How to declutter with micro decluttering 

Is the thought of decluttering overwhelming? When cupboards are full and drawers refuse to close, clearing away the things you don't need can feel like an impossible task. But what if you could do it in small, manageable steps? Try micro decluttering.

This guide explains how to declutter your home using this trend, taking you through what it is and how it can help you tackle the bigger jobs over time.

What is micro decluttering? 

Micro decluttering is a method where you focus on one small area at a time in short bursts. This is typically between 10 and 15 minutes.

Instead of attempting to sort through an entire wardrobe, you might spend that time going through just one drawer. Rather than clearing out the whole bookshelf, you could remove books you no longer read from a single shelf.

You don’t need to prepare for a day of sorting everything. Instead, you fit it in whenever it suits you, gradually making a noticeable difference in your home.

Why micro declutter? 

By keeping each session short and focused, micro decluttering makes the process feel much more manageable. Breaking your sorting into smaller parts means you're less likely to feel overwhelmed.

This approach helps boost productivity. Achieving small wins, like clearing a bedside table or tidying a single drawer, creates a sense of accomplishment. That motivation builds over time as you chip away at one area bit by bit, making it easier to keep going, build up a rhythm and declutter fast.

Importantly, it can feel less like a chore. You might not even realise how much progress you’re making until you look back after a few weeks and see how much you’ve cleared. Without long, frustrating sessions of decluttering, you’ll find your home becoming more organised before you know it.

 

Where to start

Begin with a plan. Make a list of spaces that need attention. Is there one area of your house that you want to declutter quickly? Prioritise these areas that are causing the most frustration, whether it’s a messy kitchen drawer or a chaotic bedside table.

Next, decide how often you’ll commit to micro decluttering. Will you do it every day? A few times a week? Having a routine can make a big difference in staying consistent.

It’s also helpful to decide what to do with unwanted items. Set up a donation pile for things you no longer need and think about storage solutions for items you want to keep. Investing in fitted wardrobes or drawers can help maximise storage space, keeping your home clutter-free. Hammonds' fitted living range offers practical storage solutions designed to fit seamlessly into your home, making it easier to keep everything organised.

Stick to the timings  

One of the keys to success with micro decluttering is being strict with your timings. Set aside 15 minutes at a realistic time each day – maybe while waiting for dinner to cook or after putting the kids to bed. If it helps, use a timer to keep yourself on track.

The goal isn’t to complete the decluttering task in one go but to make steady progress over the course of several days or more. If you just organise part of a shelf today, that’s still one less cluttered space in your home. Keep your sessions short and focused so that you don’t lose motivation.

Theme your decluttering 

To make this decluttering trend even more effective, try focusing on specific themes.

For example, instead of sorting all of your makeup collection, start with just your eye makeup. If the toy box is overflowing, focus on just the teddies and sort toys today and save the other toys for another time. When decluttering the kitchen, start with crockery and cutlery rather than the entire drawer of utensils.

By breaking decluttering into mini categories, you make the task more manageable. You’ll also make it easier to work through each section without getting distracted.

Add new storage solutions with Hammonds

Now you're tapping into the micro decluttering trend consider introducing fitted storage into your home. Book a free design visit with one of our experts today and we'll take you through your options. You can also request a free brochure to get you inspired.