10 Things to Declutter in Under 10 Minutes

Discover 10 simple items you can declutter in just 10 minutes to create instant breathing room in your home and kickstart your journey to a calmer, clutter-free life.

8/29/2025

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declutter
declutter

Decluttering can seem like a daunting task, especially when faced with a cluttered home or workspace. However, you’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just a few minutes. Here are ten things you can declutter in under 10 minutes to help create a more serene and organized environment:

1. Your Desk Surface: Start by clearing off any unnecessary items from your desk. Remove old coffee cups, stacks of paper that need to be shredded or filed, and any random clutter. Keep only the essentials that you use daily.

2. Your Digital Downloads Folder: Take a moment to open your computer’s downloads folder and delete files that you no longer need, such as past invoices, duplicate photos, or old software installers. This quick clean-up can free up space and improve your computer’s performance.

3. The Junk Drawer: Everyone has a junk drawer. Set a timer for five minutes to quickly sift through its contents. Toss out broken rubber bands, expired coupons, or any items that no longer serve a purpose. Keep only what you truly need.

4. Your Purse or Bag: Empty out your purse or everyday bag and sort through the contents. Discard old receipts, loose coins, and items you don’t use. This quick organization can lighten your load and make it easier to find essentials.

5. The Fridge: Open your refrigerator and quickly check for any expired food items or leftovers that have seen better days. Discard anything that is no longer safe to eat. You’ll be amazed at how fresh and organized your fridge can feel after a short decluttering session.

6. Your Email Inbox: Spend a few minutes unsubscribing from newsletters or promotional emails that you no longer read. Deleting unwanted emails can help you gain a sense of control over your digital life and reduce procrastination.

7. Old Magazines or Newspapers: Go through your living room or reading area and gather any old magazines or newspapers. If you haven’t read them in the last month, consider recycling them to free up space and avoid future clutter.

8. Unused Kitchen Gadgets: Open your kitchen cupboards and quickly assess gadgets and appliances you rarely use. Is the popcorn maker collecting dust? If you haven’t used it in a year, it might be time to donate or sell it.

9. Your Nightstand: Take a couple of minutes to clear off your nightstand. Remove old books, random items, and anything that doesn’t belong there. Keep only what helps you wind down at the end of the day, like a good book or a lamp.

10. Makeup and Toiletries: Look through your makeup drawer or toiletries bag. Toss out any expired products, items you no longer use, or duplicates.

This quick check will help you feel more organized and ready for your daily routine. By dedicating just a few minutes to these simple decluttering tasks, you can create a more enjoyable and functional space in your home or workspace. A little effort can go a long way in improving your environment and reducing stress!