It's Take Only 10-Minutes to Declutter Your House: Tips for Busy Millennials

Declutter is actually easy when you do it every day. Learn how to declutter your house in just 10 minutes every day, making home maintenance easy and efficient.

5 min read

a woman in a green shirt and pink gloves cleaning the desk
a woman in a green shirt and pink gloves cleaning the desk

Life can get messy—both around us and inside our heads. Between juggling work, running errands, and trying to squeeze in time for family or friends, keeping your home clean and organized often feels like an uphill battle. But here’s the good news: spending just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference in keeping your home tidy—and it’s easier than you think. No fancy tools, no expensive services—just a simple daily habit that anyone can do, even if your schedule is packed.

Now, why does this matter? Because a clean and clutter-free home isn’t just about appearances. It clears your mind, makes your day more productive, and helps you focus on the things that truly matter. Imagine waking up to a neat living room or sitting at a clutter-free desk—it’s like starting your day with a breath of fresh air. I want to do it everyday because If I don´t its take a whole day from my weekend to do that and its such a waste of a free day.

Trust me, I know how tough it can be. I’ve had days when my “clean” laundry has lived on the couch for so long it practically applied for residency. Or when my kitchen counter has looked more like a dumping ground for random things—keys, unopened mail, and, yes, last night’s coffee mug. But over time, I’ve figured out a system that’s simple, quick, and actually works. Even on my most chaotic days, it helps me keep my space (and sanity) in check.

Why Just 10 Minutes?
a woman holding a clock and looking at the time and thinking something
a woman holding a clock and looking at the time and thinking something
Step 1: The “Quick Grab” Sweep (3 Minutes)

Every day, I start with what I call the quick grab sweep. This isn’t deep cleaning; it’s surface-level decluttering, perfect for urban warriors who’d rather be binge-watching Netflix than cleaning.

What to do: Grab a basket, tote bag, or anything that can hold random items. Walk through your main living space and scoop up anything that’s out of place—think keys, stray socks, rogue chargers, or yesterday’s coffee mug.

Where to put it: Toss everything into the basket for now. The goal is to clear the space, not to find permanent homes (yet).

Step 2: The “Set It Straight” Rule (4 Minutes)

Now that the space is somewhat clear, it’s time to deal with the daily culprits—those items that always end up in the wrong place. For me, it’s shoes by the door, jackets thrown on chairs, and mail scattered across the counter.

What to do: Pick three problem areas (e.g., the coffee table, dining table, and entryway). Spend one minute per area putting things back where they belong. Shoes in the closet. Mail in a drawer. Dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher.

Why it works: This keeps the mess from piling up. Plus, when everything has a “home,” it’s easier to maintain.

Step 3: The “One-Minute Rule” (1 Minute)

Here’s a life-changing hack I live by: if something takes less than one minute to do, just do it right now.

• Toss out the junk mail.

• Wipe the crumbs off the counter.

• Hang up your jacket instead of throwing it on a chair (I’m still working on this one).

It’s shocking how much cleaner your space feels when you handle the little things as they come up instead of letting them pile up.

Step 4: The Final 2-Minute Power-Up

This last part is my favorite because it adds the final “ahhh” factor to my home.

Light decluttering: Take two minutes to tidy any area that’s still bugging you. It could be folding a blanket on the couch or straightening up your throw pillows.

Optional extra: Light a candle or spray some room freshener. Seriously, a fresh-smelling room makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if the laundry mountain still exists in another room.

Why This Routine Works: It’s easy, quick, and doesn’t require a massive time commitment. More importantly, it’s repeatable. Some people wait until the weekend to do a full clean-up, but by then, the mess has multiplied, and the task feels overwhelming. My 10-minute rule keeps everything manageable, so you’re not starting from scratch every week.

3 Extra Hacks to be More Efficient

3. Set Up a Donation Box: Keep a box in your closet or near the door. When you find things you no longer need, toss them in the box. Once it’s full, donate it.

Decluttering and Sanity Go Hand in Hand

Here’s the deal: decluttering isn’t about perfection. My home isn’t a showroom, and yours doesn’t have to be either. It’s about creating a space that feels good to live in, without letting the mess take over your life.

By sticking to this 10-minute routine every day, I’ve saved myself countless hours of stress and weekend cleaning marathons. Plus, I’ve discovered that a clutter-free space makes everything else—work, relaxation, even cooking—a whole lot easier.

So All You Need Is a 10 Minutes a Day

If I can do it, so can you. Start small. Ten minutes a day. That’s it. Your home will thank you, and so will your peace of mind. And hey, if you find a long-lost sock during your quick grab sweep, consider it a win.

So, grab your timer, put on some tunes, and let’s make decluttering a daily habit—no stress, no fuss, just a cleaner, happier home in less time than it takes to scroll through Instagram.

Are you struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle because you are too busy? you can read this article .

a woman in a blue shirt and jeans shorts cleaning a hardwood floor and act like singing and dancing
a woman in a blue shirt and jeans shorts cleaning a hardwood floor and act like singing and dancing

1. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule: Every time you bring something new into your home, get rid of something old. Bought a new pair of shoes? Say goodbye to that worn-out pair you haven’t worn in years.

2. Create a Declutter Playlist: Have a few favorite songs queued up to make those 10 minutes more enjoyable. Pro tip: anything upbeat works wonders.

Because that’s all I’ve got—and if you’re like me, that’s all you’ve got too. A cluttered home adds stress to an already busy life, but the idea of spending hours tidying up? No, thank you. Ten minutes is enough to make a noticeable difference, and it’s short enough that you won’t dread it. Plus, let’s be real: we all spend more time than that scrolling on our phones.

Easy steps to clean the house
Easy steps to clean the house

Want to know more about me? How do I hack the hurdle and try to live a meaningful life? I am welcoming you to my Journal of Thought. Please click here to visit the page.

And thank you for all the support and love.

you may also like to read