Declutter Your Space: 4 Simple Tips to Make Progress When You’re Short on Time

If you’re anything like me, clutter can quickly get out of hand. It doesn’t happen overnight— it’s a slow and steady build-up of things that you just don’t have the time (or the energy) to deal with. And, as a busy mom juggling my business, housework, and life in general, finding time to declutter often feels impossible.

Maybe you're nodding your head right now, feeling that overwhelm in your chest. You know you need to declutter, but where do you even start when there’s never enough time? I’ve been there too. And let me tell you—just because your schedule is tight doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live in clutter forever.

I’m here to share four tips that have helped me stay on top of things and make real progress, even on the busiest days. With these strategies, you can slowly but surely start reclaiming your space without spending hours at a time on it.

1. Tackle One Small Section at a Time

Let’s face it, we can’t just block off an entire day for decluttering. That’s a luxury I can’t afford as a single mom with a business to run and a little one to care for. So, I’ve learned to take a different approach.

Instead of aiming to declutter the whole room or closet in one go, I focus on small sections. This is what I call “micro-decluttering,” and it has made a huge difference in how I feel about the process. For example, rather than trying to empty and reorganize my entire kitchen, I’ll focus on one drawer. Just one.

Here’s how I break it down:

• In the kitchen: I might tackle just one cabinet or shelf. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a huge time investment.

• In the bathroom: I’ll work on one drawer, maybe the one with old lotions and half-used products that have piled up over time.

• In the closet: I’ll go through just one section of clothes—like my jeans or a stack of sweaters. When I find a piece that no longer serves me, I donate it, and it’s one less thing cluttering up my space.

The key here is making it manageable. If you can, tackle a cluttered space for just 10-15 minutes. If it’s something you can do during your child’s nap or while waiting for dinner to cook, then do it! Don’t try to do it all at once. Small wins will keep you motivated.

2. Set a Timer to Keep It Short and Sweet

We’ve all heard of “time-blocking” and setting aside time for specific tasks, but when you have a million things to do, that can seem unrealistic. However, what if you could use the little gaps in your day to declutter? That’s where setting a timer comes in.

Whenever I have a few minutes to spare—while waiting for a pot of water to boil, during a commercial break, or when my daughter is watching her favorite show—I’ll set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes. My goal is to declutter just one small area in that time frame.

Here’s the beauty of this: It’s all about momentum. Sure, I might not declutter an entire room in 10 minutes, but I can clear out a small corner of my desk or organize a drawer. Every little bit helps.

And, if you’re not into the idea of a loud, interrupting timer, you can always choose a song. Play a song that’s around 3-4 minutes long and challenge yourself to see how much decluttering you can do before the song ends.

You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make in just a few short bursts of time. Trust me—those minutes add up!

3. Declutter as You Go About Your Day

If you’re like me, setting aside specific blocks of time to declutter doesn’t always work. But I’ve found that if I weave decluttering into my daily routine, it doesn’t feel like such a heavy burden. It’s all about making small, conscious choices throughout the day.

Here’s how I do it:

• While brushing my teeth or getting ready: I’ll take a quick peek in the medicine cabinet or my bathroom drawer and pull out a few expired products. A couple of items a day can make a huge difference in the long run.

• While getting dressed: I make a point to check my clothes for anything that no longer fits, is stained, or just doesn’t make me feel good. I’ll donate those items on my way out the door, which keeps my closet a little bit cleaner every day.

• In the kitchen: When I’m rummaging through my crowded drawers for a spatula, I’ll pull out an extra wooden spoon or two that I never use. Into the donate pile they go.

Incorporating decluttering into your daily routine doesn’t take a lot of effort. In fact, it’s almost effortless. You don’t have to carve out big chunks of time. It’s just about being mindful as you go through the motions of your day.

4. Implement the “One Touch” Rule

This one might sound simple, but it’s one of the most effective habits I’ve adopted. The “One Touch” rule means that once I touch an item, I don’t put it down until it’s been dealt with. This is a game-changer when it comes to decluttering.

For example, I’m notorious for letting papers pile up on my kitchen counter. I’d pick them up, only to drop them somewhere else and forget about them. The result? More clutter.

Now, I make a conscious effort to immediately deal with whatever I pick up. When I grab the mail, I open it, sort it, and immediately recycle or shred what I don’t need. The same goes for clothes—when I pull something out of the laundry basket, I either fold it, hang it, or put it away right away.

The “One Touch” rule works wonders for keeping clutter from building up. It prevents me from having to handle the same pile of stuff over and over. If I pick it up, I take care of it in that moment.

Making Decluttering a Habit

The key to decluttering when you don’t have time is consistency. By shifting your mindset and making small changes throughout your day, you can chip away at the clutter little by little. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

Incorporating these simple strategies into your routine has allowed me to keep my space feeling more organized, even with a busy schedule. And the best part? I’m not waiting for that elusive “perfect” day to declutter anymore. I’m getting it done, one small step at a time.

You don’t need a lot of time to make progress. You just need the right mindset and a few tips to get started. I’m living proof that, with a little patience and intention, decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

So, what do you think? Have you tried any of these tips? If not, I encourage you to start small and see how much you can accomplish! I’d love to hear about your decluttering journey. Drop a comment below and let’s support each other!

By using these strategies, you can finally make progress on decluttering—without taking time away from the things that matter most. Let’s declutter, make space, and breathe easier, together!