You might not think that 20 minutes can make a major difference when it comes to decluttering, but according to Hillary Forst, professional organizer and owner of Sorted & Styled, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a short decluttering session.
“We know life rarely gives you a wide open weekend for a full organizing session—sometimes you’ve got just 20 minutes between school pick-ups, a grocery run, or heading out for workout class," Forst says. "When life feels overwhelming, it really is amazing what 20 minutes of decluttering can do to make a difference.”
Remember, 20 minutes today, 20 minutes tomorrow, and 20 minutes a few days from now add up to an hour of decluttering. So, hit your timer, get going, and remember that even if it takes you a week or two to declutter your whole home, taking it 20 minutes at a time can have a huge impact. Unsure where to start? Here are a few ideas.
Make the Worst First
According to Forst, the best place to start is the messiest section of your home. “Some people are driven crazy by a messy countertop, while others can overlook that but can’t stand a jumbled closet," she says. "That’s why the most effective place to begin is with what bothers you the most.”
The payoff will be instant and you’ll feel immediate relief. Plus, it creates momentum. "That sense of progress can motivate you to keep going tomorrow," Forst points out. "On the other side, if you spend your time organizing a spot that doesn’t really bother you, it won’t bring the same sense of satisfaction or motivation to continue."
Surfaces and Countertops
Surfaces are a great place to declutter if you only have a short time to work. “A tidy countertop or nightstand instantly changes how a room feels and works for you,” says Forst.
This can be pretty much anywhere in the home, so work from the most to least disastrous spaces. If you work quickly, you might even be able to declutter all the surfaces in your home in just a session or two.
The Fridge
One of those areas that often gets neglected is the inside of your refrigerator. After all, it is behind closed doors, so the expiration date of that old bottle of ranch likely isn’t on top of mind every day.
But if your fridge is cluttered, it can drain your budget and lead to waste, explains Laurie Hise of Passionate Penny Pincher. She elaborates, “Food can expire, mismatched storage containers end up everywhere, gadgets you haven’t used in forever take up space, and you have no idea what’s actually in those fridge drawers."
But you don’t need to overcomplicate the process here—Hise simply recommends tossing expired condiments and old leftovers, and making a list of what you need so you have a plan next time you go to the store.
High-Traffic Areas
According to Angelia York, vice president at Saint Louis Closet Co., it’s best to start with high-traffic spots like your entryway, mudrooms, and drop zones. “These spaces collect shoes, bags, and everyday clutter that can make your whole home feel chaotic," she says.
Want to keep your space decluttered? York recommends customizing the space so it's tailored to your needs. “A mudroom system, cubbies, hooks, and benches make it easy to get things off the floor and instantly restore order," she points out.
Your Closet
You have to get dressed every day, so tackling your closet can pay off big time. It might take more than one 20-minute session, but start with the floors and get rid of those dry-cleaning bags and wire hangers that have fallen down there, wash clothing that’s been sitting on the floor since last season, and toss shoes that are beyond repair. Then work your way up to your clothing and upper storage shelves.
Source: Lauren, A. (2025i, October 6). Only have 20 minutes to declutter? Organizing pros say to tackle these spots first. Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/where-to-declutter-first-if-you-only-have-20-minutes-11822432