Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Welcome to my “15-minute win” method: a low-lift, high-impact hack for getting out of overwhelm and into action. When you can’t face decluttering your entire home, (and, really, who can?) you can always start with a micro-makeover. Just set a timer for 15 minutes, choose one small space, and see what you can do.
Ready? Here are ten ways to transform your home and life, just 15 minutes at a time.
15-Minute Decluttering Wins
1. De-Junk Your Junk Drawer
Ah, the junk drawer-a clutter classic. This is where my 15-minute method was born. I had a client who was overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering her entire house, so I suggested starting with just her junk drawer. Ten minutes later, the drawer was spotless, and she felt like a superhero. Here’s how you can do it:
- Empty out the contents of your junk drawer onto your countertop.
- Give it a quick wipe down.
- Only return items you actually use on the regular, and relocate or recycle the rest.
- Use drawer organizers to create mini “zones.” (You can always repurpose old iphone boxes, food storage containers, or anything you have on hand.)
Enjoy your work! Presto chango.
2. Clean Out Your Daily-Use Bag
Your handbag shouldn’t double as a trash bin for crumpled receipts, gum wrappers, and mystery items. Take five minutes to dump it all out, toss the trash, and neatly put back only what you use. I promise, that fresh-bag feeling is so worth it.
3. Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
Whether it’s a cabinet, drawer, or random shelf, your stash of toiletries deserves some love. Start by ditching anything that’s expired or has changed in color, texture, or scent (it’s time). Sort through your products and commit to using up what you have before buying more – because we both know those Instagram ads will try to tempt you and you probably don’t really need another serum.
4. Tame Your Tea Collection
If your tea shelf looks like you’re preparing for the next tea apocalypse, it’s time to edit. Compost the loose-leaf blends you’re never going to drink, donate unopened boxes, and organize what’s left. Remember, we’re not facing a tea shortage. Breathe.
5. Neaten Your Nightstand
Your nightstand should be a peaceful, clutter-free zone you love to wake up to-not a dumping ground for books, bills, coffee mugs, and old magazines. Clear off everything, recycle the old stuff, and leave out just one book. (Yes, ONE.) Add something pretty, like a small plant or a candle, to make it feel like your own personal sanctuary.
6. Reset Your Wardrobe
Closet overhaul in 15 minutes? You bet! Grab a donation bag and pop in anything that doesn’t fit or hasn’t seen daylight in years. If it’s seasonal or occasion-only, relocate it to the back. Pro-tip: A single new accessory (shoes, a bag) can refresh your entire wardrobe without starting from scratch.
7. Declutter Your Documents
Getting to “inbox zero” or paper-free living might not be in the cards, but you can always make a dent. Digitally, unsubscribe from spam emails and delete unused apps from your phone. Physically, meanwhile, designate one inbox to centralize bills, mail, and items for review -just make sure to actually review once a week. Keep important documents in a designated folder so nothing gets lost and you can always find your passport without tearing through your entire home in a panic.
8. Sort Your Shoes
It’s time for a shoe shuffle. Pick 15 minutes to line up your shoes, match the pairs, and decide what stays and what goes. If a shoe pinches, hurts, or makes you feel meh, let it go! Invest in comfy, versatile pairs you love, and your closet (and feet) will thank you.
9. Corral Your Cords
Raise your hand if you have a tangled mess of cords cluttering up your home (Yep, the struggle is real.) Spend 15 minutes sorting through the tech chaos. Untangle, label, and toss what’s obsolete. Store cords that are not in use in a single bin or basket – you can use cord labels or even washi tape to label each one. Sweet relief!
10. Refresh Your Fridge
Open your fridge, and chances are there’s at least one expired item lurking in the back. Set a timer, and start tossing old produce, leftovers you’ll never eat, and those mystery takeout containers that have become just plain scary. Wipe down the shelves for a clean, clutter-free fresh start. Bonus: set up an “eat it first” bin so you can reduce food waste in the future.
Bonus: 5 15-Minute Wins to Destress and Optimize Mental Wellness
Sometimes the best way to declutter your life is to clear your mind. Here are five quick wins to boost your wellness and mental health in just 15 minutes.
1. Inhale, Exhale
Set a timer for five minutes and just focus on your breathing. Deep, slow breaths in and out through your nose will instantly calm your nervous system. If you can spare an extra ten minutes, try a guided meditation or some gentle stretches to release tension and reset your mind.
2. Declutter Your Brain
Grab a piece of paper and let your thoughts flow. Write down everything that’s bouncing around in your head-things you need to do, things you’re worried about, anything. Once it’s all on paper, you can breathe easier knowing you don’t have to mentally juggle it all. Bonus: prioritize one task to tackle after your brain dump.
3. Take a Walk Outside
Nature does wonders for your mental health. Even a short 15-minute walk outside can improve your mood and boost creativity. Leave your phone behind and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you. You’ll return feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Go forth and conquer.
4. Set an Intention for the Day
Take 15 minutes to set a meaningful intention for how you want to feel or show up in the world today. Rather than focusing on tasks, think about the energy or mindset you want to bring into your day. Write it down, and revisit it whenever you feel stressed or distracted. It’s like giving your mind a compass to follow through the chaos.
5. Unplug
Take 15 minutes to step away from screens. Use this time to be fully present-whether that means making a cup of tea, playing with your pet, or just sitting in silence. A short digital detox can help reduce anxiety and give your mind some much-needed breathing room.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering isn’t just about your physical space; it’s about creating more room for peace, calm, and clarity in your life. These 15-minute wins are designed to give you quick victories that build momentum for bigger projects down the line. Whether it’s your home or your mind, take 15 minutes to simplify, reset, and reclaim your sense of control. You’ve got this.
Shira Gill (she/her) is a globally recognized home-organizing expert and author with a minimalist philosophy. She’s inspired thousands of people to clear clutter from their homes and lives through a process she developed that applies to anyone, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle. Shira is the bestselling author of “Minimalista,” “Organized Living,” and her forthcoming book “LifeStyled,” and has been featured by 100+ media outlets. Shira is a PS Council member.
