Ever felt like the importance of decluttering is an insurmountable mountain of ‘meh’?
You’re not alone.
Even tackling a single drawer or a corner of a room can seem like preparing for an expedition.
And if you’re juggling life’s curveballs—be it kids, work, or just a really good Netflix series—finding the time and energy for a decluttering marathon feels next to impossible.
But here’s a little secret: decluttering doesn’t have to be a Herculean task.
Sometimes, it’s the small steps that lead to the biggest changes.
Each 5-minute task may seem tiny on its own, but together, they can start an avalanche of change in your home.
So, ready for some quick-fix magic to transform your space and maybe even your life?
Let’s dive in!
25 Easy Decluttering tasks you can do in 5 minutes
1. Tame the Paper Tiger
Designate a spot for incoming papers. Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of paper?
Find a tray or spot for all those pesky papers – mail, school papers, receipts, you name it.
This small change can work wonders and save you from the paper avalanche!
2. Create Your Clutter-Free Oasis
Start clearing a starting zone. Pick a spot, any spot, and declare it a clutter-free zone.
Whether it’s a kitchen counter or the area around your favorite armchair, keep it sacred.
Slowly expand this zone, and watch as your clutter-free empire grows (just don’t try to extend it to your neighbor’s house, they might not appreciate it as much as you do!).
3. Counter the Clutter
Clear off a counter. Choose one counter and make it your mission to keep it clutter-free.
This doesn’t mean it has to be bare – a toaster or a candle is fine, but let’s say goodbye to random piles of stuff.
4. Shelf Success
Pick a shelf and tackle it. It doesn’t matter where – a bookshelf or a closet shelf.
Clear it of anything that’s not essential and enjoy the neatness.
5. Decluttering Daydream
Spend a few minutes visualizing the room. Imagine how you want each room to look.
What’s essential, and what’s just been loitering around without a purpose? Visualize, then actualize.
6. The ‘Maybe’ Box
Create a “maybe” box for those items you’re on the fence about. It’s a temporary home for things you might need… or not.
If you haven’t missed them in six months, it’s time to say goodbye.
7. Charity Drive
Put a load in your car for charity. Don’t let your decluttered items take up space – box them up and make a charity run. It’s decluttering with a cause!
8. Shopper’s Pause
Create a 30-day list to curb impulse buys. If it’s not a necessity, it goes on the list.
If after 30 days you still want it (and need it), then consider getting it. It’s a great way to stop the clutter before it starts.
9. Teach and Tidy
Teach your kids where things belong.
It’s a team effort!
Show them the importance of putting things back, and setting an example.
It might take patience, but it’s worth it.
10. Filing Fun
Learn to file quickly. Create a simple system for your papers and stick to it.
No more piles of papers – just a well-organized, easily accessible system.
11. Digital Detox
Clear out your digital clutter. Just like your physical space, your digital space needs tidying too.
Take 5 minutes to delete old files, emails, or apps you don’t use.
It’s like giving your tech a breath of fresh air!
12. Wardrobe Wisdom
Tackle a drawer in your wardrobe. Choose one drawer and give it a makeover.
If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to part ways. Remember, less is more (except when it comes to chocolate).
13. Speedy Surface Sweep
Clear a surface in 5 minutes. Pick any surface – a table, a desk, a countertop – and clear it off.
It’s amazing what a difference a clear surface can make to your mood and your room.
14. Meditative Minimization
Take a mindful moment to declutter. Spend 5 minutes in a room, quietly assessing what’s there.
What brings you joy, and what’s just taking up space? This isn’t just cleaning; it’s a meditative practice!
15. Junk Drawer Journey
Dive into the junk drawer. Every home has one.
It’s a 5-minute treasure hunt – you never know what long-lost items you might find (and which ones you’ll wonder why you ever kept).
16. Bookshelf Bliss
Reassess your book collection. Books are wonderful, but do you need all of them?
Keep the ones you love or will read again, and donate the rest to spread the joy of reading.
17. Gadget Gathering
Evaluate your electronics. Old chargers, and unused gadgets – if they’re not serving a purpose, it’s time to let them go.
18. Bathroom Brevity
Quick bathroom declutter. Toss out expired products or those ‘just in case’ items you’ve never used.
Your bathroom will thank you for the breathing room.
19. Kitchen Kleanup
Reorganize one kitchen cabinet. Choose one and make it your mission to make it as functional and clutter-free as possible.
20. Sentimental Sweep
Address sentimental items. It’s tough, but ask yourself: does it bring joy or just dust? Keep the memories, not the clutter.
21. Toy Tidying
Involve kids in decluttering toys. It’s a great way to teach them about letting go and valuing what they have.
22. Quick Fix Frenzy
Spend 5 minutes fixing something small.
That loose button, the wobbly leg on a chair – a small fix can make a big difference.
23. Spice Shelf Shuffle
Sort your spices. It’s a small task but oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it makes cooking so much easier.
24. Accessory Assessment
Pare down your capsule wardrobe accessories. Scarves, belts, hats – keep the ones you love and use, and donate the rest.
25. Office Overhaul
Organize your office supplies. Pens, paper, staples – keep what you need and love, and clear out the rest.
Transform Your Space with My Free Self-Care Declutter Checklist
As we come to the end of our journey with these 5-minute decluttering ideas, it’s important to keep the spirit of simplicity and serenity alive in your daily life.
To help you sustain this newfound clarity, I invite you to download my free checklist “Declutter for Self Care.”
This essential guide is the perfect companion to the quick tips shared here, offering a structured approach to decluttering that prioritizes your mental and emotional wellness.
Remember, decluttering isn’t just about tidying up your space; it’s about creating an environment that supports and enriches your inner peace.
Download the checklist today and continue your journey towards a harmonious and tranquil living space.
FAQ’s
1. What is the quickest way to declutter?
The quickest way to declutter is to start with small, manageable tasks.
Allocate just five minutes to tackle a specific area, like a drawer, a countertop, or a shelf.
This approach helps in making noticeable progress without feeling overwhelmed.
2. What should I remove first when decluttering?
When decluttering, first remove items that you haven’t used in over a year, duplicates, and things that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy.
Starting with these items makes the process easier and more effective.
3. What is the golden rule of decluttering?
The golden rule of decluttering is to keep only what you use, need, or love.
This principle helps in maintaining a clutter-free and organized space that reflects your current lifestyle and preferences.
4. What is the first rule of decluttering?
The first rule of decluttering is to start small.
Begin with a single area or category that’s manageable, and avoid trying to tackle the entire house at once.
This prevents burnout and makes the process more achievable.
5. How do you declutter daily?
To declutter daily, incorporate small decluttering tasks into your routine.
Spend a few minutes each day to put things back in their place, clear out a small area, or decide on one item to discard or donate.
This habit keeps clutter under control and makes larger decluttering tasks less daunting.
Alison’s Notebook
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