6 Decluttering Sprints You Can Do in Less Than 30 Minutes

Getting yourself in gear to start a marathon decluttering project feels like a huge mountain to climb. But, decluttering doesn't have to happen all at once. In fact, you can do a more thorough job if you actually break it up into little pieces. Which is why we love the term "decluttering sprints." These are little jobs you can do without the time commitment or emotional exhaustion. Win!

Amy Tokos, a certified professional organizer based in Kansas City, Missouri, outlines a few key rules that make these "sprints" doable. First off, set a timer, and don't ignore it when it beeps! " If you keep going because you have momentum, you will be less likely to do the sprint again," she says. And this timer should always be set for 30 minutes or under to keep tasks feeling low-lift. Next, remove any distractions, which means turning the TV off (sorry!), avoiding your phone, and stepping away from your laptop for a bit. This allows you to key in on the task at hand. Tokos' last tip may seem counterintuitive, but she recommends not leaving the area or the space. "If something belongs somewhere else, set it aside in a pile of 'belongs somewhere else' to move when your sprint is complete," she says. "Otherwise, you’ll do more moving around than working." Moving all around the house increases the odds you'll be distracted by something else and lose focus on the organizing at hand.

Ready to try it for yourself? Here are six areas to conquer first.

Underwear or sock drawers

Yes, we're getting this micro! This may not even take you 30 minutes (score!), but these drawers likely need a little love. Take everything out and toss those pairs of underwear that have broken down elastic or don't fit anymore or socks with holes in the heel or that don't have a mate...and haven't in a long time. Put them back in the drawer, organizing them by type (bikini vs. boy shorts or ankle socks vs. warm fuzzy ones).

Phone photos

This is the kind of task many of us will do when we're stuck on a plane with no WiFi or in line at the bank, but it deserves a full 30 minutes of your undivided attention. First, search through your screenshots. Delete all of the ones you accidentally took of your phone screen (we all do it). Next, head to doubles. If you're like me, you probably have hundreds...ok thousands...of photos of your pets and nieces on your phone. Find "bursts" or those moments when you took 5+ photos of the exact same thing and pick your favorite. Let go of the rest. You may not get through your whole phone in this time, but it's a great way to make a dent.

Refrigerator door

That's right, you don't have to do the entire fridge. Tokos recommends starting small. Our favorite area is the fridge door: It's where mustards, jams, syrups and half-used sauces tend to hide. Take everything out of the doors and give the drawers a good wipe down with a microfiber cloth, some water, and dish soap. Then, add them back one by one, checking the expiration date and throwing out anything that's past it's prime. If it's something you've opened before, unscrew the lid and make sure no mold has started to grow before butting it back. Lastly, if there are condiments you haven't used and know you never will (red pepper jelly isn't for everyone), put them to the sides and give them to a friend or family member who would get more use out of them.

Kitchen counters

These tend to fill up fast with a weird mixture of homework assignments, fresh fruit, invitations, and cooking oils. But once you declutter this area, your whole kitchen will feel cleaner. Start by gathering up any items that don't belong in the kitchen including papers that need filing or backpacks that "somehow" made their way onto the island. Put them in a pile and move them to their rightful rooms later. Remember, no leaving the area! Next stash away small appliances that aren't being used, and wash any dishes, cups and bowls that have been left out. You'll already start to see a huge difference.

The desk

Another area where things tend to pile up! Sofia Vyshnevska, a housing expert and co-founder of NewHomesMate recommends starting with the most common culprit, paper. "Sort it all into three piles—keep, shred, and recycle—and dispose of those you don’t need for some immediate clutter relief," she says. Digitize the stuff that remains (if possible). Next, conquer your accessories and supplies. Set aside anything you haven't used recently including that cup of dead pens, and the stapler that hasn't worked in years. "The only items that should be in arm’s reach are those you use daily, such as your phone, keyboard, monitor, lamp, and essential supplies—but even those should be tidied away in a drawer organizer. 

Medicine cabinet

This small area packs a big punch since it's filled with a variety of things like medications, makeup, and beauty tools. Start by looking at the dates on your pill bottles. "As you go through check labels and throw out any that are expired along with those you had long forgotten you owned." Do the same with your makeup because yes, makeup expires! Then, consider moving this stuff out of the room altogether. "They don't tend to survive too well in the bathroom, so you'll want to find a cooler, drier place for them," Vyshnevska says.