If decluttering feels like a massive task you can’t face, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to feel that way. I’ve been teaching women how to clear their clutter for over a decade, and there are days when I look around my home and think, “Where do I even begin?”
That’s why I love a good list of quick-win decluttering ideas.
It’s low-pressure. You don’t need an entire weekend, a complicated checklist, or a massive donation pile. All you need is 10 minutes and a tiny spark of motivation, and that’s more than enough to start building momentum.
Whether you’re easing back into decluttering or just want a little boost to help you feel more in control, here are 13 small tasks you can do in 10 minutes or less.
13 Decluttering Tasks You Can Do in 10 Minutes or Less
1. Clear out your wallet or handbag
Our handbags go everywhere with us, so clearing them out is a small task with a big impact. Less clutter in your bag = less mental weight in your day (and less stuff to physically carry around). Declutter today, and your back will thank you!
2. Delete 10+ screenshots or blurry photos from your phone
Digital clutter is still clutter—and I’ll be honest, this is one of my blind spots! I’m a screenshot addict, so I try to chip away at it slowly. Just 10 at a time helps without getting lost in a trip down memory lane.
3. Toss expired spices or condiments from your pantry or fridge
Quick, satisfying, and oddly therapeutic! And if you tend to avoid this task because it feels like it should turn into a full pantry clean-out, remind yourself that small, sustainable progress is enough.
Related Post: How to Create a Minimalist Pantry For Your Kitchen
4. Recycle magazines or catalogues you’ve been “meaning to read.”
I love a good magazine, but when your stack grows too high, it becomes something else on your “should do” list instead of a joyful escape. I know that FOMO is real, but remind yourself that you have enough on your mind and won’t miss what you don’t know.
5. Declutter your bedside table
This is one of my favourite spots to declutter. You see it every morning and night, so clearing it creates a little loop of positive reinforcement—you see the results every day, which keeps you motivated to keep going.
Related Post: 8 Tips That Will Help You Find Motivation to Declutter
6. Remove 3 apps from your phone that you don’t use
Clearing out old apps is like decluttering a junk drawer you carry around in your pocket. It takes just a few minutes, but it will save you time when you’re looking for the apps you actually need.
7. Let go of nail polishes, lipsticks, or cosmetics you don’t wear
Beauty clutter is sneaky. We try new things, receive gifts, and hang onto products “just in case.” But unused cosmetics take up space, and they do expire. Letting go will make your mornings smoother.
8. Pull 5 items from your wardrobe that you instinctively avoid wearing
Instead of purging your whole closet, why not start with a few pieces you already know you avoid?
Tip: Pay attention to why they’re not working (for example, is it the colour or the neckline?). This valuable information can help you declutter and buy fewer clothes you never wear.
9. Clean out your medicine drawer or first aid kit
No big emotions here—just toss what’s expired or empty. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
10. Toss or recycle old notebooks, planners, or unused paper pads
Paper clutter adds up fast, and most of it never gets used. If you have kids, let them use up the blank pages for drawing or scribbling. It’s a simple way to repurpose before you recycle.
Related Post: A Helpful Guide to Minimalism With Kids
11. Return or re-home things sitting by the front door
These are the things we keep putting off (I know because I’m a master procrastinator!). But we both know that each one is just a 2-minute job; you just have to start. Pick one, deal with it, and enjoy that small burst of closure.
13. Toss old greeting cards (or pick a few to keep and recycle the rest)
Sentimental clutter can be tough, so don’t force yourself to make big decisions. Instead, try the “one less” method: rather than facing the entire pile, just choose one or two cards to let go of today. Then, circle back another day and repeat. It’s a gentle, sustainable way to build decluttering momentum.
13. Unsubscribe from 5+ email newsletters you never open
Digital peace counts, too. A few minutes spent unsubscribing today will save you from hundreds of annoying emails down the track. This is a quick and simple task that pays dividends with fewer emails!
You don’t need to do all of these at once—just pick one and get started. Decluttering doesn’t have to be big or dramatic to make an impact. Even a few minutes of intentional action can create space, boost your energy, and shift the way you feel in your home.
So go ahead—set a timer, take a breath, and see what you can do in 10 minutes.
You might be surprised by how good it feels.
Looking For More Quick and Easy Decluttering Tips?
If you’re looking for low effort ways to get started with decluttering, here are a few posts you should check out:
