Let’s be realistic.
We don’t always have hours or an entire day or more to take on a large decluttering project.
But – we CAN fit in 5 minutes here and there to make a little progress. And – even a little progress IS progress!
Here are some 5-Minute Declutter Tasks that you can easily tackle. Pick and choose as you wish, and then celebrate your small victories!
1. One Drawer
Pick a drawer – any drawer – but just one. It could be a sock drawer, desk drawer, kitchen drawer or bathroom drawer. Declutter duplicates or extras, toss unneeded items and items in poor condition. Remove and relocate items that should be stored elsewhere.
2. Bathroom Towels
How many towels do you and your family members REALLY need? And how many are just taking up valuable space? Donate a few that are in good condition and toss the old, worn out ones.
3. One Bookshelf
Don’t tackle an entire bookcase – just focus on one shelf for 5 minutes. Can you let one or two books go?
4. Email Inbox
Go through your inbox and identify any retail or other messages that you can unsubscribe from. Reply to one message that you have been putting off for a while so that you can clear it from your inbox. Be brave and just delete a few retail messages!
5. One Flat Surface
Choose a dresser top, a coffee table, kitchen counter, bathroom counter – you have plenty of places to choose from! Tidy up by putting left out items in their proper places and create new homes for items that seem to always “live” where they shouldn’t.
6. Spices
Old spices lose their flavor. Check the date and toss as needed. Look to see if you have duplicates and consolidate if possible.
7. All Purpose Cleaners
Do you have a habit of keeping cleaners that you purchased, but then decided they didn’t work all that well? See what you can declutter, recycling any plastic – if that is an option where you live.
8. Kitchen Towels and Dish Cloths
Do you have to push down the stack in order to close the drawer?Toss the dingy and tattered ones and donate any extras and smile every time you open and close the drawer with ease.
9. Car Interior
The next time you park in the garage or driveway, take a couple minutes to declutter before you get out. Check the glove box for items that you and others have “stuffed” in there over time. Look under the seats, inside console compartments and in the trunk or cargo areas.
10. Refrigerator or Freezer
Do a quick check for old leftovers, expired condiments and items that have simply been in the fridge or freezer for too long.
11. One Segment of Your Wardrobe
Decluttering your closet can take a while, but you can just focus on one area like T-shirts, jackets, socks, belts, gloves, scarves or undergarments.
12. Kitchen Cabinet
Select just one cabinet and look for expired foods, extra water bottles, tumblers, etc. Match up tops and bottoms of food storage containers. Toss any stray pieces.
13. Text Messages
Delete old conversations that are no longer needed. You may be surprised how much valuable storage space text messages take up on your phone.
14. Your Purse or Backpack
Clean out your purse, work bag or backpack that you use every day.
15. Stressful Thoughts
Take a break to sit quietly and focus on relaxation and recharging. Let go of the to-lists and worries in your head – even if it’s just for 5 minutes. You deserve a break!
Knock out a few of these tasks quickly – and then get back to doing the things YOU LOVE TO DO!
For more Quick Tips – check out my Decluttering Shorts Playlist.
Keep it Simple, my friends!
xoxo Angie!
