for various items, from mail to school supplies. Take a quick 10 minutes after meals to clear away any clutter, wiping down the surface to maintain a clean and inviting dining area. This small act will make a big difference in the overall feel of your home.

6. Put Away Health and Beauty Items After Use

Bathroom countertops can quickly become cluttered with beauty and health products. Combat this by making it a habit to put away items immediately after use. A 10-minute daily investment in returning items to their designated places will keep your bathroom looking organised and spa-like.

7. Tidy Throw Blankets After Use

We all love a cosy blanket, especially if you live in a cold Victorian home like I do! I always have a blanket nearby. They can become messy and contribute to clutter if not properly managed. After each use, take a moment to fold or drape throw blankets neatly over the back of sofas or chairs. This quick task maintains a tidy appearance while still allowing you to enjoy the comfort of your throws.

8. Wash Dishes Every Day

The kitchen is a high-traffic area prone to clutter, especially when it comes to dishes. Dedicate just 10 minutes each day to washing and putting away dishes. This simple routine will prevent a build up of dirty dishes and maintain a clean, organised kitchen space.

9. Wipe Down Surfaces After Using

Spills and crumbs can accumulate on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, contributing to a messy appearance. Combat this by taking a few minutes each day to wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces after use. This quick task not only keeps your home looking clean but also promotes a healthier living environment. It’s easy to stay on top of this by cleaning work surfaces straight after use.

10. Create a School Drop Zone

If you have children, creating a school drop zone can be a game-changer. Designate a specific area for backpacks, shoes, and any school-related items. Spend 10 minutes each day ensuring this zone is organised and clutter-free. This not only streamlines your mornings, because everything will be easy to find ready for school, but also teaches kids valuable organisational habits.

11. Tidy Kitchen Island Every Day

The kitchen island tends to attract a variety of items, from mail to groceries. Combat clutter by dedicating 10 minutes each day to tidy up the kitchen island. Put away items, clear away any unnecessary clutter, and maintain a functional and inviting space for cooking or serving food.

12. Sort Mail and Paperwork

Designate a specific spot for incoming mail and paperwork. Take 5 minutes to sort through it, recycle what you don’t need, and file important documents. This prevents paper clutter from accumulating and means you’ll be able to find important documents easily.

13. Empty the Junk Drawer

Tackle that infamous junk drawer! Every home has a junk drawer – ours is full of batteries, charger wires and all sorts of random stuff including a tiny model Peugeot 206! Spend 5 minutes decluttering it by discarding items you don’t need and organizing the essentials. This small space can make a big impact on overall tidiness.

14. Organise Bathroom Drawers

Bathroom drawers can quickly become chaotic. Use your mini decluttering session to organise one drawer at a time, discarding expired items and arranging the remaining items neatly.

15. Straighten Shoe Rack

If you have a shoe rack or entryway shoe storage, spend 5 minutes arranging shoes neatly. This simple task not only declutters the space but makes it easier to find the shoes you need.

16. Organise a Shelf

Pick a shelf in your living room, bedroom, or office and spend 5 minutes decluttering and organizing it. Remove any unnecessary items, dust the surfaces, and arrange the remaining items in an aesthetically pleasing way.

17. Tackle a Toy Bin

If you have kids, spend 5 minutes sorting through a toy bin. Discard broken or unused toys, and encourage your children to participate in keeping their play area tidy. Getting your kids involved is a great way to teach them how to tidy their toys!

18. Straighten Bookshelves

Take 5 minutes to tidy up your bookshelves. Arrange books neatly, dust the shelves, and consider donating books you no longer need. A well-organised bookshelf can enhance the overall look of a room.

19. Clean out the Fridge

Spend 10 minutes going through your refrigerator. Discard expired items, wipe down shelves, and organise items to make it easier to find what you need. This small task can contribute to a cleaner and more efficient kitchen.

20. Organise a Clothing Drawer

Choose one clothing drawer and spend 5-10 minutes folding and organizing the contents. This not only declutters your space but makes getting dressed in the morning more efficient. Get rid of anything that no longer fits or that you no longer like – send it to the charity shop or consider selling it to raise extra cash!

21. Clear Bathroom Countertops

Similar to the kitchen, spend 5 minutes clearing bathroom countertops. Put away toiletries, clean surfaces, and create a spa-like atmosphere.

For more gradual decluttering tips and easy decluttering tasks, why not check out:

Gradual Decluttering: Transform Your Home, One Step at a Time

100 Things to Declutter Right Now