How to Declutter Your Home in 15 Minutes a Day

Simplify
by Simplify

The buddy system is a great decluttering strategy. Invite a friend over to ask you questions about your stuff, to gain perspective. Dawn, from the Minimal Mom, is here to be that person and help you with a 15-minute declutter. Grab a basket and get down to business.

Firstly, find a space to declutter. Something contained, like a shelf, drawer, or even a closet, but not your most sentimental items — those require asking yourself different questions.


The first question to ask yourself is: “Have I used it in the last year?” If you haven’t, but it’s still hard to let it go, ask yourself, “What will change in the upcoming year that will cause you to use it?”


Will you have more time next year? Different needs? Usually, the answer is no. If you didn’t use it this year and are unlikely to use it next year, let it go.


Next, ask yourself, “Can I replace it for under $20?” and “Is it something I can borrow if I need it?” If it’s easily replaceable or borrowable, it may be worth less than having a clutter-free home.


Ask, “Would you purchase the item again?” If not, why let an item you don’t really value take up space in your home? Ask, “If someone gave me money for it, would I part with it?”


If the answer is yes, you may be keeping it out of guilt. It’s hard to part with something you paid for. But, if you let yourself feel the pain of recognizing your made a mistake in buying it, it will be easier to avoid that mistake in the future.

Choosing what to declutter

When it comes to items in deep storage, ask yourself, “Do I want to handle this item again?” It’s easy to defer the decision-making and throw it back into deep storage. But, do you really want to pick up the same shirt again, a year later?


Having too much stuff can be stressful, even if it’s hidden from view. Time moves so quickly. Don’t spend your time deferring decluttering. Make your decision now and take back control of your time, life, and home.


The final question to ask yourself is, “Is the item living out the purpose it was created for?” If you have 20 coffee mugs, but only use a few, are the extra 16 living out their purpose? Why hold onto items, just in case, when there are people who could actually use them right now?


How to declutter your home in 15 minutes a day

Get tough on your stuff. None of it is more important than the people in your life. Stuff is really easy to replace. You can declutter your home in 15 minutes a day.


Which questions helped you with your decluttering? Let us know in the comments.


For more decluttering tips, discover how a 15-minute declutter can make all the difference or these 13 lazy habits for a clean home.


To see more videos, check out The Minimal Mom YouTube channel.

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  • Rosalie Rosalie on Feb 05, 2023

    Yes, i am so ready to do this again. #1 hard decision is gifts received. Do you have words can I ask myself or suggestions about gifts from family or friends?

  • Sheros Sheros on Feb 05, 2023

    My problem is not knowing where to start. My husband passed away in May of last year and although it won't be right away I know in the not too distant future I will be moving. With 2 collectors and 45 years of marriage and memories, where do I begin?

    • See 1 previous
    • Shelley Bolen Meyers Shelley Bolen Meyers on Feb 07, 2023

      First of all, so sorry for your loss. Second, one thing that I find helpful, especially for sentimental items is to take a photo of them before I find another home for the item. I also reiterate what another person said… If someone else will love that item and find it useful, it usually makes us feel better that it has a second life and “has a good home”.

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