Mini-Decluttering: 10 Items in 10 Minutes

Ever look around your home and think, Where do I even start? You cleaned yesterday, but somehow today there are piles of papers again, random bits on the shelves, and things that just don’t belong. And then that heavy feeling creeps in: I’ve let it all slip… again. Sound familiar?
Let me share a trick that once saved me from total overwhelm. It’s so simple it almost feels like a joke. But this was the first step toward my little wins.
What is mini-decluttering?
It’s when you simply pick 10 items you no longer need — and let them go. You give yourself 10 minutes. No more, no less. Here’s why it works:
- 10 minutes doesn’t feel scary — it’s easy to start.
- 10 items is doable, even on your busiest day.
- Your brain sees instant results, and that gives you a boost of control and lightness.
How to start today
- Grab a bag or a box.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes.
- Look around and choose: a broken toy, a mug without a handle, expired makeup, old magazines, a worn-out towel that’s beyond saving…
- When the timer goes off — stop. Even if you feel like continuing. This is important so you don’t burn out.
Why it feels so good
When you let go of things, you’re freeing not only space, but also your mind. That constant background thought of “I should deal with that someday” disappears. And you suddenly have more energy. After my first “10 items,” I honestly felt like I’d gained a whole extra hour of my life.
It’s also a gentle way to ease into getting your home in order if you’ve been avoiding cleaning for a while. You don’t exhaust yourself, yet you see that you really can make your home better.
Make it a habit
Try doing mini-decluttering every day for a week. After 7 days, you’ll feel the difference — the air in your home will feel lighter, and you’ll feel calmer.
It’s easier together
I know the hardest part isn’t deciding what to toss — it’s starting. That’s why I love doing it with LadyFly. The app suggests what to declutter today, sends you a gentle reminder, and helps you turn this into an easy, stress-free habit.
Start with your first 10 items today. Download LadyFly so we can walk this journey to a calmer, more organized home together — without stress or burnout.
