In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, maintaining a clean and clutter-free home can seem like an impossible task. Clutter piles up without warning, transforming once-pristine spaces into overwhelming messes.
You may find yourself procrastinating, delaying that inevitable clean-up because it just seems too daunting. You’re not alone in this; clutter-induced anxiety is a common phenomenon. But here’s some good news: You don’t have to face this challenge all at once. It’s possible to start small and declutter bit by bit.
Just ten minutes a day can make a significant difference. Breaking the process into manageable, bite-sized tasks helps prevent the anxiety that often accompanies large decluttering projects. If you can spare just ten minutes a day, you can start to change your mindset about clutter.
So, here’s my list of ten things you can declutter around the house in ten minutes to help you jumpstart your journey to a more organized home:
Magazines and Newspapers
If you’re a fan of the printed word, you likely have a stack of newspapers and magazines you’ve been planning to read “one day.” Give yourself ten minutes to go through these stacks. Recycle outdated newspapers, and only keep the magazines that genuinely interest you. Gather those that you do keep in a stylish magazine rack that is easily accessible for those who do want to read them.
Expired Medication
Look through your medicine cabinet and discard any medication that has expired. Make sure to follow the proper disposal guidelines for medicines as shown above to ensure safety. Removing these items will create more space and keep your home safer.
Old Cosmetics and Beauty Products
Yes, even the most expensive makeup expires. The lifespan of cosmetics and beauty products is typically shorter than we realize. Old, expired products can harbor bacteria and cause skin issues. Plus, they take up unnecessary space. Dedicate ten minutes to sorting through your cosmetics, discarding anything that is out of date or that you no longer use. Not sure if something is expired? Check out the chart above.
Tupperware and Food Storage Containers
Over time, it’s easy to accumulate a massive collection of mismatched Tupperware and food storage containers. Spend a few minutes matching containers with their lids, discarding any without a corresponding pair.
Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year
Clothing can accumulate in our closets, making it difficult to find what we need. A simple rule of thumb is to discard any item that hasn’t been worn in a year (with a few exceptions, like sentimental items or special occasion clothing). Donate these items to someone who will get use out of them. Or, for items that are not quite donation-worthy, consider recycling them via one of these clever (and very satisfying) craft projects.
Old Electronics and Cables
We’ve all got that drawer filled with obsolete gadgets, cables, and chargers. Take ten minutes to sort through this tech debris, discarding or recycling anything that’s broken or outdated. Many electronic stores have recycling programs for such items.
Kitchen Utensils
Duplicate kitchen utensils or rarely used gadgets can make your kitchen drawers chaotic. Identify any tools you don’t use or have multiples of, and consider donating them to a thrift store or shelter. Then take the time to organize what is left, which will make food prep a lot easier on a daily basis.
Unfinished Projects
Many of us have half-finished projects lying around, collecting dust. Whether it’s a craft project, an unassembled piece of furniture, or an old appliance you meant to fix, evaluate whether you’re likely to complete it. If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go.
Junk Mail
Junk mail has a way of piling up on countertops and in drawers. Take a few minutes to toss out any unneeded mail. Consider signing up for a service to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive in the future.
Books You’ll Never Read Again
While it can be hard to part with books, they can quickly overcrowd your space. If you have books that you’ll never read again or that didn’t capture your interest, consider donating them to your local library or school.
While these tasks are simple and quick, their cumulative effect can be quite significant. By dedicating just ten minutes each day to decluttering, you can slowly but surely reclaim your space and alleviate the stress that clutter can cause. Remember, it’s not about doing everything at once but making steady progress. So, pick a task, set your timer, and start your journey towards a clutter-free home.
While tackling small decluttering tasks can be an excellent first step, you might still feel overwhelmed by larger decluttering projects. If that’s the case, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Just Organized by Taya is here to support you on your journey towards a more organized, less cluttered lifestyle.
With our expert advice and hands-on help, you can transform your space into the calm, orderly haven you’ve always wanted. You deserve a home that enhances your well-being rather than stressing you out. So why wait? Reach out to Just Organized by Taya today and start enjoying the many benefits of a well-organized home.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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