We all have those corners or drawers in our homes that seem to accumulate clutter. Whether it’s the junk drawer in the kitchen, the overflowing medicine cabinet, or the car that’s turned into a mobile storage unit, clutter can quickly take over.
But decluttering doesn’t have to be a day-long marathon. With a little planning and focus, you can tackle these clutter hotspots in less than 30 minutes.
Not only will you reclaim your space, but you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment that can spark even more decluttering motivation. So, grab your timer, and let’s dive into these quick and easy decluttering projects.
1. Organize Your Junk Drawer
We all have that one drawer that’s a home for everything and anything. From unused batteries, old receipts, to various knick-knacks, this drawer is a black hole of sorts. But fear not! Start by emptying the drawer and grouping similar items together. Next, get rid of anything that you don’t need or haven’t used in the last year. Consider getting a drawer organizer to keep everything in its place. It’s amazing how much more functional a drawer can be when it’s well-organized.
2. Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
Over time, our medicine cabinets can become a graveyard for expired medications and forgotten beauty products. Start by removing everything and checking the expiry dates. Dispose of expired or unused items safely. This is also a great opportunity to take stock of what you have and make a list of any items you need to replace. Remember, a decluttered medicine cabinet isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s also about health and safety.
3. Clean Out Your Purse or Wallet
When was the last time you emptied your purse or wallet? If it’s been a while, you’re probably carrying around more than you need. Remove everything and only put back the essentials. Old receipts, unused loyalty cards, and random scraps of paper can all be discarded or stored elsewhere. You might be surprised at how much lighter your bag feels afterwards.
4. Simplify Your Desktop – Both Virtual and Physical
A cluttered desktop, whether it’s on your computer or your actual desk, can be a productivity killer. Start by removing unnecessary files or items and organizing the rest into folders or storage compartments. A clean and organized workspace can do wonders for your productivity and mental clarity. For more tips on how to declutter your workspace, check out this video.
5. Tidy Up Your Email Inbox
If you’re anything like me, your email inbox is probably overflowing with unread messages, promotional emails, and old correspondence. Start by setting up filters and folders for different types of emails. Then, dedicate some time to go through your emails, deleting what you don’t need and organizing the rest. For motivation, join the 30-day declutter challenge on Reddit.
6. Streamline Your Social Media Accounts
Social media can be a major source of digital clutter. Start by unfollowing accounts that no longer interest you or add value to your life. Next, go through your privacy settings and make sure they’re set to your liking. Finally, organize your feeds by using lists or categories. A decluttered social media presence can lead to a more positive and focused online experience.
7. Organize Your Make-Up or Toiletries
If you’re a beauty enthusiast, your makeup collection can easily get out of hand. Start by going through your products and discarding anything that’s expired or that you no longer use. Then, organize the rest by category and store them in a way that makes sense for your daily routine. The same goes for your toiletries. A decluttered bathroom can make your morning routine a breeze.
8. Declutter Your Car
Your car is not a storage unit. Start by removing everything and only putting back what’s necessary. Keep a small bag or container for trash and make a habit of emptying it regularly. Your commute will be much more pleasant in a clean and organized car.
9. Clean Out Your Fridge and Pantry
Food waste is a big problem, and a cluttered fridge or pantry can contribute to it. Start by removing everything and checking the expiry dates. Discard anything that’s expired or spoiled and organize the rest by category. This is also a good opportunity to make a meal plan or shopping list based on what you have.
10. Organize Your Shoes and Clothes in Entryway
A cluttered entryway can make coming home stressful. Start by removing all the shoes and clothes and only putting back what’s necessary. Consider getting a shoe rack or coat hooks to keep things organized. A tidy entryway will make a big difference in how you feel when you come home.
11. Tidy Up Your Nightstand
Your nightstand should be a calm and peaceful place, not a cluttered mess. Start by removing everything and only putting back what’s necessary. Keep a small tray or dish for jewelry and other small items. A decluttered nightstand can contribute to a better night’s sleep.
12. Sort Through Your Bookshelf
If you’re a book lover, your bookshelf can quickly become overcrowded. Start by removing all the books and only putting back what you truly love or plan to read. Donate or sell the rest. A decluttered bookshelf isn’t just visually pleasing – it can also make choosing your next read a lot easier. For more tips on decluttering your bookshelf, check out this book.
13. Organize Your Digital Photos
In the digital age, our photo collections can quickly spiral out of control. Start by deleting duplicates and blurry photos. Then, organize the rest into folders or albums. Consider using a photo management app to make this task easier. A decluttered digital photo collection will make it much more enjoyable to revisit your memories.
Remember, decluttering is a process, not a one-time event. It’s about building habits that keep clutter from accumulating in the first place. So, try to incorporate these projects into your routine and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life. Happy decluttering!
