5 Steps to Declutter Your Home: How to Tidy Up in Just 10 Minutes a Day

In a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, our homes often follow suit. As our schedules fill up with work, family, and personal commitments, maintaining an organized, calm space can be challenging. At Two Tidy Tinas, we understand how crucial it is to create a peaceful home where joy and efficiency thrive. Since launching in 2021, we've helped transform hundreds of homes and businesses across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina.

While decluttering your entire home in just 10 minutes may sound like a dream, the truth is, you can tackle it 10 minutes at a time. Little by little, you can chip away at the clutter that robs you of peace and productivity. Below, we share five actionable tips to help you achieve a more simplified home by committing just 10 minutes a day to decluttering.

1. ✍️ Write down your "Why"

Without a clear vision, decluttering can feel daunting. Writing down your reason for wanting a more efficient home is a powerful way to stay motivated. Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself, “Why do I want to declutter?” Is it to reduce stress, create more space for your family, or to make your home a more peaceful environment?

By keeping your “why” top of mind, you'll find that it's easier to push past the moments of hesitation when you're tempted to hold onto things out of fear you might need them someday. When you're emotionally attached to an item, remember your bigger goal—whether it’s being able to unwind and relax, having more space, or an easier-to-maintain home.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve written down your “why,” put it somewhere visible, like your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. This daily reminder will keep you focused on your goal and help curb the “what if I need this someday” mindset that often holds us back and keeps us stuck.

2. 🎯 Pick ONE small area

One of the most common mistakes people make when decluttering is trying to do too much at once. Instead of attempting to organize an entire room in one go, focus on just one small area at a time. It could be a drawer, a cabinet, a shelf, or even a corner of a room. The idea is to break the decluttering process into bite-sized tasks, which are easier to manage and less overwhelming.

When you focus on a small area, take everything out of that space and review each item carefully. Sort your belongings into three categories: Keep, Donate, and Trash. This process helps you evaluate whether an item is truly necessary or if it's simply taking up mental and physical space.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself hesitating over certain items, set them aside. It’s okay to go through them again later when you have more clarity. The goal is to stay in motion and avoid getting stuck during your 10 minutes. Decluttering is a muscle, the more we do it, the easier it gets. Sometimes we need more than one pass to feel confident about letting things go.

3. ⌛ Set a 10-minute timer

Setting a 10-minute timer is one of the most effective ways to stay focused while decluttering. Knowing you have a time limit keeps you on task, helping you avoid distractions or getting overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering your entire home. It prevents burnout from biting off more than you can chew.

A time limit also adds an element of fun to the process. Turn decluttering into a game by seeing how much you can accomplish before the timer runs out. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve in just 10 minutes when you're fully focused.

Pro Tip: Use your phone, a timer, or a smartwatch to set the timer. Keep it visible so you're constantly aware of how much time is left. Once the timer goes off you can sign off until tomorrow, knowing you've just made progress!

4. 🧺 Keep a cute basket closeby

When building a habit of daily decluttering, having a designated spot for items you’re planning to donate is essential. Enter the cute basket—a stylish and functional tool that makes it easy to toss in items you no longer need as you come across them.

Choose a basket that matches your decor and keep it in a high-traffic area, like near the entryway or in a frequented closet. By keeping it visible, you'll be more likely to use it daily, and when it’s full, you’ll know it’s time to make a donation drop-off. Plus, a visually pleasing basket adds to the ambiance of your home, making the decluttering process feel less like a chore and more like a part of your home’s design and flow.

Pro Tip: Make it a habit to drop at least one item in the basket every day. Even if it’s just something small, like an old magazine or an extra kitchen gadget, small steps add up over time.

5. 💋 KISS donations goodbye: Keep It Simple Silly

Many people get stuck in the decluttering process because they overthink what to do with the items they want to donate. You may feel compelled to find the perfect person to give your old clothes, toys, or books, or worry that your friend, cousin, or neighbor would appreciate the item.

Here’s our advice: don’t overthink it. Find a donation center that will gladly take your items and drop them off there. The simpler you make the donation process, the quicker you can declutter your home and move forward.

Trying to find the perfect recipient for each item can slow down your progress and cause unnecessary stress. Your ultimate goal is to create a peaceful home, so let go of the need to micromanage the journey of your donations.

Pro Tip: Set a donation day once a month and stick to it. Put it on your calendar like an appointment. This creates a routine, allowing you to clear out your basket regularly without it becoming an overwhelming task.