Clutter builds up fast. Between work, school, and family life, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly tidying, only for the mess to return just as quickly. The idea of decluttering might sound great in theory, but finding the time (and energy) to tackle it? That’s another story.

I know this struggle all too well. Not long ago, I found myself standing in the middle of our living room, staring at piles of toys, clothes, and random clutter that seemed to multiply every time I turned around. Between work, taking care of my family, and trying to stay on top of everything, I felt like I was drowning in stuff. I wanted to declutter, but the thought of dedicating an entire weekend to it felt impossible.

Then one day, after I tripped over yet another pile of toys (seriously, does it ever stop?), I decided to take action. Instead of tackling everything at once, I told my kids that we were going to make cleaning up fun, no more overwhelming hours of cleaning. We set the timer for 10 minutes, and I turned on our favorite upbeat playlist. Suddenly, tidying up wasn’t just a chore. It was a race. Everyone was scrambling to clear their area the fastest, and there was so much laughter that I almost forgot we were cleaning.

That small 10-minute burst helped me realize that decluttering didn’t have to be a marathon. By breaking it into manageable chunks and getting everyone involved, it felt less like a burden and more like a family activity. And those 10-minute sessions? They added up faster than I thought. By the end of the week, our home felt lighter and more organized— without me doing it all myself.

Here are some simple ways to keep your home tidy while making it fun for the whole family.

The “10-Minute Rule”

The key to decluttering is to avoid trying to do everything at once. Start small:

• Set a timer for 10 minutes and focus on one area at a time—a cluttered shelf, a messy drawer, or the toy box.

• Ten minutes a day is a manageable goal that keeps things from getting overwhelming.

• Make it a fun challenge! Set a timer, play music, and race to see who can clear the most space in the time limit. This keeps kids engaged and turns the task into a game.It’s amazing how much can get done in just 10 minutes, and those short bursts add up over time.

Get the Whole Family Involved

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Make it a family affair:

• Decluttering Game: Give each family

  member a bag or box and challenge them to fill it with things to donate. Whoever fills their bag first gets to pick a fun family activity for the weekend.

• Toy Rotation: Encourage your kids to pick their “top 10” favorite toys and store the rest for later. This not only helps keep their space organized but gives them a sense of ownership in the process.

• Must-Have Bins: Use small bins or boxes for each child’s belongings when the bin is full, it’s time to sort through and donate or store items. It’s an easy way to keep things contained while teaching kids about organizing.

Make Decluttering a Habit

The best way to keep your home clutter-free is to make decluttering a regular part of your routine:

• Declutter on the Go: Use small moments to tidy up. Toss expired pantry items while cooking or sort through old mail while waiting for dinner to finish.

• One-In, One-Out Rule: When something new comes in—a toy, book, or piece of clothing—make it a habit to donate or get rid of one item in return. This prevents clutter from building up

• Sunday Reset: Spend 30 minutes on Sundays tidying up as a family. Set a timer and work together to reset the house for the week ahead. It’s a great way to start fresh and teach kids the importance of maintaining a clean space.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, all-day task. With small, consistent efforts and a little teamwork, you can keep your home organized without the stress. It’s all about making it a habit, keeping it fun, and simplifying the process.

So, what’s one small area you can tackle in the next 10 minutes? Set that timer and give it a try!

Submitted by Sarah Clark