The 10-Minute Declutter Method
Small Steps to Big Results
You keep telling yourself, "This weekend I'll finally declutter the garage / pantry / closet…" but somehow, life gets in the way—again.
If the thought of spending an entire Saturday buried in stuff makes you want to hide under a blanket, you're not alone. Here's the truth: You don't need a free weekend, perfect mood, or surge of motivation to make progress. You just need 10 minutes.
Why Marathon Decluttering Sessions Often Fail
Most people approach decluttering like a Netflix binge—intense, all-consuming, and honestly? Exhausting.
Marathon sessions sound productive, but they often backfire. You burn out halfway through, get overwhelmed by decisions, or leave piles unfinished. Worse, they can trigger emotional fatigue as you try to make too many decisions at once: Keep or toss? Sell or donate? What if I need it someday?
This cycle creates what I call "decluttering whiplash"—a burst of effort followed by weeks (or months) of avoidance.
The real issue? We're trying to sprint through what's actually a mindset marathon.
The Power of the 10-Minute Declutter Method
The magic of this method lies in neuroscience and mindset.
Habit Formation + Small Wins = Long-Term Success
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, explains that small actions done consistently are more effective than occasional big efforts.
Why? Because small wins create momentum and rewire your brain to associate decluttering with success—not dread.
When you start with just 10 minutes, you lower the barrier to entry. You avoid overwhelm, build confidence, and create a habit loop that sticks.
Here's how to apply the 10-minute method in real life:
Bedroom:
Declutter your nightstand drawer.
Do a quick scan and remove 10 items from the floor or surfaces.
Sort through one section of your closet—just shirts or just shoes.
Bathroom:
Toss expired products from your medicine cabinet.
Wipe down surfaces while putting away what doesn't belong.
Empty one drawer or bin and only put back what you use.
Kitchen:
Clear off your kitchen counters.
Tackle one "junk drawer" or utensil organizer.
Sort through one shelf in your fridge or pantry.
Living Room:
Gather items that belong elsewhere and return them.
Declutter one bookshelf or coffee table tray.
Go through your remote basket or media cabinet.
Entryway:
Sort through shoes or bags that pile up.
Check coat pockets and donate anything you haven't worn this season.
Re-home random items that collect near the door.
