Let’s be honest, life gets busy. Between work, kids, errands, and the never-ending to-do list, finding the time to declutter your home can feel downright impossible. And if you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll wait for the weekend” only to blink and find it’s Monday again, you’re definitely not alone.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need hours of free time or a full weekend to make progress. With a few clever tricks and a dose of determination, you can start decluttering even on your busiest days.
If you’re looking for quick wins and doable strategies, this blog is packed with home organising hacks and time-saving tips that will help you declutter your home bit by bit and move from chaos to calm, without the overwhelm.
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Focus on High-Impact Areas First
When time is limited, aim for areas that has high visual and emotional impact. Skip the garage (for now!) and start with the areas you see and use every single day.
Decluttering high-traffic zones has the biggest impact on your mood and sanity. Prioritise areas like:
- Kitchen counters: Clear the clutter and create a calming prep space.
- Entryway or drop zone: A tidy entrance sets the tone for the whole home.
- Bathroom sink area: Say goodbye to half-used products and empty toothpaste boxes.
- Living room surfaces: Coffee tables, side tables, and consoles can collect clutter fast.
Decluttering these everyday hotspots instantly makes your home feel more peaceful and put-together, even if the rest is still a work in progress.
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Do a Daily Declutter Dash
Short on time? Try a five-minute daily declutter dash. It’s quick, effective, and surprisingly satisfying.
Choose a regular time, maybe after dinner, before bed, or even while waiting for the kids to finish brushing their teeth, and see how much you can clear in 5-minute decluttering dash. Bonus points if you get the family involved and turn it into a game, make it a race to see who can tidy up the fastest!
Ideas for declutter dash:
- Return items to their proper homes
- Toss expired pantry items or junk mail
- Straighten blankets, fluff pillows, and tidy your coffee table
Over time, this becomes a habit that keeps clutter from creeping back in.
Bonus Tip: Pair your declutter dash with something enjoyable—like playing your favourite song or podcast.
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Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
When you’re short on time, preventing new clutter is just as important as dealing with the existing mess. One of the simplest and most effective clutter-control strategies out there? The One In, One Out rule.
The “One In, One Out” rule is simple: every time you bring a new item into your home, get rid of one item you no longer need.
Here’s how it works:
- Bought a new top? Donate one you haven’t worn in ages.
- New toy for the kids? Pass on one they’ve outgrown.
This rule is zero fuss, requires no extra time, and helps prevent clutter from building up in the first place.
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Embrace the Power of 10 Minutes
You don’t need to block out an entire afternoon to declutter. Think again. All you need is 10 minutes to make an impact.
Pick a small area, set a timer and go for it:
- A single kitchen drawer
- One wardrobe shelf
- The top of your bedside table
- A bathroom cabinet
In just 10 minutes, you can sort through what you don’t use, toss the junk, and neatly organise what’s left. Set a timer and let it motivate you to stay focused and finish fast.
These quick wins build momentum and shift your mindset from “I don’t have time” to “I can totally do this.”
Decluttering Tip: Keep a “donate” bag in a closet or laundry area so you can add items on the go.
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Keep a Donation Basket Handy
This is one of our favourite home organiser hacks. Place a basket or sturdy bag in a central location, like your hallway, laundry or inside a closet. As you go about your day, drop items into it that no longer serve you.
This way you don’t need to set aside extra time for a comprehensive decluttering session. Instead, you’re decluttering passively, bit by bit. Once the basket is full, do a quick drop-off to your local op shop or donation centre. Easy, efficient, and oh-so-satisfying!
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Declutter by Category, Not Room
Tackling an entire room can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. That’s why professional organisers often declutter by category, not location.
Choose one type of item and tackle it wherever it lives in your home:
- Shoes
- Coffee mugs
- Tupperware
- Books
- Kids’ art supplies
This method gives you a clearer view of what you truly own and makes it easier to eliminate duplicates or unused items. It’s an efficient way to streamline without the pressure of “finishing” a whole room.
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Use Commercial Breaks & Waiting Time Wisely
Life is full of little pauses, waiting for the kettle to boil, dinner to cook, or your child’s bath to fill. Use these micro-moments to declutter something small.
Try these micro-tasks:
- Sorting through your handbag
- Tossing expired items from the fridge
- Tidying a shelf in your linen closet
- Purging your overflowing makeup bag
It’s all about using the time you already have, instead of waiting for a “perfect moment” that never comes. These small actions add up fast.
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Make It Easy with the 3-Bag Method
This classic organising method is a lifesaver when you need to make quick decisions and avoid overthinking. Here’s what to do:
Grab three bags or boxes and label them:
- Keep
- Donate
- Rubbish
Then pick a drawer, shelf, or basket, and sort everything into one of the three bags. No second-guessing, no overthinking, just keep the process moving. This method works wonders when you’re in a hurry and just need to get it done. It’s simple, effective, and incredibly satisfying.
Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Start where you are, use the time you have, and keep going. You’ve got this.
Decluttering when you’re short on time doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
You don’t need to do it all at once or get it “perfect.” What matters most is starting, even if it’s just for five minutes a day. Every drawer you clear, every item you donate, and every habit you build brings you one step closer to a more organised, peaceful home.
Some days, you’ll feel like you’re nailing it, ticking off your 15-minute sessions, filling that donation basket, and noticing the calm that comes with clearer spaces. Other days, life will absolutely get in the way. And you know what? That’s completely okay. You’re human. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t look Pinterest-perfect right away. The goal isn’t to create a showroom-worthy space (unless that’s your thing).
The real goal is to craft a home that feels good to live in, a space that brings you peace, comfort, and joy. Let go of the pressure to “get it all done,” and instead, focus on creating an environment that truly supports you and brings peace.
Pause and ask yourself: What kind of space makes me feel relaxed, inspired, and truly at home?
- Maybe it’s a cozy, clutter-free living room where you can curl up with a book.
- Maybe it’s a clean, organised kitchen that makes meal-prep a breeze.
- Maybe it’s simply having a hallway you can walk through without stepping over shoes and bags.
Whatever your vision looks like, let that guide you, more than any trend or ideal.
So, give yourself permission to have “good enough” days. Because showing up, making small changes, and choosing progress over perfection? That’s a big win in itself.
At Ducks in a Row, we’re here to make home organisation feel doable, not daunting. From in-home services to virtual consultations, our expert team of talented organisers helps busy people, like you, create calm, clutter-free spaces that actually work for your lifestyle. Book your free consultation with our Lead Organiser today!
Want more practical home organising tips, check out our other blogs.
