Adobe StockA cleaner home in just 15 minutes? Yes, really.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter but too tired to spend your day cleaning, you're not alone. Whether you're a student, a busy professional, or a parent juggling kids and work, your home should be a place of rest—not another source of stress.
The good news? You don’t need a full afternoon or a deep clean to start seeing results. This list offers 15 quick wins you can knock out in under 15 minutes. Every one of them clears mental and visual clutter and gets you one step closer to the peaceful, cheerful space you want to come home to.
Jason Leung / UnsplashCommon decluttering myths that hold us back
Decluttering often feels like a massive project we’ll get to “someday.” But here’s the truth:
You don’t need a whole weekend or professional organizer to make progress
You don’t have to be a minimalist or throw everything out
You don’t need new bins, boxes, or systems to start
You can make a visible impact in just 15 minutes—and build momentum from there
Josue Michel / Unsplash15 things you can declutter in 15 minutes or less
Here’s your go-to list of quick, high-impact cleanups. Each task includes how to do it, what you’ll need, and how long it will take.
Clay Banks / Unsplash+1. Clear your entryway
Time to complete: 10–12 minutes
Scoop up stray shoes, bags, keys, and mail.
Hang up jackets and coats or store them in a bin.
Wipe surfaces and shake out your mat.
Materials: Basket or bin, disinfectant spray, rag.
Karolina Grabowska / Pexels2. Empty your junk drawer
Time to complete: 12–15 minutes
Dump everything onto the counter.
Toss trash, pens that don’t work, and expired coupons.
Group similar items (batteries, rubber bands) and return neatly.
Materials: Zip-top bags or small containers for sorting.
Karolina Grabowska / Pexels2. Empty your junk drawer
Time to complete: 12–15 minutes
Dump everything onto the counter.
Toss trash, pens that don’t work, and expired coupons.
Group similar items (batteries, rubber bands) and return neatly.
Materials: Zip-top bags or small containers for sorting.
Natalie Dupin / Pexels3. Declutter your purse or backpack
Time to complete: 7–10 minutes
Empty everything out onto a table or couch.
Toss old receipts, wrappers, and forgotten items.
Repack only what you need.
Materials: Trash bag, small pouch or organizer.
4. Tidy the bathroom counter
Time to complete: 10 minutes
Remove all items and sort them.
Wipe down counters, sink, and mirror.
Put away anything that doesn’t belong.
Materials: Glass cleaner, all-purpose spray, microfiber cloth.
5. Do a laundry blitz
Time to complete: 15 minutes
Gather dirty laundry from bedroom, bathroom, or couch.
Start a load and fold or hang clean laundry waiting in baskets.
Materials: Laundry basket, detergent, hangers.
6. Clean one shelf in your fridge
Time to complete: 10–12 minutes
Remove everything from one shelf.
Toss expired items and wipe sticky jars.
Group like items when putting them back.
Materials: Warm soapy water, rag or sponge.
7. Pick up the living room
Time to complete: 10 minutes
Clear cups, toys, tech accessories, and stray mail.
Fold blankets and fluff pillows.
Materials: Tote bag for items that belong elsewhere.
8. Reclaim your nightstand
Time to complete: 7–10 minutes
Remove clutter like books, tissues, hair ties, wrappers.
Wipe the surface and reset with only essentials.
Materials: Disinfectant wipe or dust cloth.
9. Clear out your car
Time to complete: 10–15 minutes
Remove trash, old cups, jackets, and shoes.
Wipe the dashboard and shake out mats.
Materials: Trash bag, wipes, vacuum (optional).
10. Organize the spice cabinet
Time to complete: 12–15 minutes
Pull everything out, toss duplicates or expired spices.
Wipe down shelves and reorganize by use or alphabetically.
Materials: Rag, paper towel, small bins (optional).
11. Surface sweep the kitchen counters
Time to complete: 10 minutes
Clear off clutter like unopened mail, gadgets, or half-used groceries.
Wipe down the counters for a fresh, clean look.
Materials: Surface spray, cloth or sponge.
12. Sort one basket or catchall bin
Time to complete: 10–12 minutes
Dump it out, group similar items, and throw out what’s not needed.
Return only what belongs, and relocate the rest.
Materials: Second basket or trash bag.
13. Declutter the closet floor
Time to complete: 12–15 minutes
Pick up shoes, bags, or clothing.
Vacuum or sweep if needed.
Materials: Basket, vacuum, or broom.
14. Delete 50 photos or emails
Time to complete: 5–10 minutes
Sit down with your phone or laptop and delete duplicates, junk, and spam.
Bonus: Unfollow accounts or newsletters that don’t spark joy.
Materials: Just your device.
15. Fill a donation bag
Time to complete: 10–15 minutes
Grab a bag and challenge yourself to find 5 things to donate
Clothes, books, toys, décor—whatever you haven’t used in months
Materials: Tote bag, trash bag, or cardboard box
What happens when you start decluttering 15 minutes at a time?
When you make time to declutter, you get an automatic upgrade on life. So, stop waiting for the perfect free day that never comes – find what’s doable for you and get it done!
You’ll build momentum instead of shame.
You’ll feel empowered, not exhausted.
And best of all—you will begin to love your space again.
This approach doesn’t just change your home. It changes how you feel at home. That’s worth 15 minutes. A clean, welcoming home is possible—just 15 minutes at a time.
Remember: You don’t need to do everything—just something. One small step today leads to real change over time.
Next steps:
Choose 1–3 items from this list and set a timer for 15 minutes.
Do a different task every day for the next two weeks.
Post your progress or share this list with a friend for accountability.