I Tried the 10-10 Decluttering Method—Here’s What Happened

Like many people, I love the feeling of a tidy, decluttered space. But motivating myself to declutter can be a challenge. That’s why I tried the 10-10 decluttering method to tackle a few different areas in my apartment that had become overrun with items.

The 10-10 decluttering method challenges you to focus on an area and get rid of 10 items in 10 minutes. I’d recommend this decluttering method if you often have trouble deciding if items should stay or go. Since you’re working with a small window of time and have a specific goal for the number of items to declutter, this strategy encourages quick decision-making. I was surprised at how much I was able to get done in bursts of 10 minutes. This strategy is especially effective for tackling small spaces, but there’s no reason you couldn’t also use the 10-10 method to organize your garage, basement, or other areas in the home.

Below, read all about my experience with this method and see what professional organizers say about it. The 10-10 method is one I’ll definitely return to in the future, but if you’re looking for alternatives, some editor-approved strategies include the core 4 method, the 20-minute method, and the MVP method.

The 10-10 decluttering method is pretty simple — choose an area, set a timer for 10 minutes and get rid of 10 items in that space. “If you notice other items you don’t need, remove them as well, but make sure to stick to the 10-minute timeframe,” says professional organizer Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out.

I decided to try the 10-10 decluttering method in three separate areas, spending 30 minutes in total over the course of a couple days.

Closet

I have been meaning to tackle organizing my closet from top to bottom. With clothes that no longer fit properly and worn-out shoes taking up valuable space, I knew this area was a priority. I set my timer and go to work sorting through everything.

I have to say: Surprisingly, I actually loved the thrill of being timed. It added a level of excitement to the process that I don’t typically experience while decluttering. It also made me realize how much I can really accomplish in only 10 minutes. I was able to sort through all my sweaters, pants and shoes before the timer ran out, rounding up well over 10 items.

Bathroom

Although I organize the storage under my bathroom sink pretty often, it always seems to get out of control with new items. Once the 10 minutes were up, I found myself with a solid stash of expired or close-to-empty skincare products and toiletries to throw away, plus a few unused beauty products to give friends and family.

Kitchen

Somehow, I always have more cups than I remember buying — and more canned goods and snacks. Since my kitchen is pretty small to begin with, I gave myself the whole space to work with.

One thing I noticed in the 10 minutes of decluttering was the number of canned goods and sauces in my cabinet. Instead of buying those goods every time I go grocery shopping, I plan to be more mindful and only purchase what I need. This way, I’ll save space in my kitchen cabinets and won’t have to worry about getting rid of expired goods. I also compiled a few mugs I haven’t used in a while to donate or repurpose around the house, and I was even able to reorganize my cabinets before the time was up.

Before starting the challenge, I was nervous I wasn’t going to be able to get up to 10 items in 10 minutes in each space, but by the end, I was surprised by how much I had actually decluttered in just 30 minutes.

The 10-10 decluttering strategy is helpful for anyone needing a bit of extra motivation and flexibility to get organized. Typically, I’d dedicate a full day to go through all areas of my apartment — and I always dreaded it. Now, I don’t think I’ll ever use that approach again.

Whether or not I continue to time myself moving forward, this strategy made me realize I only need a few minutes to make major decluttering progress, and I consider that a win.