What Is the 10 Minute Decluttering Method?

The 10 minute decluttering method is as straightforward as it sounds — choose an area, set a timer and see how much you can accomplish. Focus solely on the task at hand for 10 minutes, stopping when the timer goes off. 

Pick a specific area to clean as thoroughly as possible. For instance, if your task is to clear out your fridge, concentrate on getting rid of spoiled or expired items. Don’t get distracted partway through and start making a grocery list. 

Why This Method Works for Families

Busy families often juggle work, homework, dinner prep, sports practices and bedtime routines. Adopting the 10-minute decluttering approach may be ideal for several reasons.

• Focused commitment:

  You’ll accomplish much more if everyone in the family chips in. You could even make it a friendly competition. 

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• Decision fatigue:

  Making too many daily choices leaves you mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted. Simplify your life by picking a specific area to clean instead of trying to tackle your entire house.

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• Mindset shift:

  Celebrating small wins is healthier than berating yourself for only making incremental progress.

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• Family effort:

  When the whole family gets involved in cleaning, you increase productivity and decrease stress levels. 

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Use Your Seven Days Productively

Instead of taking a haphazard approach, assign daily tasks to specific people. It will speed up your cleaning routine when everyone knows their designated responsibilities.

1. Monday

Clean the kitchen. Adults can wash dishes, while children can wipe down counters or sweep the floor. 

2. Tuesday

Tidy the bathroom and cabinets — the whole family can get involved in folding towels and cleaning the bathtub.

3. Wednesday 

Chores involved with cleaning bedrooms can include vacuuming, dusting and changing the sheets. Have kids pack up their toys and tidy their bookshelves. Get little ones in the habit of putting their things away when playtime ends — it builds responsibility and keeps clutter under control. 

4. Thursday

Only 15% of people use their garages to park their vehicles. If you’re not among that 15%, it likely means your garage has become a catch-all for everything from gardening products to holiday decorations. Each family member can tackle a section of the room and spend 10 minutes throwing out things you no longer need or want. You’ll have a tidy, efficient garage after several sessions of this approach. 

5. Friday

Fridays are for winding down — so keep it simple. Have your kids clean the fridge while you sort mail and pay bills. It’s the perfect day to clear out leftovers from the week and start fresh for the weekend.

6. Saturday and Sunday

Tailor your weekend chore schedule according to your home’s layout. Rotate through different areas using a checklist to maximize those focused 10-minute sessions. Assigning kids age-appropriate tasks makes cleaning more fun and teaches them responsibility from an early age. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress as a family. A clean house can trigger feel-good dopamine boosts and inspire everyone to keep the momentum going.

Small Steps Lead to Big Impacts 

Achieving a tidier, more functional home doesn’t require a total overhaul of your schedule. Even the busiest families can make meaningful progress by consistently using the 10 minute decluttering method. It’s quick, collaborative and surprisingly motivating.