How the 10-10 Decluttering Method Can Help You Tidy Up in Minutes

There’s no denying the gratification that comes from a freshly tidied, decluttered space. But if you’ve ever found yourself paralyzed by where to begin (and tempted to close the closet door rather than confront it), there’s a smart method making the rounds that you’ll actually be able to stick to. Meet the 10-10 decluttering method.

Also known as the 10-10-100 method, this simple, approachable routine has gone viral for being easy, fast, and flexible enough to work in nearly any space, no matter how chaotic it may seem. It’s less about a massive overhaul and more about building momentum, helping you feel accomplished in just a few minutes, without turning your home or afternoon upside down.

The 10-10 Decluttering Method, Decoded

The idea behind the 10-10 decluttering method is refreshingly simple—which ups the chances that you'll be able to stick to it! Over the course of 10 days, you'll declutter 10 items a day from 10 different areas or rooms of your home. Not hardcore enough? Try limiting each day's decluttering session to only 10 minutes. Within a week and change, you'll have decluttered 100 items from your home. (And, probably most impressively, in less than two hours.)

This technique is rooted in the idea that big results often come from bite-sized habits—and TikTok and social media users have been utilizing the practice across platforms. For user @savs.shelf, unused makeup bags, books that won't be reread, and subscription box goodies were all decluttered during their 10-a-day challenge. Meanwhile, another TikToker's 10 items included packages of multiples, old books that they had digital versions of, and burnt-down candles.

The trick to making the habit stick? Rather than dedicating a whole weekend to tidying a mountain of stuff, this approach creates clear boundaries and measurable progress. You don’t need to haul everything out of a room or sort items into elaborate piles. You just need to choose 10 manageable zones (think: a kitchen drawer, your nightstand, or the car), and remove 10 things you no longer use, love, or need.

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How to Use the 10-10 Method in Your Home

Small wins encourage consistency. Each area you clear helps build momentum, and before long, you’ve made noticeable progress with minimal stress. Ready to try it for yourself? Here’s how to get started.

1. Pick Your 10 Zones

Start with low-pressure spots: your bathroom cabinet, the junk drawer, or that one shelf in your entryway where mail seems to pile up. Spreading your attention across multiple areas helps your entire home feel more refreshed. Need some easy starting points? Try the following.

• A kitchen cabinet: Clear out 10 expired items, ingredients used once and never again, etc.
  
• A sock drawer: Ditch socks that are missing their mate, ill-fitting tights and hosiery, etc.
  
• Your purse or tote bag: Receipts, old cough drops, and stretched-out hair-ties all count toward your 10 items.
  
• The coffee table: Recycle old magazines, newspapers, and junk mail.
  
• The fridge door: Last year's holiday cards can be added to a photo album, and unused coupons can be recycled.
  
• Your desktop: This can be the physical or digital variety! For a digital desktop, aim to delete 10 folders, files, or images.
  
• A bathroom drawer: Expired makeup and beauty products have got to go.
  
• Your closet: We bet you have at least 10 misshaped sweaters, out-of-style jeans, and old bridesmaid dresses to donate.
  

2. Set a Timer (If You Need One)

While you could really give yourself as much time as you need, per the trend's most stringent rules, you should limit your decluttering session to just 10 minutes. While it may sound tough, this time limit will help you make quick decisions while decluttering. Try setting a timer to set focused.

3. Keep It Simple

You don’t need to sort items into endless piles of "maybe," or "someday." Simply ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love it? Does it have a home? If the answer is no, it can go. Be honest and decisive.

4. Create a Holding Area

Designate a bin, bag, or box for your outgoing items—whether they’re destined for donation, recycling, or the trash. If possible, remove them from your home immediately after your session to avoid second-guessing your choices. (That would technically be cheating your 10-minute time limit!)

4 Tips for Making the Most of the 10-10 Decluttering Method

• Use it to tackle a larger project: If you're feeling overwhelmed by a larger organizing project, use the 10-10 method to make it more manageable. For example, if you're tasked with tidying a cluttered garage, use one day to tackle the workbench, another to empty the chest freezer, the third to eliminate 10 unnecessary gardening tools, and so on.
  
• Make it seasonal: Do a 10-10 sweep at the start of each season. Let go of worn-out winter clothing before spring arrives, or ditch expired sunscreen and summer clutter (torn pool inflatables, stretched-out swimsuits) come fall.
  
• Invite others to join: This method can be especially fun as a household challenge. Invite your partner, kids, or friends to find 10 items from their spaces, too. Accountability and the social aspect can make the process surprisingly enjoyable.
• Track your progress: Keep a simple decluttering log or checklist—nothing fancy, just a visual reminder of what you've cleared and how it’s all adding up. (It's something to brag about!)