A cleaner home in just 15 minutes? Yes, really.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter but too tired to spend your day cleaning, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or a parent juggling kids and housekeeping, your home should be a place of rest—not another source of stress.

The good news? You don’t need a full afternoon or a deep clean to start seeing results. This list offers 15 quick wins you can knock out in under 15 minutes. Every one of them clears mental and visual clutter and gets you one step closer to the peaceful, cheerful home you want.

Common decluttering myths that hold us back

Decluttering often feels like a massive project we’ll get to “someday.” But here’s the truth:

• You don’t need a whole weekend or professional organizer to make progress
  
• You don’t have to be a minimalist or throw everything out
  
• You don’t need new bins, boxes, or systems to start
  
• You can make a visible impact in just 15 minutes—and build momentum from there

15 things you can declutter in 15 minutes or less

Here’s your go-to list of quick, high-impact cleanups. Each task includes how to do it, what you’ll need, and how long it will take.

1. Clear your entryway

Time to complete: 10–12 minutes

• Scoop up stray shoes, bags, keys, and mail.
  
• Hang up jackets and coats or store them in a bin.
  
• Wipe surfaces and shake out your mat.

Materials: Basket or bin, disinfectant spray, rag.

2. Empty your junk drawer

Time to complete: 12–15 minutes

• Dump everything onto the counter.
  
• Toss trash, pens that don’t work, and expired coupons.
  
• Group similar items (batteries, rubber bands) and return neatly.

Materials: Zip-top bags or small containers for sorting.

3. Declutter your purse or backpack

Time to complete: 7–10 minutes

• Empty everything out onto a table or couch.
  
• Toss old receipts, wrappers, and forgotten items.
  
• Repack only what you need.

Materials: Trash bag, small pouch or organizer.

4. Tidy the bathroom counter

Time to complete: 10 minutes

• Remove all items and sort them.
  
• Wipe down counters, sink, and mirror.
  
• Put away anything that doesn’t belong.

Materials: Glass cleaner, all-purpose spray, microfiber cloth.

5. Do a laundry blitz

Time to complete: 15 minutes

• Gather dirty laundry from bedroom, bathroom, or couch.
  
• Start a load and fold or hang clean laundry waiting in baskets.

Materials: Laundry basket, detergent, hangers.

6. Clean one shelf in your fridge

Time to complete: 10–12 minutes

• Remove everything from one shelf.
  
• Toss expired items and wipe sticky jars.
  
• Group like items when putting them back.

 Materials: Warm soapy water, rag or sponge.

7. Pick up the living room

Time to complete: 10 minutes

• Clear cups, toys, tech accessories, and stray mail.
  
• Fold blankets and fluff pillows.

Materials: Tote bag for items that belong elsewhere.

8. Reclaim your nightstand

Time to complete: 7–10 minutes

• Remove clutter like books, tissues, hair ties, wrappers.
  
• Wipe the surface and reset with only essentials.

Materials: Disinfectant wipe or dust cloth.

9. Clear out your car

Time to complete: 10–15 minutes

• Remove trash, old cups, jackets, and shoes.
  
• Wipe the dashboard and shake out mats.

Materials: Trash bag, wipes, vacuum (optional).

10. Organize the spice cabinet

Time to complete: 12–15 minutes

• Pull everything out, toss duplicates or expired spices.
  
• Wipe down shelves and reorganize by use or alphabetically.

Materials: Rag, paper towel, small bins (optional).

11. Surface sweep the kitchen counters

Time to complete: 10 minutes

• Clear off clutter like unopened mail, gadgets, or half-used groceries.
  
• Wipe down the counters for a fresh, clean look.

Materials: Surface spray, cloth or sponge.

12. Sort one basket or catchall bin

Time to complete: 10–12 minutes

• Dump it out, group similar items, and throw out what’s not needed.
  
• Return only what belongs, and relocate the rest.

Materials: Second basket or trash bag.

13. Declutter the closet floor

Time to complete: 12–15 minutes

• Pick up shoes, bags, or clothing.
  
• Vacuum or sweep if needed.

Materials: Basket, vacuum, or broom.

14. Delete 50 photos or emails

Time to complete: 5–10 minutes

• Sit down with your phone or laptop and delete duplicates, junk, and spam.
  
• Bonus: Unfollow accounts or newsletters that don’t spark joy.

Materials: Just your device.

15. Fill a donation bag

Time to complete: 10–15 minutes

• Grab a bag and challenge yourself to find 5 things to donate
  
• Clothes, books, toys, décor—whatever you haven’t used in months

Materials: Tote bag, trash bag, or cardboard box

What happens when you start decluttering 15 minutes at a time?

When you make time to declutter, you get an automatic upgrade on life. So, stop waiting for the perfect free day that never comes – find what’s doable for you and get it done!

• You’ll build momentum instead of shame. 
• You’ll feel empowered, not exhausted.
• And best of all—you will begin to love your space again.

This approach doesn’t just change your home. It changes how you feel at home. That’s worth 15 minutes. A clean, welcoming home is possible—just 15 minutes at a time.

Remember: You don’t need to do everything—just something. One small step today leads to real change over time.

Next steps:

• Choose 1–3 items from this list and set a timer for 15 minutes.
  
• Do a different task every day for the next two weeks.
  
• Post your progress or share this list with a friend for accountability.

Enjoyed this article? Check out these from Refine:

Things to clean once your houseguests leave (so your home feels normal again)

Spring cleaning hacks: Refresh your home and mind