Feb. 24, 2025

Episode 3 - How to Start Decluttering When You Have No Time: Small Steps, Big Wins

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but convinced you don’t have time to deal with it? You’re not alone! Many people feel that decluttering requires hours of free time, but the truth is, small, consistent actions can make a huge impact.

In this blog post, we’ll break down practical ways to fit decluttering into your busy schedule—without feeling like it’s a chore.

Change Your Mindset About Decluttering

One of the biggest hurdles to “starting“ is the belief that you need a big chunk of time to make any progress. Instead of thinking you need five uninterrupted hours, shift your mindset to embrace small, manageable steps. Decluttering in short bursts—even just a few minutes—adds up over time and helps you create lasting habits. Truly.

Decluttering in Small, Do-able Doses

Not sure where to start? Try these easy methods:

Decluttering Dozen – Set your timer for 12 minutes and declutter a small area. We have found that 12 minutes is the ‘sweet spot’.
Zone Decluttering – Instead of tackling an entire room, break it into sections. For example, start with just your T-shirts, one shelf, or a single drawer.
Commercial Break Decluttering – Use TV commercial breaks to tidy up. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in just 2-3 minutes!
Transition Time Decluttering – When waiting for coffee to brew or food to cook, use those few minutes to declutter your kitchen counter or unload the dishwasher.

Stop Wasting Time Shuffling Clutter

Clutter actually costs you time! Constantly shifting things around, searching for lost items, or struggling to clean around piles of stuff adds stress and wastes precious minutes every day. Instead of doing the clutter shuffle, use those small windows of time to start DECluttering.

Be Intentional About What You Bring Into Your Home

A crucial part of decluttering is preventing new clutter from piling up. Try this rule: For every item you bring in, two must go out. This habit helps keep your space under control and reduces impulse purchases. It's easier to walk by those impulse items when you need to think of two items to get rid of when you get home.

Declutter On-the-Go

Busy schedule keeping you out of the house? Use these moments to clear digital and physical clutter:

Delete old emails while waiting for an appointment.
Declutter your purse or wallet while sitting in the car.
Clean out your car while waiting in the pickup line at school.

Make Decluttering Fun (Even for the Whole Family!)

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a dreaded task! Turn it into a game:

Set a 2-minute challenge for kids to pick up toys or clothes.
Have a 30-second dance-off after clearing out your car.
Race to see who can clear a shelf the fastest.

Your Decluttering Challenge

We challenge you to one Decluttering Dozen today! Set your timer for 12 minutes, pick a small area (like your t-shirt drawer or kitchen junk drawer), and get to work. When the timer goes off, take a moment to celebrate your progress! #DeclutteringDozen #DanceItOut

Share Your Wins!

We’d love to see your progress! Share your decluttering victories with us: