The 10-Minute Decluttering Challenge: Quick Wins for Busy Moms
Have you ever looked around your home and felt overwhelmed by the clutter? Trust me, I’m all too familiar with that feeling! Between work, kids, and everything else on your plate, finding time to declutter can feel a little low on your priority list. That’s where the 10-minute decluttering challenge comes in! With just 10 minutes a day, you can reclaim your space and create a calmer, more organized home. Let’s dive in and get started.
Why the 10-Minute Rule Works
The beauty of the 10-minute decluttering challenge lies in its simplicity. Tackling small tasks prevents overwhelm and makes decluttering doable, even on your busiest days. It’s all about momentum—those little wins add up quickly and give you the motivation to keep going.
Psychologists have even found that breaking tasks into bite-sized chunks can reduce procrastination. Plus, knowing you only need 10 minutes makes it easier to start. After all, anyone can spare 10 minutes, right?
Why 10-Minute Decluttering Challenges are Important
Cleaning and decluttering your house can be an important form of self-care, offering both physical and mental benefits. When you tidy up your living space, it creates a sense of accomplishment, which can reduce stress and anxiety. A clean, organized environment can also foster a sense of calm, making it easier to relax and focus. By dedicating time to cleaning, you’re not just maintaining your home—you’re nurturing your mental well-being and creating a space that supports your overall health.
How to Start the 10-Minute Decluttering Challenge
Ready to jump in? Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Set a Timer
Use a 10-minute timer. Knowing the clock is ticking helps you stay focused and avoid distractions. - Pick One Small Area
Start with a manageable space. Think junk drawer, bathroom shelf, or even your purse. The key is to avoid overwhelming yourself by choosing a single, small area. - Gather Your Tools
Grab three containers: one for trash, one for donations, and one for items to keep. Keeping it simple and organized will help you move quickly. If you come across things you have no idea what to do with, don’t get side tracked or lost focus, just put it into your Deferred Decisions Box to be dealt with when you have more time.
10-Minute Decluttering Ideas
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of quick wins you can tackle during your 10-minute decluttering challenges:
- Junk drawer
- Refrigerator door
- Bathroom counter
- Kids’ toy bin
- Nightstand
- Shoe rack
- Coffee table
- Desk surface
- Under the kitchen sink
- The car
- A dresser drawer
- The top shelf of a closet
- A stack of piled papers
- One kitchen cupboard
Set your timer, pick one area, and go! You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in such a short amount of time.
Tips for Staying Consistent
The real magic of the 10-minute decluttering challenge happens when you stick with it. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
- Incorporate It Into Your Routine
Tie decluttering to something you already do daily. This is called habit stacking from the book Atomic Habits. For example, tackle a small area while your coffee brews in the morning or while waiting for dinner to cook. - Set Realistic Goals
Don’t aim for perfection. The goal is progress, not a Pinterest-perfect home. Celebrate small wins to keep the momentum going. - Get the Family Involved
Turn decluttering into a family activity. Assign each family member a 10-minute task, or make it a game to see who can declutter the fastest.
Celebrate Your Wins
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to celebrate your progress. Take a quick “before” and “after” photo of the area you’ve decluttered. Seeing the transformation will remind you that even small efforts can lead to big results.
Consider rewarding yourself for completing all of the challenges. Maybe it’s a favorite treat, a relaxing bath, or simply enjoying your refreshed space with a cup of tea.
Bonus: Printable Challenge Tracker
To help you stay consistent, download a free 10-minute decluttering challenge tracker. Print it out and check off each area as you complete it. This visual progress tracker will keep you motivated and make it easy to stay on track.
Get your 10-Minute Decluttering Challenges here!
Which Challenge Will You Do First?
The 10-minute decluttering challenge is proof that small steps can lead to big changes. By dedicating just a few minutes a day, you can transform your home into a more organized and peaceful space—without the stress or overwhelm.
So, what are you waiting for? Set that timer, pick an area, and start your first challenge today. Let me know in the comments which area you tackled and how it went. I can’t wait to hear about your success!
