Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are packed with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Storage Solutions
  4. Organization Tips
  5. Clear Clutter in Less Than an Hour with These Quick Organizing Tips

Clear Clutter in Less Than an Hour with These Quick Organizing Tips

headshot of home editor jessica bennett
By Jessica Bennett Updated December 20, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Box shelves with books and storage
Credit: Ann VanderWiel Wilde
When you're short on time (or guests are already on the way), it's important to clear out clutter as quickly and efficiently as possible. These time-saving tips will help you get organized in under an hour. Banish clutter and restore order in record time with our quick organizing tips.
Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Clutter Cleanse

White desk in living room with wicker baskets
Credit: Greg Scheidemann

Decluttering and organizing don't have to happen all at once. For last-minute cleanup, use baskets or laundry bins to quickly gather clutter. If guests are arriving soon, stash the baskets somewhere out of sight (or at least out of the way), and plan to put the items away later.

Total decluttering time: 10 minutes

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clear Out Closet Clutter

Closet with red canvas hanging organizers
Credit: Richard Leo Johnson

Keep items within easy reach and clear out clutter by putting the backs of closet doors to use. Mount hanging organizers with multiple slots inside the doors on over-the-door hooks or easily removable plastic ones. Use the sections to stash daily-use items, such as sunglasses and keys, or designate a pocket for each family member.

Total decluttering time: 15 minutes

2 of 14

3 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Focus on One Drawer

Open drawers with organized supplies
Credit: Ed Gohlich

Quick decluttering doesn't require clearing out every messy drawer. Instead, focus your time on one frequently used space, such as the silverware drawer or junk drawer. First, empty out the whole drawer, and wipe it down with a cleaning cloth. Position dividers or small containers inside the drawer and group like elements together.

Total decluttering time: 10 minutes

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Declutter Your Junk Drawer

If your junk drawer looks like a jumbled mess, don't fear. Introduce organization to this multi-purpose drawer with a few quick fixes. Watch this video for organizing tips that will quickly get your junk drawer under control.

4 of 14

5 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Divide Stuff by Purpose

White cubbies filled with items
Credit: David A Land

Are you constantly misplacing your gym gear? Or do your children do a mad dash searching for lesson books in the morning? Help the entire family get rid of clutter with a simple label system. Affix luggage tags or small signs to designated bags and baskets for different activities. Assign hooks or cubbies inside your entry or mudroom for each one.

Total decluttering time: About 30 minutes, including label making

5 of 14

6 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reduce Visual Clutter

vintage contemporary kitchen white open shelving dishes
Credit: residential interior

Decluttering isn't just about getting rid of extra stuff; it's also about simplifying your space's aesthetic. For open storage, such as these kitchen shelves, take stock of what's stored there and use quick decluttering strategies to update it. Start by removing everything and cleaning the shelves. Then restock the shelves with about half as many items, grouping by color (all white dishware, for example) or style (all plates). Make sure items have plenty of space on all sides.

Total decluttering time: About 15 minutes

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Purge While You Declutter

Bags with Garage Sale and To Donate items
Credit: Marty Baldwin

To streamline your decluttering strategy and get it done faster, focus on one room and purge while you clean. Have two boxes at the ready: one for stuff to sell at a garage sale and another for items to donate. Aim to fill both boxes in one room. You can also set a timer and ask your kids to sort through toys and fill up the boxes.

Total decluttering time: 30 minutes or less

7 of 14

8 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stash Art and Office Supplies in a Moveable Caddy

Small container with pens and other supplies
Credit: Edmund Barr

Pens, pencils, crayons, scissors: Office and art supplies can quickly get out of control and cause cluttered tabletops. Use a small caddy to corral them all, using dividers to separate similar items. Bonus: You can easily move the caddy from room to room or quickly store it in a pantry or closet.

Total decluttering time: 10 minutes

8 of 14

9 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Closet Clutter Fix

Hanging jewelry organizer in closet
Credit: Adam Albright

Designate a space for the week's clothing choices to help manage closet clutter and minimize daily to-dos. This strategy also works well with kids. Simply pick out an outfit (or just a top) to wear for each day of the week. Then stash coordinating accessories, such as socks and jewelry, in a plastic or fabric organizer with see-through pockets to cut dresser clutter.

Total decluttering time: 15 minutes

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dress Up Out-in-the-Open Clutter

Wicker tray with items
Credit: John Bessler

Not everything can (or should) be put away out of sight. Some things, such as keys or frequently used office supplies, are best left where they can be quickly accessed. To declutter a small stretch of space, use a decorative tray to corral clutter and give small everyday items a home.

Total decluttering time: 5 minutes

10 of 14

11 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Streamline Tech Items

Green shelf with iPad plugged into outlet
Credit: Greg Scheidemann

Gadgets are great for streamlining our daily lives, but all those cords and chargers can contribute to clutter. To keep all your electronics in one spot, create a charging station near an outlet in an easily accessed area like the kitchen or entry. Consider using a charging dock or a desktop organizer to store electronics vertically in individual slots.

Total decluttering time: 5 minutes

11 of 14

12 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dress Up Your Decluttering

diy blue bathroom vanity with extra open shelving

Bathroom storage can quickly become an overwhelming mishmash of oddly sized items. Conquer the clutter by gathering bath products and grooming essentials into an uncovered, easily accessible containers. Group items either by function (like soaps and cleaning supplies) or by person, and label the bins or baskets appropriately.

Total decluttering time: 15 to 30 minutes

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tackle the Fridge Clutter

inside fridge view food organization shelving
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

One thing used by everyone in the house, including the people who live there and the people visiting: the fridge and freezer. Quickly organize your refrigerator before guests arrive, or simply to boost your kitchen's efficiency. Start by emptying shelves and drawers; do a quick clean with some multipurpose cleaner and cloths. Toss anything expired or never used. Next, group similar items together and place on shelves or in drawers according to height.

Total decluttering time: About 30 minutes for just the fridge or just the freezer

13 of 14

14 of 14

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Utilize Closed Storage

Box shelves with books and storage
Credit: Ann VanderWiel Wilde

Open baskets and bins have their place, but containers with lids are great for adding function as well as beauty. Use them for long-term storage of items like small mementos or printed photos. Pick pretty colors or patterns that accent the rest of your decor.

Total decluttering time: 10 minutes

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jessica Bennett

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14 Quick Clutter Cleanse
    2 of 14 Clear Out Closet Clutter
    3 of 14 Focus on One Drawer
    4 of 14 Declutter Your Junk Drawer
    5 of 14 Divide Stuff by Purpose
    6 of 14 Reduce Visual Clutter
    7 of 14 Purge While You Declutter
    8 of 14 Stash Art and Office Supplies in a Moveable Caddy
    9 of 14 Quick Closet Clutter Fix
    10 of 14 Dress Up Out-in-the-Open Clutter
    11 of 14 Streamline Tech Items
    12 of 14 Dress Up Your Decluttering
    13 of 14 Tackle the Fridge Clutter
    14 of 14 Utilize Closed Storage

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Clear Clutter in Less Than an Hour with These Quick Organizing Tips
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.