Decluttering projects, especially tiny ones will help you create space without getting overwhelmed. Instead of decluttering your entire home or life, start small, one decluttering project at a time.
By keeping your decluttering projects tiny, you actually get to finish them. That sense of accomplishment will encourage more decluttering and more simplicity. One decluttering project will inspire you to take on the next, creating more space in your home.
We could all benefit from a little space on our calendars and to do-lists, and in our homes. Otherwise, we feel cramped and overextended. A little space gives us clarity, peace, and room to consider how we actually want to spend our time and live our lives.
10 Tiny Decluttering Projects to Simplify with Ease
If you feel pressured to do all of these at once, resist. In fact, challenge yourself to only do one a day. This will help you maintain momentum and motivation without exhaustion. Instead of giving your all and wearing yourself out, honor the time and energy you have today.
1. Start with one pile of paper.
Paper is a great decluttering project to break into tiny chunks. That might mean one small pile, or ten minutes a day. Paper decluttering is a great time to consider temptation bundling. Pair this decluttering project with a great podcast or audiobook, or watch your favorite movie while you sort and shred. Stop paper clutter from coming in with these great tips. If you are ready to make real progress with your paper clutter, I’d love to help you with this Paper Declutter Hour.
2. Edit your cosmetic and skincare collection.
Collect all of your cosmetics and skincare items. Start by removing what’s expired (this chart of when Makeup expires will help). You probably use the same things every day but you have those free samples, and that eye shadow you bought (to go from day to night) that you never use. Keep your favorite products you use routinely, and let go of the rest.
3. Clear out your pantry.
I suggest a shelf-a-day approach to the pantry, fridge and freezer. Turn your kitchen into several tiny decluttering projects. You could include other kitchen cabinets here too. If you’ve been stocking up on items, chances are there are items you had before that got pushed to the back. You weren’t eating them before and you likely won’t eat them now. Remove all items from one shelf at a time. Toss expired items (you know they are in there). If there are unopened items you are aren’t using, drop them off at your local food bank.
If your pantry is all decluttered, look at your spice cabinet. I love to cook and try new recipes and my spices were really building up so I finally decided to prioritize the ones I use every day and box up the rest. I even labeled the box with the spices I saved. It’s one of the few organizing projects that have actually worked for me. You can see my spice cabinet here. Here are the jars that come with labels. Just like your closet, fewer options leads to less decision fatigue and actually enjoying your favorite things.
4. Remove the useless clutter under your sink.
While you are in your kitchen, take a look under your sink. I’m not sure how clutter builds up in this fun hiding place, but it does. Empty out one cabinet under the sink (kitchen or bathrooms). Wash out the space and only put the stuff back in that you actually use. If you find things you want to use but never notice, move it to the front of the cabinet and give yourself 21 days to use it. Dispose of the rest responsibly.
5. Declutter your junk drawer.
The junk drawer is the ultimate form of procrastination. “Because I don’t want to take the time to find a place for this, I’ll just throw it in here…and never use it again.” For that very reason, the last place most people want to turn to when decluttering is their junk drawer. For some, the drawer is an actual drawer (or 2) usually in the kitchen. For others, it might be a junk shelf, box or special area where all the junk winds up. You could spend time organizing your junk drawer, or just set it all aside for donating, but I recommend something in the middle. Dump the contents of your junk drawer into a bag or box. Label it and hide it for 30 days. If you don’t miss it, dump it. No peeking to try and remember what you might have forgotten.
6. Release the odds and ends and knickknacks.
Creating a decluttering project that focuses on the little, often unimportant stuff can be really powerful. The little stuff adds up. Round up the odds & ends, knick knacks, tchotchkes, souvenirs, trinkets and ornaments and let them go. If something triggers a happy memory, take a picture of it. If some of these little things are actual collections, make sure you are collecting them for a good reason and that they actually bring you joy or contribute to your life in another way.
7. Declutter your purse or handbag
Declutter the thing you carry things around in. From handbags to totes, wallets, and briefcases to purses and backpacks, empty them out. What’s in there? A few Tic Tacs, old sticky notes, pens that don’t work or a half eaten protein bar? Set your timer for 10 minutes and empty everything onto a tabletop. Wash out your purse/wallet/briefcase and then put the things that you actually use back in. Declutter as many bags as you can in 10 minutes and then decide if you really need all of those bags. Experiment with carrying less around so you can travel more lightly through your day.
8. Let go of things that makes you feel sad.
If you want to live a happier life, let go of something that makes you feel sad. From clothes that don’t fit to some sentimental items, releasing the things that weigh us down can make us feel light. Maybe the things that make you feel sad aren’t physical things. Let go of things like regret, guilt and unmet expectations too. This may not feel like a tiny task but sometimes letting go of something is just a decision. Haven’t you suffered enough by holding on to those things?
9. Donate your fancy clothes.
Instead of decluttering your entire closet, start with one category. Fancy clothes are usually the items stuffed in the back of your closet that haven’t been worn in years. From the bridesmaid dress you promised to wear more than once to other special occasion pieces that never see the light of day, maybe it’s time to let go. This list will help you determine where to donate your clothes and other items.
10. Protect your sleep and declutter your nightstand.
Look at the tables and drawers in your sleeping area. If you cleared them off and decluttered them, would you sleep better? Only keep the things you use on a regular basis and don’t leave anything that may distract you from sweet dreams.
Celebrate the space you create. Thoughtfully consider what to let go of and what you want to keep. The best way to enjoy your favorite things is to only own your favorite things.
