The Lazy Woman’s Guide to Decluttering
(Even If You’re Not Actually Lazy… Just Life-Tired)
Let’s get one thing straight — you’re not lazy.
You’re just tired. Overstimulated. Carrying a mental load that could fill a shopping trolley on a bad day! If you’ve ever looked at a pile of clutter and thought, “I’ll deal with that… someday,” you’re in the right place.
This guide is for the women who want their space to feel calm again — without needing a full weekend, colour-coded containers, or a personality transplant.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or all-or-nothing. It can be small. Simple. Doable. And yes — it still counts even if you're in your dressing gown sipping lukewarm coffee.
Let’s do this the lazy-girl way (which is really just the smart way).
1. The Rule of 10 (aka the Sweet Spot of Sanity)
Set a timer for 10 minutes. Just ten.
Pick one area: the bathroom counter, the pile of papers on the kitchen bench, or the laundry chair that’s become your unofficial wardrobe.
When the timer goes off, you’re done. Walk away. No guilt. And if you do feel the urge to keep going — fabulous. But you don’t have to.
The goal is progress, not perfection.
2. Declutter While You’re Already Doing Life
You don’t need to “make time” — just sneak it in.
Toss expired spices while dinner’s simmering. Clear out one drawer while you’re on a long phone call. Declutter your bedside table during a Netflix binge.
We’re talking stealth decluttering — it happens behind the scenes, almost by accident, and it still makes a huge difference.
3. The One-Bag Wonder
Keep a bag (or box or tote) somewhere easy to grab — your closet, laundry room, or even the boot of your car. Then, when you come across something you don’t use, love, or need? Toss it in. Don’t overthink it.
The beauty of this method is that it doesn’t require a big decision-making session. It’s just a low-stress, high-impact habit that builds over time.
4. Go for the “Ahh, That’s Better” Spots
Skip the attic. Ignore the garage.
Start with the spots you see (and stress about) every day: your kitchen bench, bathroom sink, your nightstand.
Clearing visual clutter gives you that instant “Ahhh” feeling — like finally sitting down after standing all day. These quick wins give your brain a boost and keep the momentum rolling.
5. Habit Stack Like a Ninja
You already brush your teeth. Make coffee. Feed the cat.
Why not piggyback one tiny decluttering action onto an existing habit?
After brushing teeth → check one shelf in the bathroom.
While waiting for your kettle to boil → sort one drawer.
After checking your emails → toss one desk item you haven’t used in forever.
This is how we turn “I never remember to declutter” into “Oh, look at me being all organized and efficient without even trying.”
6. Celebrate the Little Things
Cleared one drawer? Amazing.
Recycled that stack of old magazines? Superstar.
Tossed the expired skincare from 2012? I’m lighting a candle in your honour.
You don’t need to wait until the whole house is “done” to feel proud. Every small action is a step toward breathing easier in your space. Celebrate that. You’ve earned it.
Final Thought: Lazy? Or Just Savvy?
Here’s the truth:
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic, all-day affair. You don’t need a label maker or a weekend retreat. You just need a few minutes, a doable plan, and permission to do it your way.
Want help getting started?
👉 Download my free 10-10-10 Checklist: 10 areas, 10 tasks, 10 minutes or less. It’s the ultimate lazy-but-effective guide.
And if you’re ready to make real change in your habits and home (without the shame spiral), come join my Decluttering Routines Challenge. You’ll learn how to create small, sustainable routines that feel good — even when life is chaos.
Let’s make space for what matters.
And let’s do it the smart, doable, life-friendly way.
