Feeling like your home is a never-ending mess? I get it—decluttering can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full weekend or a Marie Kondo-level intervention to make progress. All it takes is 15 minutes and a little focus. Whether it’s that junk drawer that’s become a black hole or the fridge that’s hiding science experiments, small wins add up fast. Let’s break it down into bite-sized, doable steps that’ll leave you feeling lighter and more in control.
De-Junk Your Junk Drawer
Every home has one—the infamous junk drawer where pens, batteries, and random screws go to disappear. But here’s the thing: this tiny space is the perfect place to start because the payoff is instant. Empty everything out, wipe it down, and only put back what you actually use. That half-broken keychain from 2012? Toss it. The mystery charger that doesn’t fit any of your devices? Gone. Use small containers (even repurposed ones) to corral what’s left. Suddenly, you’ll open that drawer and feel like you’ve unlocked a superpower: the ability to find things without digging.
Clean Out Your Daily-Use Bag
Your bag is basically a portable junk drawer—receipts, loose change, and that lip balm you swore you lost months ago. Dump it all out, toss the trash, and only return the essentials. Bonus points if you add a small pouch for things like hand sanitizer and headphones so they’re easy to grab. The next time you reach for your wallet and actually find it on the first try? Pure bliss.
Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
Expired pills, half-used lotions, and that cough syrup from three winters ago—it’s time for a purge. Check expiration dates (because no, that sunscreen from 2019 is not still good), and toss anything questionable. Group what’s left by category (first aid, daily vitamins, skincare) so you’re not digging blindly during a midnight headache. And resist the urge to stockpile—buy only what you need, when you need it.
Tame Your Tea Collection
If your tea stash looks like you’re preparing for a caffeine-fueled siege, it’s time to edit. Keep the flavors you actually drink, compost the dusty loose-leaf blends, and donate unopened boxes you’ll never touch. Arrange what’s left so you can see your options—no more buying duplicates because you forgot what you already had. Tea should be calming, not chaotic.
Neaten Your Nightstand
Your nightstand should be a sanctuary, not a graveyard for half-read books and forgotten water glasses. Clear it off completely, then only put back what serves you—a lamp, one book (yes, just one), and maybe a small plant or candle. If you need storage, use a pretty tray or a shallow drawer organizer to keep things tidy. Waking up to a clean, intentional space sets the tone for your whole day.
Reset Your Wardrobe
You don’t need a full closet overhaul to feel refreshed. Grab a donation bag and quickly pull out anything that doesn’t fit, is damaged, or just doesn’t spark joy. If you’re on the fence about something, ask: “Would I buy this again today?” If not, let it go. Hang the rest with similar items together (all shirts in one section, pants in another) so getting dressed is effortless. Pro tip: A new scarf or pair of shoes can make your whole wardrobe feel fresh without a shopping spree.
Declutter Your Documents
Paper clutter is sneaky—it piles up fast and feels overwhelming fast. Start with a single inbox (a tray or folder) where all incoming mail lands. Then, set a timer and tackle one stack at a time. Shred what you don’t need, file important docs, and digitize receipts if you can. For emails, unsubscribe from spam and delete old newsletters you never read. Less paper = less stress.
Sort Your Shoes
Shoes have a way of multiplying when you’re not looking. Line them up, match the pairs, and ditch anything uncomfortable or unworn. If you haven’t touched them in a year, they’re taking up valuable real estate. Keep only what you love and use, and store seasonal pairs out of the way. Your future self will thank you when you’re not tripping over flip-flops in December.
Corral Your Cords
Cords are the ultimate clutter culprit—mysterious, tangled, and everywhere. Untangle the mess, label what’s what (washi tape works great), and toss anything obsolete. Store extras in a single bin so they’re easy to find but out of sight. No more guessing which charger belongs to which device or wrestling with a knot of cables.
Refresh Your Fridge
Open your fridge and brace yourself—expired condiments, wilted greens, and leftovers that should’ve been tossed weeks ago are probably lurking. Pull everything out, check dates, and wipe down the shelves. Group like items together (dairy in one area, produce in another) so you can see what you have. Add an “eat me first” bin for items nearing expiration to cut down on waste. A clean fridge = fewer mystery smells and more mealtime inspiration.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a marathon. By breaking it into 15-minute bursts, you chip away at the chaos without burning out. Each small win builds momentum, and before you know it, your space—and your head—will feel lighter. So pick one spot, set that timer, and get ready to feel like you’ve leveled up in adulting. You’ve got this.
