9 Ways to Declutter When You’re Feeling Lazy

If you’re feeling a little lazy but still want to keep your home clutter-free, you’re not alone. Living intentionally isn’t about being productive every minute of the day—it’s about listening to your body, respecting your energy levels and choosing small, simple decluttering tips that work for you, even when motivation feels low. Here are 9 ways to declutter when you’re feeling lazy.

FEELING LAZY? THAT’S OKAY!

It’s perfectly normal to have days where you just don’t feel like doing very much. Whether you’re tired, overwhelmed, or simply don’t have the motivation, know that this doesn’t make you unproductive, messy, or failing in some way.

In fact, living intentionally means listening to what your body and brain need in the moment—and sometimes that means giving yourself permission to feel lazy.

I like to be productive and get things done. Partly because my busy life juggling work and kids often requires it, but (in the past) I also used it as a measure of success. If I wasn’t doing something, then I was doing nothing and I wasn’t comfortable with wasting my time in that way. I believed that doing nothing wouldn’t get me very far in life.

Fast forward many years later and, having come out the other side of burn out, I now know differently. Being productive is important but so too is rest, whether that’s deep true rest, or just an afternoon, evening or weekend when you can’t be bothered to do anything – know that that’s okay. All those plates you’re spinning won’t come crashing down. And, if they do, perhaps it’s time to rethink things if you can!

Rest and laziness is nothing to be frowned upon, it’s human nature to require these things at different times.

9 WAYS TO DECLUTTER IF YOU’RE FEELING LAZY

The good news is that keeping your home clutter-free doesn’t always require big energy or hours of effort. There are plenty of easy decluttering tips for lazy days that can still make a difference without draining your energy. Think of these as little habits that keep your home feeling calm and organised, even when you’re not in the mood for a full-on clear-out.

Here are some gentle, practical ways to declutter if you’re feeling lazy and can’t be bothered!

1. Start With the One-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than a minute, do it straight away. This could be putting shoes back in the cupboard, recycling the post, or hanging up your coat. Tiny actions stop clutter from building up, and because they’re so quick, you won’t even feel like you’re decluttering.

2. Use A “Lazy Decluttering Basket”

Keep a basket or tote bag in a convenient spot. Whenever you come across something you don’t need, drop it straight in. When the basket is full, take it to the charity shop or recycling. This way, you’re not decluttering in one big go—you’re letting the basket do the hard work over time.

3. Clear Just One Surface

If your energy is low, focus on one visible space—like your bedside table, kitchen counter, or coffee table. A clear surface has a surprisingly big impact on how calm and tidy your home feels and it only takes a few minutes to reset.

4. Do A Five-Item Challenge

Challenge yourself to find just five things to throw away, recycle, or donate. You can even do this while waiting for the kettle to boil. It’s quick, simple and gives you a sense of progress without requiring much effort.

5. Declutter While You Relax

If you’re watching TV or listening to a podcast, grab a small drawer or basket to sort through at the same time. It doesn’t feel like a chore when your brain is occupied with something you enjoy.

6. Set A Two-Minute Timer

Tell yourself you only need to declutter for two minutes. Often, you’ll find that once you start, you’ll naturally keep going—but if you don’t, that’s okay too. Two minutes still makes a difference and keeps clutter from piling up.

7. Focus On “Low-Hanging Fruit”

Pick the easiest, most obvious clutter to remove—like old magazines, empty packaging, or expired food. Quick wins build momentum and give your home an instant boost.

8. Use Your Natural Movements

Decluttering doesn’t always have to be a separate task. If you’re heading upstairs, take something with you. If you’re going to the bin, grab any rubbish on your way. These small, almost invisible habits reduce clutter without extra effort.

9. Give Yourself Permission To Stop

Perhaps the most important lazy-day decluttering tip is to know when enough is enough. You don’t have to declutter everything in one go. Sometimes, the best way to live clutter-free is by simply maintaining what you’ve already achieved, rather than pushing yourself when you’re not in the mood.

MY PERSONAL APPROACH TO LAZY DAYS

Sometimes I feel lazy. If I’ve had a busy week, by the time the weekend comes around I’m ready to do nothing. This isn’t always possible and sometimes I obviously have to pull myself together and go and do things. But, I’ve also learned to listen to my body and brain more. When they’re calling for downtime then I’m okay with giving in to laziness.

I used to find this frustrating so I would push through, but now I take it easy. I do the bare minimum, I say ‘no’, exercise boundaries, decide that today is for rest and relaxation, tomorrow might be time for productive activity.

I reframe my thoughts around what it means to be lazy. It doesn’t mean I don’t care, or I don’t work hard, or I don’t strive to achieve things. It just means that I’m in a temporary slow mode to preserve and recharge my internal batteries. And then I’m usually bouncing back ready for a more active tomorrow.

Lazy moments are not an indication of your self-worth or an indicator of a lazy life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DECLUTTERING WHEN YOU’RE FEELING LAZY

Here are some questions I get asked about decluttering when you don’t have motivation, energy or oomph. I hope they help you if this is something you struggle with.

1. What’s the easiest way to declutter when I’m feeling lazy?

Start small. The easiest way is to pick one tiny task that takes less than a minute, such as putting away shoes or recycling the post. These quick wins prevent clutter from building up without draining your energy.

2. Can I really keep my home clutter-free without doing big decluttering sessions?

Yes, absolutely. Simple daily decluttering habits—like using a decluttering basket, clearing one surface, or doing a five-item challenge—are enough to maintain a clutter-free home. You don’t always need a big, energy-heavy clear-out to stay organised.

3. How do I stop clutter from piling up when I have no motivation or energy?

If your motivation is low, focus on low-effort habits. Declutter while watching TV, set a two-minute timer, or deal with obvious clutter like old magazines and packaging. These small steps add up over time and make it easier to stay clutter-free, even on lazy days.

I also find that waiting for motivation to come along before you start doing something is often self-defeating. Get up and do something and THEN the motivation usually comes along with the momentum you’ve built from getting started.

4. Are there quick decluttering tips I can do in 5 minutes or less?

Yes—try the five-item challenge, clear a bedside table, or sort one drawer while waiting for the kettle to boil. Minimal effort decluttering ideas like these keep your home tidy without needing lots of time or energy.

For more 5-minute decluttering projects, why not grab the free printable at the end of this article?!

5. How does decluttering fit into intentional living if I’m not always productive?

Intentional living isn’t about being productive all the time. It’s about choosing what matters most in the moment. Sometimes that means decluttering for a few minutes, and sometimes it means resting. Both choices support a simpler, calmer, more purposeful life.

OTHER REASONS FOR FEELING LAZY

Feeling lazy might be a temporary by-product of a busy week but, of course, there are many other reasons when lack of motivation and energy might be challenging. Here are some articles I’ve written which address some of these reasons. Again, I hope they help if you’re struggling in any way.

• Decluttering tips for those with ADHD
• Decluttering tips for seniors
• Decluttering and minimalism for those with chronic illness

CONCLUSION

Feeling lazy doesn’t mean you can’t keep your home clutter-free. In fact, it’s often the perfect opportunity to lean into simple decluttering hacks that don’t take much energy but still make a big difference. Remember—living intentionally isn’t about being productive all the time. It’s about choosing what matters most to you in the moment, whether that’s tidying up a drawer, or simply resting on the sofa. Both are valuable.

By embracing gentle, easy habits, you’ll find it much easier to maintain a clutter-free home that supports your life—even on the laziest of days.

I hope you enjoyed these ways to declutter if you’re feeling lazy. Let me know in the comments whether you have any other tips that you find help on lazy days.

MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU DECLUTTER WHEN YOU’RE FEELING LAZY

• How to Use the 1% Rule to Keep Your Home Clutter-Free and Tidy
• 7 Decluttering Lies That Might Be Holding You Back (and Solutions)
• The Snowball Decluttering Method To Help Clear Your Clutter