14 Things to Declutter This Weekend Fast

Clear clutter fast with this weekend plan. Tackle these 14 high-impact areas in 20–40 minutes each for a calmer, cleaner home by Monday.

Declutter This Weekend: 14 Things You’ll Never Miss

If your home feels a little loud lately, decluttering is the fastest way to turn the volume down.

You don’t need a full-on overhaul or a week off work—you just need a list, a timer, and a donate box by the door.

The goal this weekend is simple: make space you can feel.

Every item you move is a tiny win you’ll notice tomorrow morning when you get dressed, grab your keys, or make coffee.

Keep the energy light, move fast, and don’t overthink it.

If it’s useful, loved, or used often—keep it. If it’s “meh,” broken, expired, or a guilt item, it goes out. You’ve got this.

Take a look at this guilt-free decluttering guide that you can easily tackle this coming weekend!

Weekend Declutter: Quick FAQ

The Weekend Declutter That Changes Everything!

Why declutter on a weekend?

You’ve got a clear start–finish window, so decisions stay quick and focused. Two focused days = visible results, less stress, and a smoother Monday routine.

Where should I start?

Begin with one small, high-impact area (such as a bathroom cabinet or nightstand). Set a 25-minute timer and sort into Keep / Donate / Recycle / Trash—momentum beats perfection.

How long will it take?

Budget 20–40 minutes per area with short breaks. Most people can clear 4–6 zones in a weekend without burning out.

What supplies do I need?

Three boxes (Donate/Recycle/Trash), a “Maybe” bin with a 30-day limit, labels or painter’s tape, and a microfiber cloth for a quick wipe as you reset each shelf.

Should I donate or sell?

Donate anything under ~$20 or that’s fussy to list. Sell only higher-value items you can post fast—give yourself a 7-day deadline so it doesn’t become new clutter.

How do I stay motivated?

Work in sprints with upbeat music, snap before/after photos for instant wins, and put the donate box straight in your car so progress is real, not theoretical.

14 Things to Declutter This Weekend—Before Monday Hits

Clear It Out Fast: Things to Ditch by Sunday Night!

Take a look at all of these decluttering ideas first, and then pick the ones you think you can tackle this coming weekend. We added an approximate time for each zone to help you.

1. Expired + “meh” stuff in the bathroom (20–40 minutes)

This is the easiest warm-up because the decisions are almost made for you.

Grab a garbage bag, a recycling bag, and a small box for donations.

Pull everything out of your vanity, medicine cabinet, shower caddy, and the basket you pretend isn’t overflowing.

What to toss fast

Anything expired (meds, sunscreen, skincare, makeup—check dates)
Dried, crumbling, or separated products
Old hotel minis you never reach for
Stretchy hair ties that snap or scrunchies that lost their grip
Duplicate sample sizes you tried and didn’t love

What to keep

Products you actually finish (you know the ones—there’s almost none left)
Daily-use items (your go-to cleanser, deodorant, toothbrush heads)
Tools that still work well (one great hairbrush beats five sad ones)

What to donate

Unopened, in-date products you know you won’t use (gift sets, extra lotion, duplicates)

Reset the space

Wipe shelves. Put daily items in the easiest-to-grab spot.
Corral hair things in a small container. Give every category a home (one bin for skincare, one for hair, one for dental).
Tape a sticky note inside the door: “Use me first,” and park half-used products there so you actually finish them before buying more.

Mini rule for the future

One-in, one-out. If you bring home a new serum, something has to leave.

And sunscreen? If it’s last summer’s and expired, it’s gone. Your skin will thank you.

2. The paper pile (30–60 minutes)

Paper multiplies when you look away. We’re going to tame it fast so your counters can breathe again.

Set up four stations on the table: Pay/Action, File, Shred, and Recycle. Put a Sharpie beside you.

Sort once, decide once

Pay/Action: Bills, forms, anything that needs you. Write the action right on top: “Pay by Oct 5,” “Call dentist,” “Sign + scan.”

File: Only what you’ll truly need later—insurance docs, home records, tax receipts. Use simple folders and label them in big letters you can read at a glance.

Shred: Anything with personal info you don’t need to keep.

Recycle: Flyers, old envelopes, menus, mystery papers you don’t care about.

Deal with sentimental paper

Kids’ art, cards, handwritten notes—pick your top five keepers for this season and slide them into a single clear folder. Snap photos of the rest. You’re keeping the memory, not the mountain.

Create a paper landing zone

Put an upright file or tray where paper first enters your home. Label three sections: In, To Pay/Do, To File. The rule: everything lands here first. Empty it weekly—set a repeating reminder on your phone so it actually happens.

Mini rule for the future

Go paperless where you can. Unsubscribe from mailers. And when a new paper hits your hand, ask: “Where will this live?” If it has no home, it doesn’t stay.

3. Kitchen duplicates you never use (30–45 minutes)

Clutter loves a drawer. Today, you take back your prep space so cooking feels easy again. Open your utensil drawer, gadget drawer, and the cabinet with bowls/cups.

Pull + group

Lay everything on the counter by category: spatulas together, wooden spoons together, measuring cups together, mugs together, storage containers together.

Right-size each category

Utensils: Keep your best version of each tool you actually use. If you’ve got four spatulas but always reach for two, keep two. If a tool is a “specialty” and used once a year, it can live in a back bin or leave your home.

Gadgets: If you have duplicate knives and cutting boards, they probably collect dust. Be honest: do you ever use the avocado slicer, banana saver, or single-purpose peeler? If not, out.

Mugs + cups: Keep the number that fits one dishwasher run and your real life. Mugs you love only. The chipped “meh” ones can go to the donate box.

Food Storage: Match lids to their corresponding bottoms. Any orphaned lids or warped containers get recycled. Keep one neat stack of the sizes you truly use.

Reset the space

Give prime real estate (top drawer, front shelf) to daily-use tools. Use a small divider for measuring spoons and clips so they stop hiding. Place party/holiday items at a high level.

Mini rule for the future

Before buying a new gadget, ask: “Will this replace something I already own?” If the answer is no, it doesn’t come home. If yes, the old one leaves the drawer the same day.

4. The entry drop zone (20–35 minutes)

This is where clutter first lands, so fixing it pays off all day.

Clear the entire area, including the hooks, console, shoe tray, and key bowl. Wipe surfaces.

Now rebuild it with only what you actually use coming and going.

Decide the essentials

Daily carry: Keys, wallet, phone, sunglasses, one small umbrella.

Outerwear: One coat per person for the current season. Extras go to a closet.

Shoes: Keep track of the number of pairs you wear in a week (often 2–4 pairs). The rest live in bedroom closets.

Bags: One everyday bag on a hook. Rotate as needed, not all at once.

Add a simple structure

Keys: Choose one small tray or wall hook and use it as your keepsake for your main set of keys.

Mail: Slim standing sorter with two slots: In and To Pay/Do (empty weekly).

Shoes: Low tray or 2-tier rack; one pair per spot so it can’t overflow.

Catchall: A tiny bowl for lip balm, dog bags, and Chapstick—keep it small so it self-regulates.

Speed-sweep routine

Put a mini bin under the console for “returns/goes elsewhere.” When you walk by at night, drop strays in. Carry it to the right rooms once a day. Thirty seconds—done.

Mini rule for the future

If it doesn’t help you leave the house faster, it doesn’t live here. One in, one out for shoes and coats at the door.

5. Living room surfaces (25–40 minutes)

Coffee table, side tables, media console, mantle—these spots collect remotes, cups, cords, and “I’ll deal with it later.”

You’re going to maintain the cozy vibe and eliminate the visual clutter.

Clear + sort fast

Sweep everything into categories on the floor: Remotes/tech, Books/mags, Decor, Cups/dishes, Randoms.

Take dishes to the kitchen. Trash/recycle what’s obvious.

Right-size what stays

Remotes/tech: One shallow tray or lidded box on the coffee table or media console. Add a small charger hub so cords stop wandering.

Books/mags: Cap it—3 current reads or a single short stack. Retire the rest to a shelf or consider donating them.

Blankets/pillows: Keep two throws out, fold them over the sofa arm or into a basket. Extras go in a closet bin.

Decor: Choose 1–3 larger pieces per surface (think: a tray, candle, vase). Bigger items read calmer than a bunch of tiny bits.

Tame the cords

Use stick-on clips along the back of furniture to route cables. Label the ends with washi tape so you know what’s what.

Create a reset habit

Put a small basket under the coffee table for “game controllers, small toys, pet stuff.”

At day’s end, do a 2-minute sweep: remotes in tray, blankets folded, basket contents tidied.

Mini rule for the future

Every surface gets breathing room— aim to keep at least one-third empty. If a new decor piece comes in, remove one.

6. Your nightstand (15–25 minutes)

This is the first thing you see at night and the first thing you touch in the morning—let’s make it calm. Empty the entire area: the top drawer and the small pile beside it. Quick wipe-down in all areas.

What actually earns a spot

Top: Lamp, water, current book/journal, lip balm, and maybe one sentimental thing (tiny plant or photo). That’s it.

Drawer: Sleep tools only—earplugs, charger, hand cream, meds you take at bedtime, bookmark. Pro tip: Use little boxes to keep things from sliding around.

What moves out

Old receipts, random cords, ten pens, three books you’re “going to read,” skin care you never touch, snacks (crumbs don’t spark joy).

Reset the vibe

Fold a small cloth or place a cute tray under the essentials so it looks intentional. Coil the lighting cable and clip it to the back so it doesn’t go fishing behind the bed.

Tiny habit

When you put your phone on charge, tidy the surface: books stacked, lip balm back, water glass to the kitchen if it’s empty or refill it. Ten seconds, sleepy-you can handle it.

Mini rule for the future

If you wouldn’t use it half-asleep, it doesn’t live on your nightstand.

7. Your camera roll + digital photos (30–60 minutes)

Visual clutter also lives on your phone. We’re going for “I can find it fast” and “looking back feels good.”

Quick setup before you start

Make three albums: Keepers, Family/Important, To Print. Then open your camera roll.

One pass, big wins

Delete: duplicates, 14 selfies to get one, screenshots you don’t need, blurry dog zooms (keep the best one!), photos of items you already returned.

Move: drop the best moments into Keepers as you go. Anything you’d frame → To Print. Vital stuff (IDs, medical, house docs) → Family/Important.

Screenshots: Sort by “Screenshots” view if your phone has it and mass-delete. If a screenshot matters (recipe, code), save it to Notes and toss the pic.

Name a simple system

Create 6–8 standing albums by life buckets: Home, Radar (your dog’s star folder 🐾), Friends, Trips, Work/Blog, Inspo. Don’t overthink—these are catch-alls.

Make memories visible

Pick one favorite shot for your phone wallpaper or a rotating lock screen. Put 5 into a print order or a frame—future you will actually see them.

Tiny habit

Every Sunday night, open “Recents” and clear the last 7 days. Five minutes with tea = a clean roll.

Mini rule for the future

Take one great photo instead of ten “just in case.” If you take more, delete the extras right after the moment.

8. Your car (20–40 minutes)

Your car is a tiny room on wheels. When it’s clean, every errand feels easier. Open all the doors, pop the trunk, and bring a small trash bag, a microfiber cloth, and one tote.

Quick clear

Trash out: Cups, receipts, snack wrappers—straight into the bag.

Stuff out: Shoes, jackets, random returns—into the tote to put away at home.

Keep-only basics

Glove box: registration, insurance, car manual, one pen, tire gauge.

Center console: phone cable, sunglasses, lip balm, hand wipes.

Door pocket: a few napkins or tissues—no more than you’ll use in a week.

Trunk calm kit

Collapsible bin with: reusable grocery bags, small umbrella, basic first-aid pouch, mini flashlight, a roll of dog bags for Radar, and a spare tote for returns.

In winter: add gloves and an ice scraper; in summer: add sunscreen and a water bottle.

Five-minute refresh

Wipe the steering wheel and dash. Shake out floor mats. That alone makes the car feel new.

Tiny habit

Each time you get gas, do a 60-second sweep: trash out, cups back inside, console closed.

Mini rule for the future

If it didn’t start its life in the car, it doesn’t live in the car. Everything rides with you, then goes in with you.

9. Your purse / everyday bag (15–25 minutes)

Your bag should feel like a tidy toolbox, not a black hole. Dump it all onto a clear surface. Quick wipe of the interior if needed.

Sort fast

Trash: old receipts, gum wrappers, dead pens.

Relocate: random toys, mail, sunglasses cases you don’t use.

Essentials only: wallet, keys, phone, lip balm/hand cream, one pen, mini tissues, tiny hand sanitizer, earbuds, and a single snack if you’re a snack person.

Create zones

Small zipper pouch #1: personal care (lip balm, hand cream, hair tie, mini meds).

Small zipper pouch #2: tech (earbuds, charger, battery).

Slim wallet: only the cards you actually use + ID.

Keys: add a clip or tether so they’re easy to grab.

Lighten the load

Pick the smallest bag that fits your daily life. Heavy bags make clutter stick around—less space = less drift.

Weekly reset (2 minutes)

Every Sunday night: receipts out, wrappers gone, snack replaced, pouches zipped, keys clipped.

Mini rule for the future

One in, one out. If a new item earns a spot, something else gets evicted so the bag stays light and easy.

10. TV console (20–35 minutes)

If you don’t already have a TV console, you need one.

These hide the “later” stuff—remotes, cords, game pieces, manuals.

Let’s make them work hard without the chaos. Open every drawer and shelf. Empty it all onto the floor so you can see what’s what.

Sort once, decide once

Remotes/Controllers: Keep only current devices. Old remotes = donate/recycle.

Cords/Tech: Keep one charging cable per device you actually use here. Label ends with tape so you can tell them apart.

Games/DVDs: Keep family favorites + what you’ll play/watch this season. The rest goes to a bin in a closet or is donated.

Manuals: Toss and bookmark the PDF versions online. Keep only the TV model/serial card if you want it handy.

Create simple homes

Top drawer: Remotes + two cables in a shallow tray. Add a small pouch for batteries.

Second drawer/shelf: Games/controllers in a bin; instructions in a slim folder.

Cable flow: Use stick-on clips on the back of the console so cords route cleanly and don’t show.

Two-minute nightly reset

Remotes + controllers back in the tray, cables coiled, mugs to the kitchen. Done.

Mini rule for the future

If it doesn’t help you watch or play tonight, it doesn’t live in the console.

11. Closet “Top 10” purge (30–60 minutes)

Quick wins, big space back. You’re going to pull only the loudest clutter, not your whole wardrobe. Grab a donate bag and a “maybe” bin.

Hunt these 10 and be ruthless

Anything itchy (you never choose it)
Too tight/too loose (be honest)
Almost duplicates (keep your favorite, let twins go)
Stained or damaged (fix this week or out)
Shoes that hurt (no more “someday”)
“One day” outfits that don’t fit your life now
Freebies/logo tees you don’t love
Old bras/underwear that have given up
Sentimental clothes you won’t wear (keep one hero piece, photograph the rest)
Hangers without clothes (they invite clutter—match hangers and cap your count)

Reset fast

Use one style of hanger so the closet looks calm.
Face everything the same way and put “go-tos” at eye level.
Make a tiny “try this week” section for 3 maybes. If you don’t wear them by Friday, they go.

Exit plan

Put the donation bag in your car today. Schedule a quick drop-off on your next errand. Remember, another person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Mini rule for the future

One in, one out—and new items must earn a hanger by replacing something.

12. Bathroom linen closet (20–40 minutes)

Let’s make this closet feel like a tiny spa you actually want to open.

Pull everything out—towels, sheets, random hotel minis, mystery baskets. Quick wipe of the shelves.

Sort it like a store

Towels: Keep your best sets. Aim for 2 bath + 2 hand + 2 washcloths per person, plus 1–2 guest sets if you host.

Frayed/bleached ones? Move to “cleaning rags” or donate to a pet shelter.

Sheets: Keep 2 sets per bed (one on, one washed). If a set is scratchy or has lost its elastic, say goodbye.

Backstock: Group extras (toilet paper, soap, shampoo) together so you can actually see what you have.

First-aid: Bandages, pain relievers, thermometer—give these their own small bin so you can grab it fast.

Put it back, calm and tidy

Roll or tri-fold towels so the edges face the back—looks hotel-level neat.
Use clear bins or labeled baskets: Guest, First Aid, TP, Backup Shampoo, Cleaning Supplies.
Tuck sheet sets inside one pillowcase for an instant bundle.

Make a tiny “Guest grab” shelf.

Two bath towels, two hand towels, two washcloths, travel-size toothpaste, a spare toothbrush, and a mini lotion. When someone stays over, you just hand them the bundle.

Tiny habit

Stick a note on the inside door that says “Shop Here First.” When you run out of something in the bathroom, check this shelf before you buy more.

Mini rule for the future

If it doesn’t touch skin or support a bath/bed, it doesn’t live in the linen closet.

13. Makeup + hair tools (25–45 minutes)

We’re aiming for a “get-ready zone” that’s easy, cute, and fast. Put a towel down, then empty your makeup bag, drawers, and the hair-tool tangle.

Quick decisions (no guilt)

Immediate toss: crusty mascara, dried liners, cracked powders, anything that smells “off.”

Rough timing guide: mascara/liquid liner ~3–6 months; liquid/cream face products ~12 months; powders can go longer; SPF follows the bottle date—if it’s expired, it’s done.

Duplicates: Keep the shade you actually wear; the rest can be given to a friend (only unopened) or donated.

Sort by how you live

Daily MVPs: the 6–10 things you reach for on autopilot (tinted base, concealer, brow, mascara, blush/bronzer, one lip).

Sometimes stack: extra palettes, bold lips, glitter—you love them, just not every day.

Hair kit: brush/comb, heat tools you really use, clips, elastics, dry shampoo.

Create easy homes

Top tray or cup: daily MVPs upright so you can “see and use.”

Drawer dividers: lips together, eyes together, face together. Label if that helps.

Hot tools: nest in a heat-proof sleeve or a file holder on the cabinet door; loop cords with a Velcro tie so they stop knotting.

Tiny bits: clear snack-size bags or a mini bin for elastics, bobby pins, and clips (they breed—contain them).

Freshen the tools

Give brushes a quick wash (using gentle soap, rinse, and lay flat). Wipe product goo from handles and your hair tools—everything looks new again.

Two-minute morning reset

Drop everything back in its home, cap the lids, close the palette, coil the cords. Future-you will cheer.

Mini rule for the future

If a new product joins the daily tray, an old one steps out. Your face routine stays quick, and your counter stays clear.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS: 16 Ways to Always Have a Clean Home

14. Fridge + freezer audit (25–45 minutes)

We’re going for crisp, organized, and zero “science projects.” Grab a recycling bag, a trash bag, a damp cloth, and two bins: Use First and Meal Prep.

Quick clear

Pull everything out shelf by shelf. Anything clearly off, fuzzy, or mysterious? Bye.

Wipe shelves and drawers as you go—warm water and a drop of soap is enough.

Sort the keepers

Fridge: open sauces, half onions/peppers, last bit of cheese, cooked rice, leftovers. This lives front and center, so it actually gets eaten.

Breakfast zone: yogurt, eggs, berries, jam—stack what you grab in the morning.

Snack zone: cut veggies + dip, hummus, and cheese sticks. Keep them at eye level if you snack frequently.

Protein drawer/shelf: Raw meat/seafood should be stored on the lowest shelf or on a tray to catch drips.

Crispers: one for greens/veg, one for fruit. Keep apples/citrus separate from delicate greens to prolong their freshness.

Sauce sanity check

Combine duplicates (two half-empty ketchups become one). If it’s sticky, crusty, or you haven’t reached for it in months, let it go.

Leftovers rule

Label with a piece of tape: what and date. If you wouldn’t eat it tomorrow, you won’t eat it next week—out it goes.

Freezer, fast wins

Dump anything freezer-burned, mystery foil bricks, or year-old “someday.”

Create zones: proteins, veg/fruit, bread/baked goods, “ready-to-eat” (dumplings, pizza), and Meal Prep.

Start a Soup Stock bag: keep clean veggie ends/bones for future broth.

Make a Smoothie bag: stash ripe banana chunks and extra berries for easy blends.

Make it easy to keep tidy.

Use shallow bins or shoebox-size containers as “drawers” you can slide out.

Keep a dry-erase marker on the freezer door—write an inventory (3 chicken breasts, one bag of peas). Wipe and update as needed.

Safety basics (super simple)

The fridge’s cold zone is approximately 34–40°F (1–4°C).

The freezer maintains a temperature of 0°F / –18°C, ensuring that items remain well-preserved.

Raw proteins keep low, ready-to-eat foods higher—no drips on tomorrow’s salad!

Tiny habit

Every Sunday, peek at Use First and plan two quick meals around it (such as quesadillas, fried rice, or sheet-pan veg and sausage, for example). You’ll save money and stop tossing food.

Mini rule for the future

Shop your fridge before you shop the store. If you already have it open, you don’t buy a backup.

Your 2-Day Reset: 14 Things to Declutter for a Calm Home

There you have it! Pick one or two of these decluttering ideas and try them this weekend. Set a timer and try to do it by Sunday at the latest.

Let us know in the comments which zone you chose and how quickly you finished the job.

UP NEXT:

8 Habits of People With Really Clean Homes (That You Can Copy!)

15 Vintage Cleaning Tips (and Why Grandma Loved Them)

8 Foods to Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal

Author: Everything Abode

Welcome to Everything Abode, your daily inspiration for every activity at home!

Our goal is to inspire you to live an elegant and chic lifestyle from the comfort of your home.

We’ll help you express yourself through authentic style, aesthetic beauty, and stylish home decor.

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