How to Declutter Your House in 15 Minutes (No Stress Required!)
If just thinking about decluttering your house stresses you out… this is the post you need. Whether you’ve got toddlers underfoot, teens tossing backpacks everywhere, or just no time to spare—this 15-minute decluttering method is the simplest way to get your home looking fresh (fast). 💨I call it the Laundry Basket Method—and no, it’s not new, trendy, or complicated. My mom used this same strategy in the ‘80s with 6 kids at home (and no Pinterest inspo in sight). And now I use it to keep my home clutter-free with two kids, a dog, and way too much going on. Keep reading to see How to Declutter Your Home in 15 Minutes!
Scroll to the end of the post for the Free Printable Checklist!
This is the method I swear by when:
- I only have a few minutes
- I’m prepping for guests
- My kitchen counters are driving me nuts
- I want that “ahh” clean-home feeling without a whole cleaning day
Let’s jump in…
🧺 The Laundry Basket Method: How to Declutter in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Grab a laundry basket with handles (anything easy to carry).
Step 2: Head to your cluttered zone—kitchen counter, coffee table, entryway bench.
Step 3: Toss every out-of-place item into the basket. Don’t overthink it!
Step 4: Walk through your home and return items to their rightful spots (trash, toy bin, filing cabinet, bathroom—you get it).
Step 5: Wipe down the now-clear surface for that ✨ fresh feeling ✨.
Take a deep breath… and admire your beautifully decluttered space. It took 15 minutes or less, and you didn’t even break a sweat.
🔥 Bonus Tip: This Method Is a Lifesaver When Guests Are On the Way
You know those “Hey! Can we swing by in 10 minutes?” texts?
This is your new go-to trick for making your home look instantly clean. Just sweep through your most visible spaces (kitchen, living room, bathroom), toss everything into a basket, stash the basket in a closet you’ll actually remember later—and boom, you’re guest-ready.
It’s the easiest way to fake a clean house in minutes (without actually faking it).
🔽 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🔽
🎥 Watch the quick tip above — then scroll for more freebies, links & resources below!
🙋♀️ FAQs About the Laundry Basket Method
Q: What if I don’t have time to put everything away right now?
A: Do your best to finish the job, even if it’s later in the day. If you absolutely can’t, place the basket somewhere you’ll see it again soon (not the garage, never the garage 😅). Don’t let it become your new permanent “junk drawer.”
Q: I put things back… but now other areas are messy!
A: That means those items didn’t have true “homes.” It’s time to:
✔️ Create a designated space for them
✔️ Declutter or donate what doesn’t fit
✔️ Set boundaries for what stays
💛 Real Talk
Decluttering your house doesn’t need to feel like an emotional marathon. Sometimes all it takes is one basket, 15 minutes, and a little focus. Whether you use this trick daily, weekly, or whenever the clutter gets overwhelming, it works.
✨ Need help getting started?
Grab my FREE printable “Back-to-School Reset Checklist for Moms” here and try the Laundry Basket Method today.
You’ll feel lighter, your home will look better, and hey—you’ll actually have your laundry basket back for laundry 😉
If you’re ready to take your home reset even further, be sure to check out my Home Organizing Favorites page. I’ve rounded up the best tools and must-haves I personally use to keep our home tidy and functional—including label makers, bins, planners, and more. Whether you’re tackling a full-room refresh or just need a few essentials to stay on top of your routine, these tried-and-true favorites will help you stay organized with ease!
Get the Free Printable Checklist
Download the Free Printable Checklist Here
Pin it for later…
Psssssttt…Right now I’m offering a FREE 3-Day Course to Organize your Kitchen FOR GOOD! The free course includes instructions, tips, and pictures for how to de-clutter, simplify and organize your kitchen in only 3-days! Hurry up and sign up here! (Course instructions will be sent after subscribing)
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links or a sponsored post. All opinions are always 100% mine and I don’t partner with any product or company that I don’t use and love. Please see our Full Disclosure for more information.
Back-to-School Amazon Favorites: Mom Edition
[…] you need help decluttering, there is a great post on the Simple Made Pretty Website. The website’s author is a former professional organizer so she has so great tips! I’m […]