Decluttering Used to Give Me Anxiety, Until I Tried the 10-Minute Method

I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life, which makes it difficult for me to work up to tasks that seem overwhelming, including decluttering. When I’d look at built-up clutter, it would make me feel like I hadn’t done a good enough job of keeping my home looking lovely. This would send me into a spiral of worry, which would stop me from fixing the problem, leading to the clutter to build up even further, and me stressing even more over the time it’ll take to declutter everything. (As you can see, it’s a painful cycle.)

As a home writer, I do a lot of research on different decluttering methods, so I had previously seen people try the 10-minute decluttering method. One day, I had a light bulb moment and realized this method just might work for me and my anxiety.

The 10-minute decluttering method is simple: Spend just 10 minutes decluttering one spot, space, or area at a time. I have been doing this for over six months now, and it has meant that I can breathe easier in my home. “Decluttering for 10 minutes daily can help decrease anxiety levels by allowing us to create a more organized and calm environment, aid in a sense of accomplishment, and can help implement routine,” says Courtney Hubscher, licensed mental health therapist and anxiety specialist at GroundWork Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

When I’m decluttering an area, all I do is put on a podcast, get in the zone, and start working. I set a timer, but I’ve learned that if I need to finish even after the timer is up, that’s okay. I will also check in with myself while I’m mid-declutter and, if my anxiety does start to take over, I’ll pause the timer and have a break before coming back. 

I apply this to so many areas in my home, which means my entire space has felt the benefit of this decluttering method. In the living room I will move items from the coffee table, in the kitchen I will fold laundry, and in the bedroom, I’ll wave goodbye to the clothes on the floor. 

I find it works best in areas where small amounts of clutter build up, which can turn into big amounts if not dealt with. For example, my makeup area can get a little chaotic in the morning before video calls, but I’ll always take time in the evening when I’m less rushed to reset it for the next day.

These are all tasks I’d previously let pile up and that would leave me with a pit of worry every time I would enter the room and see the clutter. “Tidying for 10 minutes daily can help alleviate bigger tasks in the future and decrease overall feelings of overwhelm,” Hubscher adds. “Being intentional with our space daily can provide a sense of control over our space and our lives.” 

Now, I don’t panic about decluttering during other times of the day, which has led to me being more productive when working at home and more relaxed when snuggled up in front of the TV in the evening. It has also improved my relationship with my boyfriend who I live with, as I’m now properly involved in chores. He works in an office, so it wasn’t really fair that he had to do more than he needed to when he came back. Now these cleaning tasks are all settled, he’s happier, and we spend more time chilling together in the evening.

My whole home is fresh and fabulous (most of the time!), which makes it much more relaxing to be in. Of course, it hasn’t stopped my anxiety completely — but to have one less thing to feel anxious about is such a relief. They say your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, right? The 10-minute decluttering method has made mine just that.