If you’ve ever looked around your home and felt like the clutter is winning, you’re not alone. Between work, kids, and everyday life, it’s easy for things to pile up, literally. But the good news is that decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, weekend-long project. You can make noticeable progress in small, quick bursts that actually fit into your schedule.
I used to struggle with finding the motivation to start, so I began setting a timer for short bursts, sometimes just two or five minutes, and challenged myself to see how much I could get done. Those quick sessions added up fast, and before I knew it, my home felt lighter and more manageable.
Here are some simple decluttering challenges that truly work, even when you’re short on time and energy.
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The 10-Minute Dash (or 2- or 5-Minute Sprint!)
If the thought of decluttering feels overwhelming, start small – really small. Set a timer for 10 minutes and focus on just one area, like your kitchen counter, coffee table, or bathroom sink. Work as quickly as you can until the timer goes off.
But here’s the trick I’ve used when I didn’t have a lot of time (or motivation): I’d set a 2-minute or 5-minute timer instead. It sounds too short to make a difference, but once you get moving, you’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in just a few minutes.
Sometimes I’d even race myself to see how much I could clear before the timer buzzed & it made it feel more like a game than a chore.
Pro tip: If you’re really short on time, do one mini dash per room. Even two minutes of decluttering can reset the space and boost your mood.
The Trash Bag (or Box) Challenge
Grab a trash bag (or box) and go through your home looking for 10–20 things you can part with. It doesn’t have to be trash – it can be items to donate or recycle. The goal is to make quick decisions without overthinking.
Photo by Anna Shvets
This challenge is fast, satisfying, and surprisingly freeing.
The 5-5-5 Challenge for Busy Days
When you’re short on time or motivation, try this mini version:
- Pick 5 things to throw away
- 5 things to donate or give away
- 5 things to move back to their place
You can do this during commercial breaks, before bed, or while dinner’s cooking. It keeps your home feeling fresh with minimal effort.
The “One In, One Out” Rule
To keep clutter from creeping back, try the “one in, one out” rule. Whenever you bring something new into your home, find one item to donate, recycle, or throw away. This keeps your space balanced and prevents the slow buildup of unnecessary items.
One Drawer a Day
Decluttering an entire room can feel daunting, but one drawer? Totally doable.
Photo by Karola G
Tackle one drawer each day – a junk drawer, your nightstand, the utensil drawer, or that mystery drawer filled with old cords. Toss what you don’t use, donate what’s still good, and organize what you keep.
Once you’ve cleared out a drawer, take it a step further by organizing what’s left. Drawer organizers can make a huge difference in keeping things neat and easy to find.
By the end of the week, you’ll have seven organized drawers, and that momentum will push you to keep going.
The 30-Day Minimalism Game
If you’re up for a bigger challenge, try this one popularized by The Minimalists. On day one, you get rid of one item. On day two, two items. On day three, three items – and so on for 30 days.
By the end of the month, you’ll have cleared out nearly 500 items without ever feeling like you tackled too much at once. Invite a friend or family member to do it with you and compare your progress!
The Surface Sweep
Clutter often lives on surfaces – countertops, dressers, nightstands, coffee tables. Once a day, take two to five minutes to clear just one surface completely.
Photo by Kampus Production
Wipe it down, remove the random items that don’t belong, and put back only what you truly need or love. You’ll instantly make your home feel cleaner and calmer, even if the rest of the room still needs work.
One Area a Day
Instead of decluttering your whole house at once, break it down into tiny, doable sections. Focus on one area per day – a drawer, a shelf, or the bathroom counter. Small wins add up fast and help build momentum.
By the end of the week, you’ll see real progress without feeling burnt out or buried in stuff.
The “Would I Buy It Again?” Test
When you’re unsure about keeping something, ask yourself: “Would I buy this again today?”
If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go. This mindset helps you be more intentional with what stays in your space and what moves on.
The Daily Reset
Before bed, spend 10 minutes returning things to their proper places – shoes by the door, dishes in the sink, remote on the table. Waking up to a tidy space in the morning sets a calm, productive tone for the day.
Photo by Lisa
Final Thoughts
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is consistency – small daily efforts make a big difference over time. Whether it’s a quick 2-minute dash or the full 30-day challenge, these small wins create lasting habits that keep your home organized and stress-free.
Remember, progress over perfection. Every item you remove brings a little more peace and breathing room into your space – and that’s what really matters.
Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom 
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