10 Decluttering Tasks You Can Do in 10 Minutes

Decluttering and organising are some of my favourite things to do (I know it’s sad!) But when you think about decluttering, it’s easy to picture a full weekend surrounded by piles of stuff, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. But decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive project — sometimes the smallest jobs make the biggest difference.

If you’ve only got 10 minutes to spare here are 10 quick decluttering tasks you can do right now. For me they’re great for while Scarlett’s having a nap or I’ve got a spare 10 minutes while she’s playing on her mat.

1. Clear out your handbag or nappy bag

Bags can become black holes for rubbish- receipts, snack wrappers, random toys, and half-used wipes. Empty it out, keep only the essentials, and your shoulders (literally) will feel lighter.

For nappy bags make sure you still need everything. I know that now Scarlett’s a tiny bit bigger there are certain things we don’t need. And recently I realised that I still had a 3-6 month spare outfit in the bag that won’t fit her anymore.

2. Tidy the kitchen junk drawer

Every home has one! Set a timer for 10 minutes and sort through old pens, batteries, takeaway menus, and random keys. Bin what you don’t need and pop the rest into organisers or small containers. This way things will be easier to find, and you’ll remember what’s in there.

3. Sort out your skincare or makeup bag

I have a travel bag set up so whenever I go away I just pick that up and I’m done. But it’s been a while since I last went away and needed it. You may have one of these, or have an everyday bag that could do with a refresh.

Expired products and empty bottles take up valuable space. Toss anything past its best and group items you use daily together for easy access.

4. Declutter your car

Ever since Scarlett came into our lives our car has gotten messier. I can’t carry as much when I bring her into the house so it stays in the car.

Grab a bag and do a quick sweep of your car — empty drink cans, takeaway packets, or toys hiding under seats. A 10-minute tidy can make school runs or commutes feel calmer.

5. Clear your phone’s photos or apps

Decluttering isn’t just physical! Use an app like Get Sorted to help go through your photos where you can go month by month and select keep or bin before committing to deleting anything. Delete those blurry photos, screenshots you no longer need or duplicate photos.

Go through your apps as well and delete any you don’t use. It’ll free up space and make your phone run smoother.

6. Streamline the coat rack or shoe area

We probably all have that dumping ground close to the door fill of shoes, coats and jackets.

Put out-of-season items back in storage and only keep what you actually wear regularly within easy reach.

7. Refresh your fridge

I like to do this every 1-2 weeks and it’s amazing how much I find every time.  Quickly check expiry dates and throw out forgotten leftovers.

Wipe down a shelf if you have time. A tidy fridge makes meal planning so much easier.

8. Organise your wallet or purse

Receipts, old loyalty cards, and expired vouchers clutter up your wallet. Clear it out and keep only what you really use.

Bonus: you might even rediscover a forgotten gift card or filled up loyalty card.

9. Sort a bookshelf or magazine pile

Pick one shelf or stack. Donate books you know you won’t re-read (or sell on Vinted) and recycle old magazines. It will instantly make your space look tidier.

10. Declutter your bedside table

If you’re anything like me this becomes another dumping ground and it’s hard to find time to tidy it.

Put away anything that doesn’t belong there and make your essentials easy to access.

Decluttering tasks

Decluttering doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By breaking it into tiny, 10-minute tasks, you’ll start to see progress without it eating into your whole day. Plus, those small wins give you the motivation to keep going.

Next time you’ve got a spare 10 minutes, try tackling one of these tasks — future you will thank you!

What’s the one clutter hotspot in your home that always needs attention?