For all of the busy moms out there, we understand that finding time to declutter can feel like a daunting and impossible task. Yet, having an organized home not only makes life easier but also creates a more soothing environment for you and your family. It’s easy to let clutter build up when you’re juggling work, kids, and household chores, but decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, time-consuming task.
Here are 16 quick declutter tasks that you can do, even on your busiest days. These tasks are designed to be fast, easy, and effective, allowing you to create a tidy and peaceful home with minimal effort.
1. Start With a 5-Minute Tidy Up
One of the easiest ways to start decluttering is by setting a timer for just five minutes. This doesn’t sound like much, but you’d be amazed at what you can accomplish in that short amount of time. Pick a room, set your timer, and start clearing surfaces. Put items back in their designated spots, throw away trash, and put any items that don’t belong in that room into a basket to be sorted later.
The beauty of the 5-minute tidy up is that it’s manageable. You’re not dedicating hours to intense cleaning, but you’re making a noticeable difference in the state of your home. Plus, it’s a task that’s easy to fit into your schedule. You can do a quick tidy up while waiting for dinner to cook, during a commercial break, or as a quick break from work.
2. Create a Donation Box
Having a designated donation box in your home can make decluttering a breeze. The idea is to have a specific place where you can immediately put items you no longer want or need. It could be clothes your kids have outgrown, kitchen gadgets you never use, or books you’ve already read and don’t plan to read again.
Once the box is full, take it to a donation center. Not only does this help keep your home clutter-free, but it also helps others in need. This is a great way to teach your children about the importance of giving and letting go of items they no longer use or need. Plus, it’s a decluttering task that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
3. Organize One Drawer at a Time
Trying to organize your entire kitchen or bedroom at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on one drawer at a time. Empty it completely, clean it, then put back only what you need and use. Anything that doesn’t belong in that drawer or isn’t necessary should be thrown away or put in your donation box.
This task can be done in a few minutes and makes a big difference. By tackling one drawer at a time, you’re making steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, having organized drawers makes everyday tasks easier and less stressful, as you’re not wasting time searching for items.
4. Use the One In, One Out Rule
The one in, one out rule is a simple but effective decluttering strategy. The idea is that for every new item you bring into your home, you get rid of an old item. Bought a new blouse? Donate an old one. Got a new coffee mug? Throw away or donate an old one.
This rule helps to prevent new clutter from accumulating and helps to maintain a balanced amount of possessions. It’s a quick, easy task that requires minimal effort but has a significant impact on the state of your home.
5. Empty Your Purse Weekly
You’d be surprised at how much unnecessary stuff can accumulate in your purse over a week. Old receipts, candy wrappers, loose change, random toys – the list goes on. Make it a point to empty and organize your purse once a week.
This is a task that can be done in a few minutes but makes a big difference. Not only does it keep your purse clutter-free, but it also makes it easier to find what you need when you’re out and about. Plus, it’s a small, manageable task that’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.
6. Utilize the 12-12-12 Challenge
The 12-12-12 challenge is a fun and effective decluttering strategy. The idea is to find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to be returned to their proper place. This is a great way to quickly declutter 36 items from your home.
This challenge can be done in less than an hour and is a great way to make noticeable progress in decluttering your home. Plus, it’s a fun challenge that you can involve your kids in. They can help find items to throw away or donate, turning decluttering into a family activity.
7. Clear Your Kitchen Counters
Kitchen counters can easily become a dumping ground for all sorts of items – mail, kid’s school papers, random knick-knacks, etc. Make it a point to clear your kitchen counters every day. Throw away trash, put away items that don’t belong, and wipe down the counters.
This task can be done in a few minutes and makes a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Plus, having clear kitchen counters makes cooking and meal prepping easier and more enjoyable.
8. Implement a Shoe Rack
A shoe rack is a simple but effective way to keep your entryway clutter-free. Instead of having shoes scattered all over the floor, they have a designated spot. This not only keeps your entryway tidy but also makes it easier to find the pair of shoes you want to wear.
This is a task that requires minimal effort but has a big impact. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about the importance of putting things back where they belong.
9. Declutter Your Inbox
Your physical space isn’t the only thing that needs decluttering – your digital space does too. Take a few minutes each day to declutter your email inbox. Delete unnecessary emails, unsubscribe from newsletters you never read, and organize important emails into folders.
This task can be done in small chunks and makes a big difference. Having an organized inbox makes it easier to keep track of important emails and reduces stress.
10. Get Rid Of Unnecessary Decorations
Decorations can easily accumulate and contribute to a cluttered home. Go through your home and assess your decorations. Are there any you don’t love or that don’t fit your style anymore? If so, put them in your donation box.
This is a quick, easy task that can make your home feel more spacious and organized. Plus, by getting rid of unnecessary decorations, you’re making room for items that you truly love and that bring you joy.
11. Organize Your Car
Your car is an extension of your home and can easily become cluttered. Take a few minutes each week to remove trash, put items back in their designated spot, and wipe down surfaces.
This is a small task that makes a big difference. Having a clean, organized car makes your commute more enjoyable and less stressful.
12. Use Storage Bins
Storage bins are a great way to keep items organized and out of sight. They can be used for toys, craft supplies, seasonal items, etc. The key is to make sure each bin has a specific purpose and isn’t just a dumping ground for random items.
This task requires minimal effort but helps to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Plus, storage bins can be easily moved or stored, making them a versatile storage solution.
13. Throw Away Expired Products
Go through your pantry, fridge, and bathroom and throw away any expired products. Not only does this help declutter, but it also ensures that you’re not using or consuming products that are past their prime.
This is a task that can be done in a few minutes but makes a big difference. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to take inventory of what you have and make a shopping list of anything you need to replace.
14. Regularly Clean Out Your Kids’ Toys
Kids’ toys can easily accumulate and contribute to a cluttered home. Make it a point to regularly go through your kids’ toys with them. Have them help decide which toys they no longer play with and can be donated.
This is a task that can be done in small chunks and makes a big difference. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about the importance of decluttering and donating items they no longer use or need.
15. Organize Your Photos
Photos can easily pile up and become a source of clutter. Take a few minutes each week to organize your photos. Delete any duplicates or unnecessary photos and organize the rest into albums.
This is a task that can be done in small chunks and makes a big difference. Having organized photos makes it easier to find specific photos when you want them and ensures that your memories are preserved and easy to access.
16. Implement a Nightly Clean-Up Routine
A nightly clean-up routine can help ensure that your home stays tidy. Spend a few minutes each night picking up items, wiping down surfaces, and generally tidying up. This can be a calming, therapeutic way to end the day and means you wake up to a clean, peaceful home.
This task requires minimal effort but has a big impact. Plus, it’s a routine that can easily be incorporated into your evening schedule and can even become a calming, therapeutic way to end the day.
Remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, overwhelming task. By breaking it down into small, manageable tasks, you can create a tidy and peaceful home without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. So give these tasks a try, and enjoy the calm and serenity that comes with a decluttered home.
