Tidy Your Home in Minutes with the 10-10 Decluttering Method

When it comes to getting organized, the hardest part is often just getting started. Standing in front of an overflowing closet, cluttered kitchen countertops, or a drawer bursting with stuff can feel overwhelming. And when you’re constantly rushing from daycare drop-offs to work meetings to dinner clean-ups, there’s little time left over to dedicate to decluttering.

If you often feel like giving up before you even begin, there’s a strategy that might motivate you to stick with your organizing goals. The 10-10 decluttering method is a straightforward, low-pressure approach that lets you tackle clutter in short bursts. It provides quick wins so you feel you've accomplished something and are more motivated to keep up the habit. Haven’t heard of it yet? Keep reading, as we break down what this method is, how it works, and provide 10 ideas for where to use it.

Put simply, the 10-10 decluttering method requires you to declutter 10 items from a space in 10 minutes. You can certainly remove more things in that amount of time, but the goal is at least 10. Similarly, if the 10 minutes are up and you have the time and motivation to continue decluttering, keep at it! But on the days when you're running low on both, the minimum with this method is always 10 items in 10 minutes.

The idea is that you don’t need to worry about achieving perfection in a single decluttering session. Instead, you should focus on making decisions in short bursts. While 10 items might not seem like a lot, consistently applying this approach can make a significant difference in how your home looks and feels over time.

A big benefit of getting into the habit of using the 10-10 decluttering method is that it helps build momentum. Once you see how easy it is to make a visible impact on clutter in such a short window, you’ll be more motivated to continue repeating the process. Instead of feeling drained or discouraged, you’ll walk away with a sense of accomplishment that will likely fuel your desire to declutter more.

10 Ways to Use the 10-10 Decluttering Method

If you’re ready to try it for yourself, pick from one of the 10 areas listed below, set your 10-minute timer, and get to work decluttering 10 things.

1. Edit the Entryway

The entryway sets the tone for your home as soon as you walk in, but it often turns into a dumping ground for coats, bags, shoes, and mail. By taking just 10 minutes to remove 10 items (such as off-season accessories or random trash), you can instantly create a more welcoming space that’s easier to keep organized on a daily basis.

2. Reclaim the Junk Drawer

If the entryway is a dumping ground, a junk drawer is often the black hole of a home. Pens that no longer work, expired coupons, and tangled cords accumulate quickly if the drawer isn’t kept in check. Take just 10 minutes to remove 10 items that clearly don’t belong in the space. These could be duplicates, trash, or things that have a storage home elsewhere.

3. Prevent a Mountain of Mail

Small piles of unopened mail or paperwork left on the counter can quickly turn into unmanageable stacks. Take 10 minutes to recycle junk mail, shred outdated documents, or organize important papers into files. This small effort helps you keep on top of the paper clutter and prevents it from piling up into a mountainous mess.

4. Clear the Bathroom Counter

If you find yourself constantly shuffling skincare serums and hair ties just to reach your deodorant every morning, it’s time to employ the 10-10 decluttering method in your bathroom. Start by scanning the counter and quickly removing 10 items that you don’t need, such as expired products, empty containers, or makeup that you never actually use. This simple act will make your bathroom—and, therefore, your morning and evening—feel instantly calmer and more streamlined.

5. Neaten up Your Nightstand

Nightstands should strictly hold essentials that help you unwind before bed (or, perhaps, ease you into the day). However, they often become cluttered with abandoned, half-read books, empty water glasses, and random electronics. Set a 10-minute timer, quickly identify and remove 10 items that don't serve you when you sleep or belong elsewhere (like in the dishwasher). This will leave you with a calmer and more intentional space.

6. Declutter the Fridge Door

While the whole refrigerator might need to be cleared out, you can confidently tackle the door in a 10-minute sprint. Quickly scan labels for expiration dates and discard any perishables that are past their prime. You might not have 10 things to toss, and that’s fine! You can stop when you’re done or begin checking the rest of the fridge and freezer for expired goods.

7. Straighten up a Closet Shelf

Closets are often filled with hidden clutter. Instead of taking everything out, focus on just one shelf at a time. This shelf might contain handbags you no longer use, folded sweaters that no longer fit, or storage bins that need sorting. By removing 10 items from this small area, you can create more breathing room and make the space easier to maintain in the long run.

8. Tidy the Coffee Table

Coffee tables often collect magazines, remote controls, candles, and other items throughout the week. Before you know it, they can begin to resemble a storage space rather than the relaxing, aesthetic surface you intended it to be. In just 10 minutes, remove 10 unnecessary items. Return them to their proper places, or let them go completely. This quick reset can make your entire living room feel more polished and inviting.

9. Purge Your Purse or Backpack

Bags can accumulate clutter in the blink of an eye. Receipts, snacks, hair ties, and loose change are most likely tumbling around in yours as we speak! At the end of the day, set a 10-minute timer and dump everything out onto a flat surface. Then, commit to removing at least 10 items that can be thrown away or returned to their proper place. Not only will your bag feel lighter, but you’ll also save time searching for essentials like your keys or wallet the next day.

10. Lighten the Car Load

Your car is like a second home, and just like any home, it can become cluttered. Fast-food bags, water bottles, extra napkins, and kids' toys create a chaotic interior in the car. Take 10 minutes to remove 10 items, and you'll be surprised at how much more enjoyable driving can feel. Plus, this simple task can make daily errands less stressful.