Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? These ADHD-friendly, 5-minute decluttering hacks are here to save the day and kickstart your New Year. Small steps, big impact—let’s dive in!
Introduction
Raise your hand if your space feels more “controlled chaos” than Pinterest-worthy minimalist. Same. But here’s the thing: decluttering doesn’t have to mean an all-day, sweat-drenched purge worthy of a home makeover show. Sometimes, all you need is five minutes with these decluttering hacks.
With the New Year here, it’s the perfect time to declutter not just your space, but your life. A fresh start doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—small, manageable steps can have a big impact. Whether you’re tackling one drawer or clearing your desk, these quick decluttering hacks can help you reclaim your space (and sanity) without the overwhelm. Bonus: If clutter always seems to creep back, we’ll dive into how ADHD might play a role—and what you can do about it.
1. The “One Drawer, One Song” Rule
Pick one drawer—just one—and hit play on your favorite song. Declutter as much as you can before it ends.
- Why it works: It’s a small, focused task with a built-in time limit.
- Pro Tip: Reward yourself after. Yes, completing one drawer deserves a cookie.
2. The “Toss 5 Things” Game
Walk into any room and challenge yourself to toss or donate five items.
- Examples: Expired pantry items, worn-out socks, random receipts.
- Why it works: It’s quick, and even small wins can make a big difference.
3. Create a “Maybe” Box
Not sure what to do with certain items? Put them in a box labeled “Maybe” and revisit it in 30 days.
- Why it works: This eliminates decision paralysis while still letting you let go.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t miss it after a month, it’s time to donate it.
4. Clear a Surface, Any Surface
Pick one surface (your coffee table, kitchen counter, nightstand) and clear it completely.
- Why it works: Seeing even one clutter-free zone can inspire momentum.
- Relatable Moment: Cue Monica Geller levels of satisfaction when you see that clean space.
5. Use the “10-Minute Tidy” Timer
Set a timer for 10 minutes and do a speed-tidy of your most-used space.
- Examples: Your workspace, your car, or that “doom drawer” in the kitchen.
- Why it works: It’s focused, time-bound, and manageable.
6. The “One In, Two Out” Rule
For every new item you bring in, remove two existing ones.
- Why it works: It prevents clutter from multiplying.
- Pro Tip: Make this a family rule for shared spaces.
7. Declutter by Category, Not Room
Instead of organizing room by room, pick one category—like books or clothes—and tackle it.
- Why it works: This avoids decision fatigue by narrowing your focus.
- Examples: Sort all your shoes or all your coffee mugs at once.
8. The “Donate Now” Bag
Keep a bag for donations by your door and add to it whenever you find something to give away.
- Why it works: It creates an ongoing habit of decluttering.
- Pro Tip: Schedule donation drop-offs once the bag is full.
9. Digitally Declutter
Spend 5 minutes deleting unused apps or organizing your desktop.
- Why it works: Digital clutter is just as stressful as physical clutter.
- Examples: Delete blurry photos or clear out your email inbox.
10. Adopt a “5-Minute Nightly Reset”
Before bed, spend 5 minutes tidying up your most-used spaces so you start the next day fresh.
- Why it works: Small daily habits prevent clutter from piling up.
- Relatable Moment: You’ll thank your past self tomorrow morning.
Conclusion
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean chaos or overwhelm, and there’s no better time to start than the New Year. These quick hacks are proof that even 5 minutes can make a difference. Think of each small step as a gift to your future self, setting you up for a clearer, calmer year ahead.
If clutter feels like a constant battle, it’s worth exploring whether ADHD might play a role in how you organize your space. Recognizing this connection can help you find systems that work with your brain instead of against it.
Ready for more tips? Check out ADHD Workspace Makeover: Set Up for Success for practical ideas to create a space you love. And let us know in the comments: Which hack are you trying first?
