Home Ideas

1Use a pegboard to hang laundry essentials. Bless’er HouseDon’t let wall space go to waste. “Add a slat wall or pegboard — they’re easy to install and completely customizable,” says Larisa Bright, co-founder of Settled. Here, blogger Lauren Shaver of Bless’er House uses peg hooks for hanging scrub brushes and dust pans and pegboard baskets for storing bottled cleaning supplies. SHOP PEGBOARD2Store cleaning supplies on a rolling cart.Orchid Organizing”If space is limited, rolling carts can help contain all necessary laundry needs — think detergent, stain treatments and dryer sheets,” says Lindsay Melvin of Orchid Organizing. Added bonus: A metal utility cart is easy to wipe down in the case of any detergent spillage. SHOP ROLLING CARTAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Install a wall-mounted drying rack.CHRIS LOVES JULIARather than setting up the drying rack to air dry clothing, a wall-mounted drying rack folds directly into the wall to save space. Here, the bloggers behind Chris Loves Julia installed custom racks and painted them the same color as the cabinets. SHOP WALL-MOUNT DRYING RACK 4Roll a cart between machines.Sarah Joy Blog”If you’ve got that narrow gap between your washer and dryer, slide in a slim rolling cart for detergent, fabric softener and cleaning supplies,” suggests Tonia Tomlin, founder of Sorted Out. That’s exactly what Sarah Vandiver of Sarah Joy Blog does in her modern laundry room and the three-tier cart offers an impressive amount of extra storage.SHOP NARROW ROLLING CARTAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Conceal an ironing board. Avery MartinTuck an ironing board inside the cabinet, so you can discretely store it when it’s not in use. If you don’t want to invest in custom cabinetry, go the easier route with a wall-mounted ironing board. 6Hang an over-the-door organizer for cleaning suppiles.Neat MethodAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Give every family member their own bin.Arin Solange”Separating laundry as it comes out of the dryer into individual laundry bins by person will save lots of time,” says Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven. “Then each family member of age can take their own laundry to their rooms.” Here, blogger Arin Solange uses a three-bin sorter with wheels to stay organized.SHOP LAUNDRY SORTER8Hang a tension rod between cabinets. Sugar and ClothThe bloggers behind Sugar & Cloth put a tension rod over the washer, creating a place to hang dry clothing. “Bonus points if use S-hooks on the tension rod to hang baskets, clothespins or cleaning gloves,” says Tonia Tomlin on the popular organizing hack. SHOP TENSION RODSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Hide laundry bins behind cabinets. Avery MartinSort laundry behind closed cabinet doors, which designer Sarah Stacey makes possible by installing pull-out hamper hardware. You can easily slide the hamper in and out of the cabinet as needed. SHOP PULL-OUT HAMPER10Organize suppiles with turntables.Neat MethodWhether on the counter or tucked in a cabinet, store regularly used items — like detergent and dryer balls — on a turntable. “Turntables make it easier to reach items that may end up ‘lost’ at the back of a cabinet shelf,” says Murphy. SHOP TURNTABLESAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Build shelves for laundry bins.Craving Some CreativityTurn a spare closet into a dedicated zone for sorting dirty laundry. Rachel from Craving Some Creativity builds three shelves and puts a laundry bin on each.12Take advantage of magnetic surfaces.The Container Store”Make your washer and dryer work overtime by taking advantage of their metal surfaces,” says Bright. Try magnetic shelves to store laundry supplies, magnetic lint and trash bins that stick directly to the side of your appliances.SHOP MAGNETIC BINAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13String up lone socks.John keeble//Getty ImagesCreate a dedicated bin, basket or custom hanging station for lone socks. “Single socks and other miscellaneous items — think loose change or your teen’s earbuds — muddle folding stations so give them their own real estate,” says Bright. 14Transport laundry with rolling bins. CHRIS LOVES JULIA”An elevated, rolling laundry bin will make clothing transport seamless,” says Bright. “If you already have a hamper you love, just add your own wheels with casters or a dolly, and designate a ‘parking spot’ where you can tuck it away when not in use.” SEE MORE: Tour Chris Love Julia’s Laundry Room Renovation Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15DIY a laundry basket organizer.John keeble//Getty ImagesStore laundry baskets in a vertical space (a great way to save space) and label each for easy sorting. This way, when the bin is full, all you have to do is dump it into the washing machine. Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

I will be honest: I’ve adopted an out of sight, out of mind philosophy when it comes to dusting my apartment. It wasn’t until I recently moved around a few picture frames and knick knacks that I realized just how dusty some of my surfaces had become. That’s when I knew I needed to take some sort of action.Unsurprisingly, social media has again influenced me to try the latest cleaning product — only this time, I didn’t think twice about clicking add to cart. The viral damp dusting sponge comes in a pack of four for only $9.99. If I could conquer my stubborn dust problem for just $10, I’d consider that a win. I decided to give this colorful set a shot.Damp Duster Sponge, 4-Pack How it worksThe damp dusting sponge is probably the simplest cleaning tool I currently own. All you have to do is soak it under water, squeeze it a bit so it doesn’t drip and wipe away any dusty surfaces. The raised edges lock in debris as you move across a surface so that the dust doesn’t fly back into the air. Once you’re finished or need a reset, simply clean off the dust in the garbage or rinse it in the sink, soak it again and you’re good to go. There’s a selection of different sponges online, with prices ranging from $10 to $25 depending on the brand and number in each pack. These are a few of the most highly-rated ones on Amazon.Damp Duster Sponge, 4-PackScrub Daddy Damp DusterNow 18% OffScrub Daddy Damp Duster Dusting Sponges, 8-PackMr. Scrub 4-Pack Damp Dusting SpongesNow 15% OffMy damp dusting experienceEach sponge comes pre-moistened, but I soaked mine again to add some extra water. After squeezing it out a bit, I dusted my television and console, nightstand and baseboards. Laura MillarBefore I discovered damp dusting, I had been using a vacuum extension and microfiber cloths to dust my apartment. While those tools got the job done, I still struggled to get into the smaller nooks and crannies, and dust always managed to fly back into the air. With the damp dusting sponge, the process became a lot easier. First of all, its size is perfect for getting into almost any space. The raised edges pick up dirt and keep it there, which is helpful for anyone with allergies. Laura MillarMy absolute favorite part about damp dusting is how simple the clean up is. I just rinsed the sponge in the sink, gave it a good squeeze and let it dry before putting it away. The bottom lineThe verdict? This sponge is tiny yet mighty, and for only $10, it’s definitely worth the price. Instead of having to lug my vacuum out of the closet just to clear up some dust, all I have to do now is pick up a lightweight sponge and swipe away. More Cleaning TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

A roof’s main job is to keep things out: rain, snow, falling debris, marauding squirrels. But in addition to protecting your home and the loved ones inside it, a high-performing roof can also protect your investment, as a desirable, high-value construction element that elevates curb appeal. “Certainly, performance is key,” says Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “But what we see in the industry data is that more often than not, when homeowners replace their roof, it’s for aesthetics more than failure — the roof is a really critical visual focal point.”That’s why there’s an array of factors, both aesthetic and performance-based, to take into consideration when selecting roofing materials — factors that DiClerico and the other experts at the institute rigorously investigated and tested before awarding CertainTeed the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal. Here’s what impressed them:Courtesy of CertainTeedCertainTeed’s Grand Manor luxury shingles on a North Carolina home.Superior Reliability“Something like the roof over your head — obviously, it’s an important investment,” DiClerico says. “You want to make sure you’re working with a reputable brand, first and foremost. CertainTeed has been around for more than a century, with a reliable, innovative, diverse portfolio of products and good customer service and support.”The company backs up the quality of its offerings with lifetime limited warranties that cover 100 percent of the cost to repair or replace defective shingles. These warranties are also transferable from an original property owner to a subsequent buyer, a significant inducement should you decide to sell your home.Courtesy of CertainTeedCertainTeed Belmont impact-resistant shingles are also available with algae-resistance technology.A Shingle for Every Situation…CertainTeed’s breadth of options means there’s a product to suit any architectural aesthetic and fit any construction budget, as well as solve an array of potential issues. There are shingles that provide algae resistance in damp climates; “cool roof” technology for hot parts of the country; proven impact resistance — a necessity in hailstorm-prone areas; and fire protection that meets the highest industry standards.The company’s style portfolio encompasses more than 50 colors, from Cinder Black to Coastal Blue to Colonial Slate, allowing homeowners the freedom to achieve a virtually custom look. The institute’s design arbiters particularly liked CertainTeed’s multilayered architectural shingles, which add dimension and shadow that echo the look of traditional wood shakes, but with the durability and cost-effectiveness of asphalt. Courtesy of CertainTeedCertainTeed Landmark PRO multi-dimensional architectural shingles.…And at Any Price Point“They really have something for every budget, from entry level all the way up to top of the line,” DiClerico notes. For starter homes, for example, the company offers basic three-tab shingles, like its XT25 line, and the products grow in sophistication and technological enhancements from there. Dimensional shingles, represented by the brand’s Landmark PRO option, are manufactured with multiple layers to provide a thicker, richer appearance and superior protection — attributes that helped them win a 2025 Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award for reliable roofing. At the luxury end of the spectrum, the company offers premium Grand Manor laminated shingles that mimic “old world” roofing like slate or wood shakes. “They look beautiful, and they deliver excellent performance up on the roof, so they’ll give you decades of protection,” DiClerico says.Innovative TechnologyThough CertainTeed has been in business for more than 120 years, the company prefers to look forward, not back, especially when it comes to technological advances. One example: the aforementioned “cool roof” technology. Landmark Solaris Shingles use special granules to reflect UV rays, potentially making a roof’s surface up to 30 degrees cooler. The result: more comfortable living conditions and lower energy bills. Another Certainteed innovation is ClimateFlex polymer-modified asphalt, which strengthens shingles against impact damage from extreme weather like hail. It also helps them resist weathering and cracking, adding to their longevity—all without sacrificing aesthetic appeal: ClimateFlex shingles come in the same size, shape, and color options as the company’s traditional asphalt shingles.All of CertainTeed’s shingles also come in algae-resistant versions. This StreakFighter protection employs copper-containing granules to prevent the black streaking and blotching caused by algae spores, which is difficult and expensive to remove. “Algae is a real pain point for consumers,” according to DiClerico. “Five years into a new roof, you don’t want to be staring up at unsightly stains, and CertainTeed provides a guarantee that you won’t have to.”With shingles that run the gamut in terms of performance, price, and appearance, CertainTeed is ready to roll on virtually any roofing project. As DiClerico says: “Some companies only cater to one segment of the market, whereas CertainTeed has the whole portfolio. It’s a brand that you can grow up with.” More

1Soft BlueJames Furman2Very BlackMeghan Beierle-O’BrienAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Burnt OrangeBrittany Bah Photography4Earthy GreenAllison ElefanteAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Light BeigeJenna Sue DesignBrighten your bedroom with a creamy beige paint color on the walls and ceiling, like Jenna Sue Design does here. This neutral tone is warm and serene, but timeless and versatile enough for any design style. GET THE LOOK: Pearls and Lace by Glidden 6Charcoal Gray Molly CulverAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Dusty PinkCHRIS LOVES JULIA8Sage GreenMadeline HarperAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Chocolate BrownCHRIS LOVES JULIA10Powder BlueMargaret RajicAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Deep RedEmily Wainwright12Bright WhitePhil CrozierYou can’t go wrong with white walls in the bedroom. The bright hue makes a room feel spacious and airy, plus there’s flexibility to decorate it however you wish. Here, Reena Sotropa adds some intrigue with picture frame moldings. GET THE LOOK: Salt by Farrow & BallPhoto by: Phil CrozierAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Sunny YellowElliott Kaufman//Getty ImagesAssociated with happiness and sunshine, yellow walls will make a bedroom feel cheery and inviting. Don’t choose a shade that’s too bright, or it could be difficult to unwind at night.GET THE LOOK: Frosted Lemon by Glidden14Pale PinkKaitlin GreenAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Yellow-GreenSara Liggoria-Tramp16Cool GrayHandmade FarmhouseAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Rich PurpleJoyelle West18Coral PinkJonny Valiant Vibrant shades of pink — like coral — work beautifully in bedrooms, too. Play around with complementary colors and bring in shades of green to balance the space. GET THE LOOK: Pop by ClarePhoto by: Jonny ValiantAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Moody TealLolly Jane20Neutral Off-WhiteLara KimmererAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

Vacuuming is simple enough — plug it in, turn it on and go. However, a little extra know-how can help you avoid faux pas that can harm not only your efficiency but also your machine over time. If your floors still feel dusty after a cleaning session or your vacuum doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to, you might be making one (or more) of these common vacuuming mistakes.1. Using the Wrong Attachment (or Not Using Them at All)Those extra attachments that come with your vacuum serve specific purposes. A soft brush attachment is perfect for dusting hard surfaces like shelves and baseboards, but it’s not meant for upholstery or fabric. In these instances, you’re better off using a motorized or upholstery brush. For bare floors and low loop carpets, use straight suction, not a rotating brush, which can scatter dirt or damage delicate rugs.2. Not Emptying the Bin or Bag EnoughA full bin or bag reduces your vacuum’s efficiency and can even lead to overheating. Make it a habit to empty bagless models after each use. For bagged vacuums, replace bags when the current one is about three-quarters full. 3. Neglecting the FilterVacuum filters trap fine dust and allergens, but they need regular cleaning or replacement, depending on whether they’re washable or not. A dirty filter reduces airflow and suction and can even blow dust back into the air. If the filter shows signs of wear, or if it’s very dirty or torn, it’s time to replace it. Check your manual for specifics on how often to clean or replace it, but in general, most filters need attention every six months, depending on usage. Valeriia Mitriakova//Getty Images4. Using the Wrong Height or Suction SettingsMost vacuums let you adjust the height and suction power to more efficiently clean different surfaces — so be sure to use them. A vacuum set too low won’t maneuver easily on thick carpet and can even damage the carpet fibers. Conversely, if you use a setting that’s too high on hardwood, it might miss dirt and debris. 5. Only Vacuuming in One DirectionIf you only vacuum in a single direction, especially on carpets, you could leave embedded dirt behind. For a deeper clean, go over these areas in multiple directions to lift and loosen dirt that’s trapped deep in carpet fibers.6. Vacuuming Floors Before Cleaning Higher SurfacesStart high, finish low. Dust and debris fall as you clean counters, furniture, shelving, ceiling fans and any other higher surfaces that require dusting. If you vacuum your floors first, chances are you’ll end up vacuuming twice. 7. Relying Solely on a Robot VacuumRobot vacuums are handy for touch-ups between deep cleans, but they’re not a full replacement for a traditional vacuum. They can’t tackle spots like stairs and may miss corners or edges. If you want to extend the length of time in between more thorough cleanings, we recommend sending a robot vac out several times a week to collect dust and pet hair, lint and surface dirt on your floors before it has a chance to build up or get ground in.coffeekai//Getty Images8. Vacuuming Up Larger DebrisThere’s a distinction between your average household vacuum and a shop vac, and the former shouldn’t be used as the latter to pick up hard objects like coins, paper clips and small toys. These items can get lodged in hoses, and even if they eventually make their way into the bag or bin, can cause damage to the motor. Always remember to scan the floor for larger objects before you start vacuuming.9. Ignoring a Clogged Brush RollYour brush roll needs regular attention — especially if you have pets or family members with long hair — since hair and string can wrap around the brush, restricting its movement and putting extra strain on the motor. Most vacuums have a brush roll that you can easily remove for more thorough cleaning. Simply turn off the appliance, unplug it, and unwind or snip away any tangles. 10. Being Too Rough With the CordYanking the power cord from the outlet or letting it whip back into the vacuum can damage both the plug and the retracting mechanism. Always gently remove the plug and hold the cord in your hand as you press to wind it back onto the reel.Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

Hi, I’m Melissa — creative director at Good Housekeeping, general adult, and newly obsessed with actually understanding how things work.There are a million little things I feel like I should already know.How to wire speakers.How to reseal windows.How to decode a blinking router, pick the right pan, or figure out why my bathroom smells like the end of the world.Basic stuff. Grown-up stuff. But somehow I missed the manual.And if you’ve ever stared at a tangle of wires and thought, “I should already know this” — you’re not alone.Most of us were never taught these things. Not at school. Not at home. You hit a certain age and suddenly you’re expected to just know how to take care of a house, a body, a bank account — and you either fake it or pay someone who sounds confident enough.For years, I outsourced that feeling. Hired help. Avoided the learning curve. Told myself I wasn’t “technical” or “wired that way.”But recently, something changed.I started using AI — not just to learn, but to save real money.What should’ve cost me $500 ended up costing nothing but a few smart questions, a wire stripper, and some stubborn curiosity.Not in a gimmicky, robot-bestie way — more like texting a friend who actually knows what they’re doing (and doesn’t make you feel dumb for asking). My current go-tos are ChatGPT and Claude. They’re free, visual (you can upload photos now), and patient enough to walk me through questions I used to be too embarrassed to ask out loud.Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for professionals, and I totally value their expertise. If I have a major plumbing problem or a complicated construction project, no amount of artificial intelligence will make me qualified to do it. But at some point, we all started defaulting to outsourcing things we could pretty easily learn ourselves. And to be honest, I’m tired of paying strangers to explain things to me, I still won’t understandCase in point: I moved into a new place and discovered a morass of speakers, wires and unidentifiable electrical-looking things. Past me would have absolutely paid someone to figure it all out. But optimized me thought: Why not see if AI could teach me how to do it?The Speaker Situation That Nearly Broke Me Here’s what I discovered in my new apartment: Five ceiling speakers (mystery wires, no labels)Two outdoor speakers (who knew?)A closet AV panel with enough loose cables to power a small countryTHIS IS HOW IT STARTED: I had no idea what these were or how they were wired, but I uploaded this photo and asked AIThis was the kind of thing I used to hand off immediately. Call a professional, pretend to understand, hand over my credit card — and fade into the wallpaper like a Victorian wife.But this time, I tried something different. I uploaded a photo of the wires and asked AI: “Can I connect these to a sound system?”That one question changed everything. How AI Walked Me Through It I dumped every question into AI:Where do these wires go?Do I need an amplifier?What the hell is a banana plug?Why does my TV only have one HDMI ARC port? That seems rude.How do I connect a Sonos Amp to all of this without starting an electrical fire?AI — like the overachiever who always does the group project — answered everything instantly. No tech background required. No fear of messing it up. Just clear, step-by-step answers that made me feel like I could actually do this — without breaking anything. ✔ Yes, you need an amp ✔ Yes, you need banana plugs ✔ Yes, you can group multiple speakers into a zone It felt like having a patient kindergarten teacher in my pocket — calm, clear, and never condescending. One who doesn’t make you feel dumb for not knowing the difference between a port and a plug — and genuinely wants you to learn.That’s what shifted it for me. This wasn’t about getting it done anymore. It was about finally understanding how the thing worked. Reality Check: I Still Asked a Real HumanAs I worked with AI, I mostly trusted it — but I’m not reckless. Before risking a speaker fire (or my apartment), I ran the plan past Alec Scherma — our GH Home Tech expert and, importantly, a real human.I braced for the eye-roll. Instead, he looked over my AI-sourced game plan and said:“Honestly? This looks super solid. You’re not wiring into an electrical panel — worst case, you short the speakers. You’re not gonna blow anything up.”Which, to me, felt like a high-five.He also pointed out that asking AI about safety right up front was smart — and said he might start doing the same: snapping photos and letting AI walk him through the basics.If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.ASK FOR HELP: This was the moment I panicked. AI gave me a diagram, fixed my confusion, and rerouted me completely.Supplies AI Made Me Buy:✔ Sonos amp – The expensive brain of this whole operation that I refused to admit I needed until AI insisted. ✔ Banana plugs – So I wouldn’t have to shove raw speaker wire into the amp. ✔ Speaker wire – AI said I’d need extra. AI was right. ✔ Wire stripper – Not as scary as it sounds, but completely essential.What Actually Happened I bought the parts AI suggested. I followed the steps. I stripped wires. I learned what a speaker selector was (basically a power strip for audio), and figured out what to return. But the real win? I trusted myself to learn something new — and pulled it off. And not just the what, but the how.I didn’t skip the scary part. I didn’t outsource my curiosity. When I finally hit play on The Last of Us Season 2, and the haunting theme echoed through every speaker, I felt like I’d unlocked a new level of adulthood.​So Why Am I Telling You This?Because this story isn’t really about speakers. It’s about access — to information, to learning, to self-trust.Tools like ChatGPT won’t make you an expert overnight. But they will help you learn the things you never got to — no tech skills required, no risk of blowing anything up.It’s low-stakes, high-reward learning. On your terms. At your pace.So if you’ve ever felt behind — in confidence, in life, in basic know-how — this might be exactly where to start.It was for me.Next up? I’m making it plan my garden.Related StoriesMelissa leads the creative vision at Good Housekeeping, where she and her team concept, design, and produce everything from standout covers and original video to scroll-stopping social, styling, and shoots that set the tone for the brand. She works alongside scientists at the iconic Good Housekeeping Institute to bring lab research to life — turning product testing into stories readers can trust. With over 15 years in media, she brings creative strategy to every project and leads a wildly talented team of designers, producers, stylists, and photographers who basically own the holidays. She believes the best creative direction starts with curiosity — and just the right amount of chaos. (edited)  More

While I dread the idea of decluttering, once I start, I tend to enjoy it. I love the satisfaction of filling up bags upon bags to donate, reclaiming the precious closet space I must use strategically in order to get by in my small apartment. Still, finding the time — and the motivation — to begin the decluttering process can be challenging, at least for me. Dedicating hours at a time just doesn’t work for my schedule. I prefer to work in bursts, but even then, I sometimes get distracted and move onto the next thing on my to-do list. When I first learned about the 10-10 decluttering method, it seemed like an innovative approach to organization, giving people a way to hold themselves accountable while still offering the much-needed flexibility most need to get the job done. I decided to give the method a try and declutter my bathroom, closet and kitchen cabinets. What is the 10-10 decluttering 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.My 10-10 decluttering experienceI decided to try the 10-10 decluttering method in three separate areas, spending 30 minutes in total over the course of a couple days. ClosetI 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.Related StoryKitchenSomehow, 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. Laura MillarRelated Story The bottom line 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. Declutter With UsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More