Keeping your home tidy can feel overwhelming, especially when clutter builds up throughout the week. Finding simple, manageable ways to stay on top of messes can make a big difference in how your space looks and feels.
This article shares 15 practical tips you can use every Friday to declutter your home efficiently and consistently. By setting aside just a little time regularly, you can create a cleaner, more organized environment without it taking over your weekend.
Start with the kitchen counters—clear out expired food and wipe down surfaces
Begin by taking everything off your counters. This makes it easier to see what’s expired or no longer needed.
Check your fridge and pantry for expired items and toss them. It helps prevent clutter and keeps your kitchen fresh.
Once cleared, wipe down all the surfaces with warm, soapy water. This simple step instantly brightens your kitchen and sets a clean slate for organizing.
Sort through your mail and toss junk immediately
Start by opening your mail as soon as it arrives. Separate anything you don’t need right away, like flyers or advertisements. Toss those junk pieces immediately to avoid paper piles building up.
Keep only what needs action or filing. This habit helps prevent clutter and keeps your space clear. Just a few minutes each Friday can save you time later.
Tackle one bathroom cabinet for quick wins
Pick a single bathroom cabinet to focus on. Spend just 15 minutes sorting through what’s inside.
Get rid of expired products or things you no longer use. Put similar items together to make it easier to find what you need.
This small step makes your bathroom feel less cluttered and gives you a quick sense of progress. You can repeat it each week without it feeling overwhelming.
Organize your entryway shoes and coats weekly
Take a few minutes each week to tidy up your entryway. Sort through shoes and coats, putting away anything out of place.
Clear out items you no longer use or need to keep the space functional. This prevents clutter from building up and makes your entryway more welcoming.
Using simple organizers or baskets can help keep shoes and coats neat and easy to find as you come and go.
Declutter your desk drawer and remove unused office supplies
Start by emptying your desk drawers completely. This helps you see everything you have and makes sorting easier.
Next, toss or donate any supplies you don’t use often. Keep only the essentials you reach for regularly.
Organize what’s left by grouping similar items together. Use small containers or dividers to keep things tidy and easy to find.
Clear out old receipts and papers from your wallet or purse
Take a few minutes each week to remove old receipts and papers from your wallet or purse. These bits of paper can quickly pile up and make it hard to find what you really need.
Use an app to scan receipts if you want to keep digital copies, then toss the physical ones.
Keeping your wallet or purse light helps you stay organized and saves time when you’re searching for cards or cash.
Wipe down and declutter living room coffee table
Start by clearing everything off your coffee table. Sort items into things to keep, toss, or relocate.
Once it’s clear, give the surface a quick wipe down with a damp cloth. Dust and spills can build up fast.
Keep just a few essential or decorative items on the table, so it feels open and inviting. A simple routine like this can make your living room feel less chaotic.
Go through one bookshelf and donate unread books
Start by choosing one bookshelf to focus on this week. Pull all the books off and take a quick look at each one.
If you haven’t read a book and don’t plan to, set it aside for donation. This helps clear space and makes your collection more manageable.
Try to donate the books soon after sorting to avoid clutter piling up again. It’s a small step that makes a big difference over time.
Sort laundry room shelves, discard expired detergents
Start by pulling everything off your laundry room shelves. Check expiration dates on detergents and cleaning products. Toss anything old or no longer effective.
While you’re at it, group similar items together. Keep the most-used products within easy reach. This simple step saves you time and keeps your space tidy.
Clear out fridge leftovers before grocery day
Before you go grocery shopping, take everything out of your fridge. Look at all the leftovers, condiments, and random bits you’ve forgotten about.
Use up what’s close to expiration first. This prevents food waste and makes space for new groceries.
Doing this regularly helps keep your fridge organized and makes meal planning easier throughout the week.
Check kids’ toy bins and donate broken or unused toys
Go through your kids’ toy bins regularly. Pull out anything broken or missing pieces and toss it.
Look for toys they no longer play with but are still in good shape. These can be donated to places like daycares or charities.
This helps keep their play area tidy and teaches them to let go of things they don’t need. Plus, it makes room for new favorites without adding clutter.
Organize your digital photos and delete duplicates
Start by creating folders based on years, events, or people. This simple setup helps you find photos faster later on.
Next, go through your collection and delete duplicate or blurry shots to clear up space.
Try to organize new photos right after you upload them to avoid letting clutter build up. Make it a quick weekly habit to stay on top of things.
Empty out car trash and tidy glove compartment
Start by grabbing a trash bag and removing all the garbage from your car. Get rid of old receipts, snack wrappers, and anything else that doesn’t belong.
Next, empty your glove compartment completely. Sort through the items and only keep what’s necessary. Wipe down the inside for a quick clean, then put things back in an organized way. It helps keep your car clutter-free and makes what you need easier to find.
Clear pantry shelves, tossing expired snacks
Start by taking everything off your pantry shelves. This gives you a chance to wipe down surfaces and spot any spills or crumbs.
Check expiration dates on all snacks and toss anything that’s past its prime. Don’t keep items you haven’t used in a long time.
Put back only what’s fresh and organized. This simple step makes your pantry easier to use and helps cut down on clutter.
Declutter your nightstand drawer each week
Take everything out of your nightstand drawer. Look at what you really need and get rid of anything that’s just collecting dust.
Keep only the essentials, like a book, charger, or a notepad.
Make it a habit to check your drawer once a week. Toss or relocate anything that doesn’t belong. This simple routine keeps your space calm and makes it easier to find what you need.