51 Things to Declutter Your Entire Home in Just Five Minutes a Day

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day event. In fact, some of the most effective decluttering happens in short, focused bursts. 

That’s where the five-minute declutter trend comes in. People are decluttering in micro-sessions for just five minutes and seeing results.

This approach is practical and motivating. It’s a chunk of time that you can carve between commercials, before bed, and while the kids are napping. 

It’s about starting. And once you start, it’s amazing how much you can accomplish. 

It’s a powerful way to get rid of clutter without feeling overwhelmed. It’s motivating. Give it a try with these 51 things you can declutter in just five minutes.

1. Expired Medications

Grab your medicine cabinet or first aid kit and scan for anything past its expiration date. Old medications lose effectiveness and can be unsafe. Toss them responsibly by checking for local disposal options or using a pharmacy take-back program.

2. Old Makeup  

Check your makeup bag for dried-out mascara, empty bottles, or expired products. Cosmetics can harbor bacteria, so it’s essential to let go of anything past its prime. While you’re at it, clean your brushes if time allows.

3. Bathroom Products  

Sort through lotions, shampoos, skincare products, and hair accessories. Remove anything that’s nearly empty or hasn’t been used in over a year. You’ll create more space and keep your routine streamlined.

4. Old Mail and Receipts  

Go through that pile of mail and receipts cluttering your wallet or countertop. Keep only those you need for returns or tax purposes. The rest? Throw them away or shred if they contain sensitive information. Consider digitally filing anything you want to keep.

5. Junk Drawer  

Pick one drawer and focus only on the obvious junk—dried-up pens, expired coupons, and random takeout menus. A quick five-minute sweep can instantly make it more functional. Use small containers or dividers to separate items as you go.

6. Nightstand  

Clear off your nightstand by removing old books, used tissues, and random knick-knacks. Keep only what you truly use, like a lamp, a book, or a glass of water.

7. Physical Desktop Clutter  

Take five minutes to clear off your physical desk. Toss old sticky notes, dried-up pens, and random papers you don’t need. Keep only the essentials—like your computer, a notebook, and a few favorite items that spark joy or serve a purpose.

8. Digital Desktop Icons  

Look at your computer’s desktop. Delete or move files you no longer need and organize the rest into folders. A clean, minimal desktop not only looks better but also helps you find things faster.

9. Keyboard and Mouse Area  

Check for crumbs, dust, or smudges around your keyboard and mouse. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner. It’s a quick task that can make your workspace feel fresh and inviting.

10. Emails  

Set a timer and spend five minutes unsubscribing from newsletters you never read. Clear out junk mail and archive old emails to keep your inbox manageable. You’ll feel lighter instantly.

11. Fridge Condiments  

Take a quick inventory of your fridge door. Are there expired sauces, dressings, or jams hiding in the back? Get rid of anything that smells off or hasn’t been touched in months to free up space.

12. Outdated Food in Pantry  

Check the expiration dates on canned goods, snacks, and spices. Toss anything stale, expired, or that you know you’ll never eat. This quick purge makes meal planning easier.

13. Expired Spices  

Pull out your spice rack and check the expiration dates. Old spices lose their flavor and take up valuable space. Throw away expired ones and make a note to replace your most-used essentials.

14. Kitchen Cabinets  

Pick one cabinet and focus on expired or unused items. Start with the easiest targets, like mismatched lids, chipped mugs, or that fancy gadget you never use. Donate items in good condition and get rid of anything broken or beyond repair.

15. Dishes  

Check your cabinet for chipped plates, glasses with cracks, or pieces you rarely use. Keep only the items that are in good condition and get regular use. Donate or recycle the rest to free up valuable shelf space.

16. Plastic Containers  

Dump out your drawer of plastic containers and match lids to bottoms. Throw away anything that’s warped, stained, or missing its match. It’ll save you time and frustration later.

17. Freezer-Burned Foods  

Take five minutes to scan your freezer for anything covered in ice crystals or past its prime. Throw away the unappetizing items to make room for fresher options. Label remaining items with dates to avoid future waste.

18. Unmatched Socks  

Socks that have lost their mate aren’t doing anyone any favors. Dump the sock drawer, set aside the orphans, and give yourself five minutes to find matches. Use the mismatched ones for cleaning or get rid of them if they’re worn out.

19. Old T-Shirts  

Scan your drawers for T-shirts that are stained, stretched, or riddled with holes. If they’re beyond repair, repurpose them as cleaning rags or donate them to textile recycling programs. Keep only the ones you truly wear or hold sentimental value.

20. Old Undergarments  

Go through your collection of socks, bras, and underwear. Throw away anything with holes, stretched-out elastic, or that’s too worn to be comfortable. Many textile recycling programs accept clean undergarments, so consider donating what’s still in good condition.

21. Shoes You Don’t Wear  

Pull out any shoes you haven’t worn in years. If they’re uncomfortable, damaged, or out of style, donate or trash them. You’ll have more room for the pairs you actually love.

22. Old Wallets or Purses  

Check your closet for old wallets or purses that you no longer use. Empty them of forgotten items, like loose change or receipts, and donate them. This frees up closet or drawer space.

23. Towels  

Sort through your towels and let go of any that are frayed, stained, or have lost their softness. Keep a set for daily use and a smaller set for guests. Old towels can be donated to shelters or cut up and used for cleaning.

24. Old Linens  

Go through your linen closet and pull out worn-out or unused sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Keep only those in good condition that you actually use. Donate old linens to animal shelters or textile recycling programs if they’re still functional, or repurpose them for cleaning rags.

25. Coat Closet  

Open your coat closet and look for items you don’t need—worn-out gloves, scarves, or jackets you no longer wear. Donate them to make more space for seasonal items.

26. Coffee Table  

Take five minutes to declutter your coffee table. Remove coasters, books, or remotes that aren’t being used. Recycle old mail or newspapers, and place decorative items intentionally to keep the space looking stylish but uncluttered.

27. End Tables  

Clear off your end tables by removing old magazines, empty glasses, and random items that don’t belong there. Wipe the surface clean and leave only what’s functional or decorative, like a lamp or a small plant. Keeping this space tidy instantly makes your living room feel more organized.

28. Media Center  

Sort through the drawers, shelves, or cabinets in your media center. Look for outdated electronics, old remotes, or DVDs you no longer watch. Donate or recycle these items, and neatly organize cords, consoles, or streaming devices to make your space more functional.

29. Books You’ll Never Read Again  

Scan your shelves for books you’ve already read or don’t plan to read. Donate them to a library or a friend. Freeing up shelf space makes room for new finds.

30. Kids’ Artwork  

Sort through the pile of artwork your kids bring home. Save the most sentimental pieces and take pictures of the rest to preserve the memories without the clutter. Recycle what you don’t keep.

31. Board Game Pieces  

If you have a stack of board games, take a moment to check for missing or broken pieces. Trash of anything unusable, and keep the games that are still complete. This ensures game night runs smoothly without last-minute frustrations.

32. Pet Toys  

Sort through your pet’s toys and throw away anything that’s chewed up or falling apart. Keep the ones your pet actually plays with and recycle the rest. It’s better for safety and less clutter for you.

33. Entryway Clutter  

Declutter the area by your front door, including shoes, umbrellas, and mail. Keep it functional with only what you need daily. This will make coming and going feel less chaotic.

34. Under the Bed Storage  

Pull out items stashed under the bed. Toss anything forgotten, broken, or no longer useful. This often-overlooked space can become a hidden clutter zone.

35. Outdoor Storage (Garage or Shed)  

Spend five minutes clearing out old tools, broken plant pots, or items rusting away. Organize the essentials for easier access.

36. Reusable Bags  

Sort through your stash of reusable grocery bags. Keep the ones in good condition and recycle or donate extras. You don’t need 20 bags for one weekly trip to the store.

37. Cleaning Supplies  

Check under sinks or in your cleaning closet for empty bottles, expired products, or items you never use. Consolidate duplicates and organize what’s left to make cleaning easier.

38. Seasonal Decorations  

Go through your stash of holiday decorations for broken ornaments, burned-out string lights, or items you haven’t displayed in years. Donate what you no longer want to keep your seasonal storage tidy.

39. Phone Apps  

Open your phone and delete apps you haven’t used in months. They take up storage and clutter your screen. Removing unused apps can also improve your phone’s performance.

40. Digital Screenshots and Notes  

Take five minutes to scroll through your phone or laptop and delete old screenshots, notes, or saved images that no longer serve a purpose. It’s a quick way to free up digital space and make your files easier to navigate.

41. Old Chargers and Cables  

Go through that tangle of cables and chargers. Keep only the ones you use, and recycle or responsibly dispose of outdated electronics. Use labels to keep the remaining ones organized.

42. Craft Supplies  

Check your craft bin or drawer for dried-up glue, broken crayons, or tangled ribbons. Trash anything that’s not usable and organize the rest by type. This makes your next creative project less stressful.

43. Workout Gear You Don’t Use  

Look through your collection of workout equipment, resistance bands, or yoga mats. Donate items you haven’t used in years or that no longer suit your fitness routine. Keep only what you use regularly.

44. Reusable Water Bottles  

Sort through your water bottles and travel mugs. Keep your favorites and donate or recycle extras. A smaller collection is easier to manage and store.

45. Travel Toiletries  

Look through your travel-sized toiletries for expired products or items you don’t like. These often accumulate from hotels or gift sets. Keep only what you’ll actually use, and consider donating unopened extras to a shelter.

46. Unused or Broken Jewelry  

Take a quick look through your jewelry box for pieces you haven’t worn in years. If it’s not your style or you’ve forgotten about it, consider donating or selling it. This can make your collection feel more intentional.

47. Old Holiday Decorations  

Go through your holiday decorations for broken ornaments, burned-out string lights, or items you no longer use. Donate them to keep your seasonal storage clean and organized.

48. Old Keys and Keychains  

Dig through your keyring or junk drawer for old keys you no longer need. These often belong to locks or doors you don’t use anymore. Remove the extras to lighten your keychain or donate the keychains if they’re in good condition.

49. Media Center Accessories  

Check your media center for outdated DVDs, old remotes, or extra cords you don’t use. Organize what’s left to make your setup cleaner and easier to manage.

50. Spare Towels and Cleaning Rags  

Sort through your collection of spare towels and rags. Keep only what you actually use and repurpose or donate the rest. Shelters often welcome extra clean linens.

51. Miscellaneous Tools or Broken Items  

Look through your tool collection for broken tools, extra screws, or outdated gadgets. Keep only what’s in good condition and essential for repairs, recycling or donating the rest.

Quick Wins

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. In just five minutes, you can create a noticeable difference in your space and your mindset.

Whether it’s clearing out expired items, tidying up your junk drawer, or letting go of that one thing you’ve been holding onto for no reason, these small steps add up to big changes. So, set a timer, pick a spot, and start decluttering.