Declutter in 10 minutes a day: Whether you’re raising toddlers who scatter toys across the floor, or teenagers who somehow manage to leave half their belongings behind in every room (I live it every day!), keeping a tidy home as a working mom can feel like a never-ending challenge. Between work, kids’ schedules, and everyday life, finding time to declutter often seems impossible.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need hours of organizing or a “perfect” house. By using just 10 minutes a day to declutter, you can bring order back into your home, reduce stress, and even create more space for connection with your family.

Why declutter in 10 minutes a day works

• It’s realistic. Whether during nap time, homework time, or in between errands, 10 minutes is doable.
• It lifts your mood. Clearing even a drawer or a counter makes you feel better instantly—you’ve accomplished something useful, and that feeling can carry you through the day.
• It clears your mind. Mess makes it hard to think clearly, and clutter often adds to that overwhelmed feeling of “so much to sort, fix, or improve.” Tackling it in little chunks helps quiet that noise.
• It’s sustainable. No marathon clean-ups—just small, consistent wins.

5 Quick Decluttering Habits for Families with Kids (and Teens!)

1. Pick One Zone Per Day

Don’t look at the whole house—choose a small target. A bathroom drawer, the coffee table, the entryway shoe pile, or the corner where your teen always drops their backpack. Rotate zones daily so no area builds up too much.

For example: Monday = kitchen counter, Tuesday = toy basket, Wednesday = teen’s desk corner, Thursday = entryway.

2. Set a Timer

Ten minutes is all you need. Set a timer, hit play on a favorite song, and go! Kids—yes, even teens—respond better when there’s a set start and finish.

3. Use the “Toss, Keep, Donate” Rule

Keep three bags or baskets handy:

• Toss: Trash, broken things, old school papers.
• Keep: Everyday essentials that belong in the space.
• Donate: Clothes, toys, or gadgets your family has outgrown.

The key is quick decisions—no overthinking!

4. Involve the Kids (Big and Small)

• Toddlers & Little Kids: Turn it into a game—“beat the timer” or “race against the music.”
• Teens: Give them ownership of their space. Ask them to clear out their desk, closet, or even their car in a 10-minute sprint. They’ll roll their eyes, but they’ll do it!

5. End the Day with a Reset

Before bedtime, take 5–10 minutes for the whole family to reset: toys back in bins, counters cleared, dishes loaded. This simple rhythm makes mornings feel so much smoother.

Bonus Tip: Stop Clutter at the Door

Create a drop zone for bags, shoes, sports gear, and mail. Sort things right away—especially those endless school papers—so piles don’t take over the counters.

Progress, Not Perfection

Here’s the part I remind myself often: clutter will always be there. There’s always something to sort, fix, or improve at home. And yes, it can feel overwhelming. But every little bit helps—not just your space, but your head and heart too.

As a mom of three kids (ages 9, 12, and 15), I know what it’s like to juggle the mess, the busy schedules, and the constant feeling that there’s more to do. When I take 10 minutes to clear a drawer or a corner, I feel lighter. I think more clearly. And I’ve done something useful that makes me proud.

And here’s another gentle reminder: we’re only sharing our lives with our kids in this way for a few short years. The toys, the shoes in the hallway, the messy teenager bedrooms—these are signs of life in a home full of people we love. Remembering that helps me let go of perfectionism and enjoy this season for what it is.

That’s also why I’m so passionate about family photography. Just like decluttering gives you clarity and space, photography helps you pause, appreciate, and see the beauty in the everyday chaos. When I photograph families, I don’t look for perfection—I capture connection, love, and those fleeting moments that make your family uniquely yours.

Your home doesn’t have to be perfect. Your family doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters most is being present, creating memories, and celebrating this season of life—mess and all.

With just 10 minutes a day, you can create more peace, more clarity, and more space for what really matters.

You’ve got this!

If you’re ready to capture this season of family life, toys and teen shoes included, I’d love to photograph your family in Atlanta!