The New Year is here, and with it comes the urge to start fresh. Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming—sometimes, all you need is 10 minutes to make a difference! Here are 10 bite-sized decluttering projects to help you reset your space and mindset for the year ahead.
1.The Junk Drawer
Let’s start small but mighty. Grab that infamous junk drawer (we all have one) and:
- Toss expired coupons, dried-up pens, and random takeout menus.
- Group similar items like batteries, paperclips, or spare keys.
Pro Tip: Use small containers or dividers to keep things organized.
2.Old Makeup and Skincare
Check your bathroom or vanity for expired or unused products.
- Toss anything past its expiration date or that you haven’t used in months. (Mascara should be replaced every 3-6 months)
- Wipe down containers and rearrange your favorites for easy access.
Pro Tip: Write the purchase date on new products with a marker to track shelf life.
3.Your Purse or Everyday Bag
Empty it out and:
- Toss old receipts, gum wrappers, and crumbs.
- Restock essentials like hand sanitizer, lip balm, and a hair tie.
Pro Tip: Add a mini organizer to keep everything neat.
4.The Fridge Door
Focus just on the door shelves of your fridge:
- Discard expired condiments and sticky jars.
- Wipe down surfaces and rearrange items so the most-used are in reach.
5.Socks and Underwear Drawer
Set a timer and go through this often-forgotten spot:
- Toss socks with holes, mismatched pairs, or stretched-out bras.
- Fold or roll the keepers for a tidier look.
Pro Tip: Use small bins to separate socks and undergarments.
6.Kid’s Art and Schoolwork
That pile of masterpieces is probably spilling out of control.
- Keep a few special pieces in a folder or take photos for digital keepsakes.
- Recycle the rest (you’ll thank yourself later!).
Pro Tip: Create a rotating display area for current artwork.
7.Phone Apps and Photos
Decluttering isn’t just physical!
- Delete unused apps, blurry photos, or duplicate screenshots.
- Organize photos into albums or upload them to cloud storage.
Pro Tip: Aim for 10 photo deletions per session for a manageable start.
8.Linen Closet
Maintain Simplicity
- Take everything out: Clear the entire closet so you can see what you’re working with.
- Fold smartly (bundle sheet sets or roll towels) and consider vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items.
9.Your Car
If your car is doubling as a mobile storage unit:
- Remove trash, random toys, and old receipts.
- Wipe down the dashboard and vacuum crumbs from the seats.
Pro Tip: Keep a small vacuum for those stubborn crumbs!
10.Kitchen Utensils or Tupperware
Pick one drawer or cabinet and sort quickly:
- Toss warped lids, stained containers, or duplicate utensils.
- Organize like items together (e.g., all spatulas in one spot).
Pro Tip: Stack lids in a basket to avoid the infamous “lid avalanche.”
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. By tackling small projects like these, you’ll create noticeable changes in your home while avoiding burnout. Pick one area each day (or whenever you have 10 minutes), and before you know it, you’ll feel lighter, calmer, and ready to tackle the year ahead!
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