Decluttering can feel overwhelming. We look around our homes and think, “I need to get rid of things,” but are unsure where (or how) to start. The task seems too big, and it becomes too easy to do something else instead.
But getting started on decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive project. The first step doesn’t need to be a big one. In fact, you can start making noticeable progress in just 10 minutes by focusing on some easier decluttering tasks. And once you start, you’ll find it becomes easier to keep going.
I wanted to create a list of items you could minimize in a short time.
Here are 15 specific items you can declutter in less than 10 minutes:
1. Clothes You Don’t Wear
If there is an article of clothing in your closet (or drawer) that you haven’t worn in the last year, it’s time to let it go. After all, there is a reason you haven’t worn it. Quickly grab a few items from your closet that don’t fit anymore, don’t suit your style, or don’t make you feel your best, and set them aside for donation.
2. Games With Missing Pieces
Old board games and puzzles that are missing parts only add frustration to family game night. Pull out the ones that are incomplete and let them go. You’ll clear space for games that everyone can enjoy fully.
3. Toys That Don’t Get Played With
Kids outgrow toys faster than we realize. Find a few that have been collecting dust for months and clear them out. Donating unused toys can also bring joy to another child—which is helpful to consider. Additionally, there are benefits for your child to keep fewer toys around.
4. Toiletries You Don’t Use
Over time, our bathroom cabinets tend to fill up with half-used products that we never touch. Take a few minutes to toss expired or unwanted toiletries. All those small hotel toiletries you brought home to use but never did fit in this category too :).
5. Food That Has Expired
Check your pantry and fridge for expired items. It only takes a few minutes to get rid of food that’s gone bad.
6. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers tend to accumulate over time. Take a quick scan around the house and recycle any that you don’t plan to read again. You’ll notice how much cleaner your space feels right away.
7. Duplicate Kitchen Utensils
Do you really need three spatulas? Probably not. Sort through your kitchen drawers and pull out any duplicate utensils. You might also consider duplicate dishware, but let’s just start with duplicate utensils for now. Keep your favorites. And make room in your kitchen for cooking because of it.
8. Mismatched Socks
Although it is often a joke line, we’ve all got them: socks that have lost their mate. Take a few minutes to sort through them, and if the match hasn’t appeared, it’s time to let go.
9. Books You Won’t Read Again
Books are wonderful, but if you have some that you know you won’t read again, consider passing them along to someone else. If you loved a book, one of the best things you can do with it is give it to someone else to find the same joy and lifechange that you experienced.
10. Old Electronics and Chargers
We often hold onto old electronics and chargers “just in case.” But they just sit in drawers gathering dust. Find the outdated ones, and recycle them. You’ll clear space and reduce clutter in minutes.
11. Unused Craft Supplies
If you’ve got craft supplies that you haven’t used in months, they’re probably just taking up space. Gather the ones you no longer need, and donate them to someone who can put them to good use. For some, this might be a more difficult project than ten minutes. But it’s not as difficult for everyone, so I wanted to include it.
12. Takeout Menus and Paperwork
We all have that drawer full of old takeout menus and paperwork that’s no longer needed. Take a few minutes to recycle or toss the unnecessary papers and reclaim that drawer for something more useful.
13. Shoes That Are Worn Out or Uncomfortable
If a pair of shoes isn’t comfortable or is too worn out to be fixed, it’s time to let them go. Quickly sort through your shoes and remove the ones that don’t serve you anymore.
14. Expired Medications
Check your medicine cabinet for expired medications and safely dispose of them. It’s a quick and easy way to declutter while also making sure you only have what you need on hand.
15. Jewelry You Never Wear
It’s common to have jewelry that we no longer love or wear. Take a few minutes to sort through your collection and let go of anything that no longer fits your style. Sentimental jewelry might take more time—but the inexpensive jewelry “that you bought that one time to wear with that one thing” can be decluttered quickly. As a bonus, you’ll have easier access to the pieces you truly enjoy.
By decluttering these 15 items, you’ll start creating space in your home right away. As you see the progress, you’ll feel encouraged to continue—moving on to larger or more difficult areas as you gain momentum and confidence. Every step toward decluttering brings more intentionality (and calm) into your life. And before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a clutterfree home.