Have you ever found yourself in your home feeling angry and overwhelmed without really knowing why? Maybe you know you should feel thankful but you just can’t seem to relax in the surroundings of your home.
Clutter is not just an eye sore it can affect how we feel in our homes and in our minds and bodies.
Those envelopes on the counter seem to be screaming you’re not doing enough. Or maybe those clothes that don’t fit hanging in your closet keep saying you’re not good enough. That undone craft project in your dining room is telling you that you don’t ever complete anything.
What’s your clutter telling you? Could you take a moment and think about it?
Is it a message that uplifts and inspires or one that drags you down?
If your home is feeling like one big mess, and you just don’t have the time (or energy) to tackle it there’s hope.
I’ve been there—standing in the middle of the playroom, stepping over toy cars and puzzle pieces, or on them- Ouch!, wondering how everything got so out of control. I used to think I needed an entire day (or a whole weekend) to get my house back in order, but honestly, motherhood who has time for that? With wisdom, I’ve learned over the years that small micro habits done consistently are often the saving grace to get us where we want to go. So can you find 10 minutes a day?
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you break it down into small, daily habits, it becomes manageable, and the momentum builds. Before you know it, your home feels lighter, more peaceful, and easier to maintain.
And as you get your home to a better place you learn to be more careful about what you allow into your space both physically and mentally.
So, grab a timer, and let’s dive into a 10-minute-a-day decluttering plan!
How 10 Minutes a Day Can Transform Your Home
Decluttering daily might not seem like much, but it adds up. Think about it—10 minutes a day is over an hour per week! Instead of waiting for a perfect time to do a massive cleanout, these small efforts help you stay ahead of the clutter while keeping your home functional and peaceful. And hopefully those painful legos out from under your feet. Hey, we can dream after all!
Plus, short bursts of decluttering help prevent decision fatigue. You’re more likely to stay motivated when you don’t have to make a hundred choices at once.
Daily 10-Minute Decluttering Plan
Each day, focus on one small area. Set a timer and challenge yourself to clear as much as you can in those 10 minutes! It’s a game racing against the clock! Put on some upbeat music and make it fun.
You can choose one of these per area each week or really go for it and do them all.
Monday: Kitchen Counters & Junk Drawer
- Toss expired coupons, takeout menus, and broken pens.
- Wipe down countertops and put away small appliances you don’t use daily.
- Organize utensils and toss anything you don’t need.
Tuesday: Fridge & Pantry Quick Clean
- Check for expired food and throw it away.
- Group like items together (snacks, canned goods, baking supplies).
- Wipe down shelves if needed.
Wednesday: Entryway or Mudroom
- Clear out shoes, bags, and mail that doesn’t belong.
- Hang up jackets or store them properly.
- Add a small basket for keys, sunglasses, and essentials.
Thursday: Bathroom Declutter
- Toss expired medicine, skincare, and makeup.
- Wipe down counters and sink area.
- Reorganize under the sink or drawers.
Friday: Playroom or Kids’ Spaces
- Pick 5-10 toys to donate or rotate out.
- Throw away broken toys or puzzles with missing pieces.
- Contain toys in labeled bins for easy cleanup.
Weekend: Bedroom Nightstands & Closet & Living Room Reset
- Remove clutter from nightstands (old receipts, books, random items).
- Choose 5 clothing items you no longer wear to donate.
- Fold and put away any stray clothes.
- Put away items that belong elsewhere.
- Wipe down surfaces and dust.
- Fluff pillows and fold blankets for a fresh start to the week.
Bonus Tips for Success
✔ One In, One Out Rule – For every new item you bring into your home, remove one.
✔ Declutter Before Cleaning – A tidy space makes regular cleaning easier.
✔ Use Baskets – Keep a donation basket in your home so unwanted items don’t linger.
✔ Celebrate Progress – Even small wins make a difference!
If you need even more motivation check out just some of the research:
Clutter isn’t just an eyesore—it actually affects our brains, stress levels, and productivity. Here are some scientific studies and expert insights on how clutter impacts us:
1. Clutter Increases Stress and Anxiety
- A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2010) found that women who described their homes as “cluttered” had higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and reported feeling more fatigued and depressed compared to those who described their homes as “restorative” and uncluttered.
- Source: Saxbe, D. E., & Repetti, R. L. (2010). No Place Like Home: Home Tours Correlate With Daily Patterns of Mood and Cortisol. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 36(1), 71–81.
2. Clutter Overloads the Brain and Reduces Focus
- Neuroscientists at Princeton University found that a cluttered environment competes for our attention, making it harder to focus and process information efficiently. The study showed that people in an organized environment performed better on cognitive tasks compared to those in a cluttered space.
- Source: McMains, S., & Kastner, S. (2011). Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex. The Journal of Neuroscience, 31(2), 587–597.
3. Clutter Contributes to Procrastination and Poor Mental Health
- A study in Current Psychology (2017) found a strong link between clutter, procrastination, and higher levels of stress and life dissatisfaction. Researchers suggested that people who struggle with clutter tend to experience decision fatigue, which makes it harder to complete tasks efficiently.
- Source: Ferrari, J. R., & Roster, C. A. (2017). Delaying Disposing: Examining the Relationship Between Procrastination and Clutter Across Generations. Current Psychology, 36(2), 400–408.
4. Clutter Can Affect Sleep Quality
- A study from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that people with cluttered bedrooms were more likely to experience sleep disturbances and higher levels of insomnia. Clutter creates visual noise, making it harder to relax and unwind before bed.
- Source: Brodsky, J. L., & Green, M. C. (2016). The messy bedroom effect: Clutter and sleep disturbances. Journal of Environmental Psychology.
5. Decluttering Can Improve Mood and Productivity
- Marie Kondo’s method isn’t just about tidying up—it aligns with research showing that an organized space promotes better emotional well-being and productivity. A study in The Journal of Neuroscience (2011) found that when people removed distractions (like clutter), their brains were able to process information more effectively, reducing cognitive overload.
- Source: M. L. Berman, J. Jonides, S. Kaplan. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212.
If you are still struggling I want you to think about something- Who do you want to be? How do you want your home to feel? Dare to dream. What would that person you want to be do about the items that are causing an excess in your home?
You can do something today to get to the feeling you want and who you want to be. And you don’t need to go on an organizing shopping spree. Pick some flowers, light a candle, create a cozy uncluttered corner for yourself, and begin to create the life you want now with what you have. You’ve got this Momma!
To make this routine even easier, I’ve created a printable checklist with daily decluttering goals! You can keep it on your fridge or planner as a simple reminder.
Download Your Free 10-Minute Decluttering Checklist
Let me know in the comments—what area of your home needs a 10-minute declutter today? Let’s do this together!
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