Ready for some weekend decluttering? To help you get started I’ve put together this list of 10 quick things to declutter this weekend. Each one can be tackled in under 20 minutes, and you’ll feel the difference immediately.
SMALL ACTIONS FOR BIG IMPACT
If you’ve ever looked around your home and felt that quiet weight of “too much” pressing down on you, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—surrounded by things I didn’t need, didn’t love, and didn’t even remember owning.
It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? But here’s the good news: you don’t need to declutter your whole home in one go to feel lighter and more in control. Sometimes, just a few small wins can shift your whole mindset.
For anyone that’s struggling with clutter, or struggling with getting rid of clutter, I’d love to share something with you. You can take a week off work and do a massive declutter, or you can enlist an army of friends to help you get rid of stuff this afternoon, but for most of us that’s not realistic.
More than that, clutter builds up daily so you’ll need a different approach that fits everyday life.
THE SECRET TO SUCCESSFUL DECLUTTERING
And the secret to successful decluttering is to do a little bit often. Plan your strategy, know your window of time and commit to taking action, however small or insignificant. In the end, every one less item of stuff is exactly that – ONE LESS ITEM OF STUFF – that’s taking up space in your home, time or life.
I started decluttering with young kids, a full-time job and very limited time and energy but slowly, little by little, I decluttered every square inch of my home. It gets easier with practice, you’ll grow in confidence and pick up pace but I encourage you to make that all-important start… why not try this weekend?
10 QUICK THINGS TO DECLUTTER THIS WEEKEND
To help you get started I’ve put together this list of 10 quick things you can declutter this weekend. Each one can be tackled in under 20 minutes, and you’ll feel the difference immediately. So pop on the kettle, put your favourite music on in the background, and let’s get started.
1. Your Bag or Handbag
Let’s start small. Your handbag (or backpack, or tote) goes everywhere with you. Yet it’s often full of receipts, crumbs, lip balms you thought you lost, and odd bits of who-knows-what.
My tip: Empty everything out. Give the inside a shake or a quick vacuum. Only put back what you use daily. You’ll feel clearer every time you pick it up.
2. The Kitchen Junk Drawer
Ah, the infamous junk drawer! It’s where random items go to be forgotten—rubber bands, takeaway menus, batteries of uncertain age.
What I do: Set a timer for 15 minutes, maybe whilst dinner’s cooking in the oven. Toss anything broken, expired, or not useful. Use small boxes or dividers to keep what’s left neat.
3. Your Bathroom Products
How many half-used bottles of shampoo or dried-up mascara tubes are lurking in your bathroom? This space should feel clean and calming, not cluttered.
Declutter tip: Check expiry dates. Be honest about what you really use. I once found three open hand creams—now I keep just one out at a time.
4. Socks Without a Partner
You know the ones. The single socks you’ve been holding onto “just in case.” Let’s be real—if the match hasn’t turned up by now, it’s not going to. Yes, this isn’t the most exciting project but it’s something many of just keep putting off even though it’s frustrating to be greeted by lonely single socks every time you want to get dressed each morning. No time like the present for a niggly little job!
Simple action: Gather them all up, match what you can, and let go of the rest. I turned some of mine into cleaning cloths.
5. Fridge Door Condiments
This one might surprise you, but your fridge door can quickly become a graveyard of old sauces and forgotten spreads. A quick tidy can make food prep easier and safer.
What to do: Check use-by dates. Keep what you actually use. Wipe down the shelves while you’re there—maybe it’s just me but I find it oddly satisfying!
6. Your Desktop (Digital or Physical)
Whether it’s your computer desktop or your actual work surface, clutter can quickly build up and slow you down. I’ve found that a tidy decluttered workspace really does boost focus and productivity.
Quick fix: File or delete what’s on your screen. Clear off papers, mugs, and clutter from your desk. Add something lovely—a plant or photo.
7. Under the Kitchen Sink
It’s often a dark, messy place full of empty spray bottles and long-forgotten cleaning cloths. A quick tidy-up here can make cleaning feel so much easier.
What I do: Pull everything out. Wipe the shelf. Only put back what you really use. I keep mine simple—just one multipurpose cleaner and some cloths.
8. Your Phone Apps
You might not think of your phone as cluttered, but digital overload can affect your peace of mind. Too many apps, notifications and distractions can weigh you down.
Try this: Delete apps you no longer use. Turn off notifications for anything non-essential. Move distracting apps off your home screen.
9. Shoes by the Door
The entryway is the first thing you see when you come home. If it’s full of shoes, bags, and random bits, it doesn’t exactly feel peaceful.
Quick win: Put away anything that’s not used daily. Create a simple system—I use a basket for shoes and a hook for bags. For my family with busy teenagers, any system that I want them to use has to be very simple and easy!
10. Your Bedside Table
This little space can really affect how you start and end your day. Clutter around your bed can make it harder to relax or switch off.
Declutter idea: Keep only the essentials—book, lamp, hand cream, maybe a notebook. I added a small dish to hold my jewellery at night, and it’s made a huge difference.
AN IMPORTANT TIP ABOUT DECLUTTERING…
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. These small shifts—just ten little spaces—can help you feel more in control, calmer, and more at home in your space.
Of course, on their own they’re not going to declutter your home, but that’s not what realistic and sustainable decluttering looks like for most of us.
When I first started simplifying my life, I thought I had to do everything all at once. But I soon realised that small, consistent actions built the biggest change. Every drawer you tidy, every surface you clear—it’s not just about the stuff. It’s about giving yourself breathing room, both physically and mentally.
So if you’re wondering where to start, start here. Pick just one thing from this list, and see how it feels. Your future self will thank you.
FAQS ABOUT QUICK DECLUTTERING
I get many questions from readers, some who are just starting to declutter, or helping someone else declutter, or who are stuck and overwhelmed. I thought it might be helpful to answer a few of the most common questions here…
1. What’s the easiest place to start decluttering?
Start with something small and non-emotional, like your handbag, fridge, or junk drawer. These quick wins build momentum and give you a sense of progress without stress.
2. How long should I spend decluttering?
Even 10–15 minutes can make a difference. Set a timer and see what you can tackle in that time—you’ll be surprised how much you can get done.
3. How do I stay motivated to declutter?
Celebrate small wins. Take before-and-after photos, or keep a checklist. Remind yourself of your “why”—a calmer home, less stress, and more time for what you love.
4. What should I do with the things I declutter?
Donate what’s in good condition, recycle where you can, and responsibly dispose of anything broken or expired. Having a plan in place for your unwanted items helps reduce guilt and procrastination.
5. How do I stop clutter from building back up?
Be intentional about what you bring into your home. Set limits, shop mindfully, and build simple habits to tidy as you go. Daily maintenance is much easier than big overhauls!
- 10 Things to Declutter Today for Instant Peace of Mind
- 9 Ways to Declutter Without Throwing Away Memories
- 20 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Home Quickly
- 8 Decluttering Truths I Wish I’d Understood Sooner
GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE
If you’d like some more quick and easy decluttering projects to help you declutter when you’re low on spare time or energy, I’d love to help!
I’ve created a free printable checklist of 15-minute decluttering wins to help you tackle your clutter one quick project at a time. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.