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Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. In fact, some of the most impactful organizing can happen in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re waiting for dinner to cook, have a break between Zoom meetings, or just want to tackle a small project while the kids nap, these quick decluttering tasks will leave you feeling accomplished and your space refreshed. At Just Organized By Taya, we believe that small, consistent efforts can lead to big changes. Here are our top 10 things (or areas) to declutter when you have half an hour to spare.
1. The Junk Drawer
Let’s start with the classic: the junk drawer. It’s the catch-all for everything from loose change to random screws, and it’s often a source of hidden clutter.
How to Tackle It:
- Empty the drawer completely.
- Sort items into categories: keep, toss, donate, or relocate.
- Use small containers or drawer dividers to organize what’s left (e.g., one for batteries, one for pens, etc.).
- Wipe down the drawer before putting items back.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t used an item in the last 6 months, it’s probably safe to let it go.
2. Your Purse or Wallet
A cluttered purse or wallet can make it hard to find what you need when you need it. Plus, it’s amazing how much unnecessary stuff we carry around!
How to Tackle It:
- Dump everything out and sort through receipts, old gum wrappers, and expired coupons.
- Keep only the essentials: wallet, keys, phone, and a few must-have items (like Band-Aids, lip balm or hand sanitizer).
- Consider using a small pouch for items like chargers or makeup to keep things tidy.
Pro Tip: Make this a weekly habit to keep your bag light and organized.
3. The Fridge Door
The fridge door is often a magnet for expired condiments, old takeout sauces, and forgotten leftovers. A quick clean-out can make meal prep easier and free up space for fresh groceries.
How to Tackle It:
- Remove everything from the door shelves.
- Check expiration dates and toss anything past its prime.
- Wipe down the shelves before returning items.
- Group similar items together (e.g., all condiments in one area, dressings in another). Corralling them in clear containers helps.
Pro Tip: Store less-used items (like that specialty sauce) in the fridge’s interior to keep the door clutter-free.
4. Your Nightstand
Nightstands can quickly become cluttered with books, chargers, random papers, and half-empty water bottles. A quick declutter can make your bedroom feel more serene.
How to Tackle It:
- Remove everything from the surface and drawers.
- Toss trash, put away items that belong elsewhere, and donate books you’ve already read.
- Keep only the essentials: a lamp, a water glass, a book or two, and maybe a small tray for jewelry or other small items.
Pro Tip: Use drawer dividers to keep small items like charging cords or reading glasses organized.
5. The Bathroom Counter
A cluttered bathroom counter can make your morning routine feel chaotic. Spend 30 minutes clearing the space and you’ll start your day with a fresh perspective.
How to Tackle It:
- Remove everything from the counter.
- Toss expired products, empty bottles, and anything you no longer use.
- Wipe down the surface and only return daily essentials (e.g., toothbrush, hand soap).
- Store less-used items in cabinets or drawers.
Pro Tip: Use a small tray or organizer to corral items like makeup or skincare products.
6. Your Email Inbox
Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. A quick inbox clean-out can help you feel more focused and productive.
How to Tackle It:
- Start by deleting or archiving old emails you no longer need.
- Unsubscribe from newsletters or promotions you don’t read.
- Create folders or labels to organize important emails.
- Set up filters to automatically sort incoming emails.
Pro Tip: Aim to keep your inbox at or near “inbox zero” by handling emails as they come in.
7. The Entryway
The entryway is the first thing you see when you come home, so keeping it clutter-free can set the tone for the rest of your space.
How to Tackle It:
- Clear out shoes, bags, and coats that don’t belong.
- Toss or donate items like broken umbrellas or mismatched gloves.
- Use wall mounted shelves, hooks, baskets, or a shoe rack to keep the area organized.
Pro Tip: Add a small tray for keys and mail to prevent clutter from piling up.
8. Your Coffee Table
Coffee tables often become a dumping ground for magazines, remote controls, and random knickknacks. A quick clean-up can make your living room feel more inviting.
How to Tackle It:
- Remove everything from the table.
- Toss old magazines, put away items that belong elsewhere, and wipe down the surface.
- Keep only a few decorative items and essentials (like a coaster or a small plant).
Pro Tip: Use a stylish basket or tray to corral remotes and other small items.
9. Your Phone’s Photo Library
If you’ve ever struggled to find a specific photo because your camera roll is overflowing, it’s time for a digital declutter.
How to Tackle It:
- Delete blurry or duplicate photos.
- Create albums to organize pictures by category (e.g., vacations, family, pets).
- Back up important photos to the cloud or an external drive. Google Photos is a great (free choice) or, if you are an Amazon Prime member use the free cloud storage that is offered as a member benefit with that.
Pro Tip: Make this a monthly habit to keep your photo library manageable.
10. A Pantry Shelf
Even if you don’t have time to tackle the entire pantry, you can make a big impact by focusing on just one shelf.
How to Tackle It:
- Remove everything from the shelf.
- Check expiration dates and toss anything expired.
- Group similar items together (e.g., baking supplies, snacks, canned goods).
- Wipe down the shelf before returning items.
Pro Tip: Use clear bins or baskets to keep smaller items organized and visible.
Why Small Decluttering Sessions Matter
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it down into small, manageable tasks, you can make steady progress without feeling stressed. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you get from completing a 30-minute decluttering session can motivate you to tackle bigger projects down the road.
Ready to Take Your Organization to the Next Level?
If you’ve enjoyed these tips and are ready to dive deeper into decluttering and organizing your home, I’d love to help! My 4-hour decluttering package is the perfect way to jumpstart your journey. Together, we’ll tackle your biggest pain points and create systems that work for YOUR lifestyle.
👉 Let’s get started! Call me at 832-271-7608 or contact me here to schedule your session.
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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