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The 25-Minute Decluttering Strategy That Actually Works When You're Short on Time

You know that moment when you want to declutter… but the idea of pulling everything out and losing your whole day makes you want to quit before you even start?

I get it. Most decluttering advice is built for someone with unlimited time, unlimited energy, and zero kids asking for snacks every six minutes. And if you've tried the "empty the whole closet" method before, you already know how that story ends.

In this episode, I walk you through my go-to method called 25 to Thrive — a simple, sustainable way to make real progress in a short window, without the overwhelm spiral (and without turning your house into a disaster zone).

Right now — especially in January — there's this pressure to go big or go home. Total home reset. Massive purge. Brand new you. But real change doesn't happen in one perfect Saturday. It happens in small, repeatable wins that build momentum and proof.

If your brain has been waiting for "the right time" to declutter, this is your gentle nudge: you don't need more time. You need a method that works with your life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

You don't need a full day to make real progress The belief that decluttering only "counts" if you do a marathon session keeps you stuck. A focused 25 minutes can create visible change and real relief.
20 minutes of decluttering is the sweet spot Short bursts help you avoid decision fatigue and overwhelm. You'll make faster, clearer choices when your brain isn't depleted.
The last 5 minutes are what make this strategy stick A quick reset (trash out, donations bagged, space returned to baseline) prevents the "piles on the floor" problem and leaves you feeling accomplished instead of frazzled.
Start smaller than you think you should One drawer, one shelf, one surface. Your brain can handle small spaces — and small wins build confidence and momentum.
Consistency beats intensity Doing 25 to Thrive once a week (or even once a month) is how you create lasting progress. This isn't about perfection — it's about showing up in a way you can repeat.

Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here:

🗞️ Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life. 👉 https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify

🧡 Loved this episode? Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club — where we take conversations like this even deeper, and I help you simplify everything. 👉 https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548

📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells

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