Try This 25-Minute Method to Finally Tidy Up That Clutter

Staring into an overflowing closet can make you feel like closing the door and ignoring the problem. And you’ll probably feel the same when you see stacks of boxes in the basement, crowded kitchen cabinets, or the eternal piles of mail on the counter. You know you need to declutter and get organized, but getting started is often the hardest part. What if you could tackle the clutter in short, focused bursts without burning out or losing motivation? You’re in luck because the Pomodoro Technique, a tried and true time-management method, can help you make real progress one timed session at a time.

This simple yet effective system breaks tasks into manageable chunks, making it perfect for decluttering and home organizing. If you’ve struggled to get started, stay on track, or find yourself getting distracted midway through a project, this method might be the game-changer you need. Here, we’ll explore what the Pomodoro Technique is and how to use it to finally (and effortlessly!) achieve a tidy home.

What Is the Pomodoro Technique?

Francesco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Technique while he was a student in the late 1980s as a way to improve productivity (his website tagline is “Work Smarter, Not Harder”). His method involves working in short 25-minute intervals, followed by a five-minute break. After completing four of these work sessions, also known as “Pomodoros,” you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. Cirillo created the strategy to enhance efficiency and focus while also preventing burnout. Now, you can use it as an effective tool to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique to Organize Your Home

Perhaps you’re already familiar with the method or have used it to get more done in your workday. If not, it’s still worth giving it a try for getting organized, especially if other systems haven’t been the right fit for you in the past. Follow the steps below to learn how to easily implement the Pomodoro Technique in every area of your home.

1. Pick a Space

Before you set the timer, choose a specific area or category to focus on. Instead of attempting to organize an entire room or closet at once, break the project down into smaller sections, like a single drawer, shelf, or corner. By narrowing your focus, the task will feel more manageable, and you can maintain momentum.

2. Have Supplies Ready

Having the right tools on hand at the start of the session helps prevent unnecessary distractions or wasted time looking for them. Depending on the area you’re organizing, gather trash bags, a box for donations, storage bins or containers, labels, a permanent marker, and cleaning supplies. Setting everything up beforehand ensures you can make the most of each 25-minute session (and your well-deserved breaks).

3. Set the Timer

When you're ready to start, set a timer for 25 minutes. This countdown creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent overthinking, especially when decluttering. Rather than getting stuck deciding whether or not to keep an item, you'll be encouraged to make quick yet practical choices.

During your first "Pomodoro" (and for each one you decide to work through after it), concentrate solely on decluttering and organizing. Do your best to avoid interruptions or distractions, such as checking social media. In fact, it’s best to put your phone out of reach, like in another room, if you find yourself being tempted. You can always raise the volume or make sure your smartwatch is connected to it in case of an emergency.

4. Take a Well-Deserved Break

When each timer goes off, don’t try to push through; take a break from the task. After all, you earned it! Stand up and stretch, make a cup of coffee, and, during the designated longer breaks, have a bite to eat or go for a walk. These rests will help to reset your brain, keeping you refreshed and prepared for another round of organizing.

5. Repeat the Technique as Needed

If you have more to do, start another Pomodoro session. Remember, you get to take a longer break after four full sessions. This cycle prevents you from feeling drained while keeping you on task, helping you finish before you get mentally, physically, or even emotionally fatigued.

Tips for Ensuring Success with the Pomodoro Technique

Consider the following pointers when attempting the Pomodoro Technique for the first time to organize your space.

• Set an audible timer. A visual timer can encourage you to pick up the pace, but you might forget about it as you concentrate on the task at hand. So make sure whichever one you set—whether on your phone or a smart home device—will let you know by sound that the session is over.
• Be realistic with your goals. If you only have time to go through two or three rounds of Pomodoros, the likelihood of clearing out an overly cluttered garage is slim. Aim for smaller, more practical results, and remember, there’s always another day to pick up the project again. The important thing is that you made progress in the time you set aside.
• Celebrate your wins. No matter how big or small, congratulate yourself for checking a project off your to-do list. Even if you just managed to declutter the junk drawer in one Pomodoro, acknowledge that victory and, if you’d like, reward yourself with something clutter-free, like indulging in a sweet treat or relaxing with a chapter of a guilty-pleasure book before bed.