6 Quick Decluttering Challenges You Can Tackle in Under 30 Minutes

Starting a big decluttering project can seem overwhelming, like you're facing a giant obstacle. But it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing effort. In fact, breaking it down into manageable parts can often lead to better results. That's where the idea of "decluttering sprints" comes in. These are short, focused tasks that you can complete quickly, without requiring a big time commitment or leaving you feeling drained.

Amy Tokos, a certified professional organizer from Kansas City, Missouri, shares some essential tips to make these "sprints" work. First, set a timer, and make sure to stop when it goes off! "If you keep going past the timer, you'll likely lose the motivation to do the next sprint," she explains. Keep your sessions short, no longer than 30 minutes, to avoid burnout. Also, eliminate distractions—turn off the TV, silence your phone, and close your laptop so you can concentrate fully. Lastly, Tokos advises not to leave the space during a sprint. If you come across something that belongs somewhere else, set it aside in a 'to-move' pile to avoid wandering and getting sidetracked.

Ready to dive in? Here are six areas to start with.

Underwear and Sock Drawers

We're getting into the nitty-gritty now! This task might take less than 30 minutes (yay!), but those drawers could really use a little attention. Empty them out and get rid of worn-out underwear with stretched-out elastic or ill-fitting pairs, as well as socks with holes in the heels or those that have been mismatched for ages. Then, reorganize the remaining items by category—group bikinis with boy shorts or separate ankle socks from cozy, fuzzy ones.

Phone Photos

This is the type of task many of us tackle when we’re stuck on a plane without Wi-Fi or waiting in line at the bank, but it really deserves a full 30 minutes of focus. Start by sorting through your screenshots. Delete any accidental screen captures (we’ve all done it!). Then, move on to duplicates. If you're anything like me, you probably have hundreds... or maybe thousands... of photos of your pets or nieces. Look for "bursts" or those moments when you snapped 5+ pictures of the same thing, and keep only your favorite. Let the rest go. You won’t get through your entire phone, but it’s a solid start.

Refrigerator Door

You don’t have to tackle the whole fridge at once. Tokos suggests starting with a smaller area, and our top pick is the fridge door, where mustards, jams, syrups, and partially used sauces tend to accumulate. Begin by emptying the fridge door and giving the shelves a good cleaning with a microfiber cloth, warm water, and dish soap. As you put everything back, check the expiration dates and discard anything that’s gone past its prime. For opened items, unscrew the lids and ensure no mold has formed before returning them. If you find condiments you haven't used in ages and don't plan to, like red pepper jelly, set them aside to pass along to a friend or family member who will appreciate them more.

Kitchen Countertops

These surfaces quickly fill up with a mix of things like homework, fresh produce, invitations, and cooking oils. But once you declutter this space, the entire kitchen will feel cleaner. Start by collecting any items that don’t belong in the kitchen, such as papers that need to be filed or backpacks that have mysteriously ended up on the island. Pile them up and move them to the correct rooms later. Remember, stay in the area! Next, tuck away small appliances that aren’t in use, and wash any dishes, cups, and bowls that are left out. You’ll see a noticeable improvement right away.

The Desk

Another spot where clutter tends to accumulate! Sofia Vyshnevska, a housing expert and co-founder of NewHomesMate, advises tackling the usual offender: paper. "Sort it into three piles—keep, shred, and recycle—and dispose of what you don’t need for some instant relief," she suggests. Digitize anything that’s worth keeping (if possible). Next, address your accessories and supplies. Set aside anything you haven’t used recently, like that cup of expired pens and the stapler that’s been out of order for ages. "Only keep items that you use daily within reach, such as your phone, keyboard, monitor, lamp, and essential supplies—but even those should be neatly stored in a drawer organizer," she adds.

Medicine Cabinet

This tiny space can make a big impact since it holds all sorts of items, from medications to makeup and beauty tools. Start by checking the expiration dates on your medicine bottles. "Go through them, toss any expired ones, and get rid of those you forgot you had." Do the same with your makeup—yes, makeup expires! You might also want to consider relocating some items out of the bathroom. "They don’t store well in humid environments, so look for a cooler, drier spot for them," advises Vyshnevska.