Feeling Cluttered? Here's a Simple Way to Take Back Your Space (and Sanity)

by Ken Rigel

It’s easy to let clutter pile up—life gets busy, and suddenly that junk drawer is bursting and your inbox has 1,472 unread emails. Sound familiar?

Here’s the fix: don’t wait for the perfect weekend to do a full overhaul. Just commit to 15-30 minutes once a week. That’s it. Small wins add up fast.

Start with the easy stuff:

Toss mystery cords, old takeout menus, orphaned Tupperware lids.
Clear out that one drawer, closet, or cupboard you’ve been avoiding.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle your inbox—unsubscribe, delete, repeat.
Delete apps on your phone you haven’t used in months.
Take a photo of sentimental items that don’t fit your lifestyle anymore, then donate, sell, or toss them.

Pro tip: Put on a good playlist or binge-worthy show while you do it—it makes the time fly.

Additional tips to keep the momentum going:

One in, one out: For every new item you bring into the house (clothes, gadgets, etc.), commit to getting rid of something old. It keeps the clutter from accumulating.
Daily 5-minute tidy: Spend 5 minutes each evening tidying up common areas like the kitchen or living room. Small tasks done daily will prevent bigger messes.
Keep surfaces clear: Clear countertops, tables, and desks as much as possible. A clutter-free surface instantly makes the space feel cleaner and more organized.
File it, don’t pile it: For important documents or receipts, set up an easy-to-use filing system. Trust me, sorting it immediately beats dealing with stacks of paper months later.
Seasonal check-ins: Every few months, go through your wardrobe, storage spaces, and sentimental items. If it hasn’t been used or worn in the last year, it’s time to let it go.

And if you’ve got bigger items to part with, call a local nonprofit like The Salvation Army or the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Many of them will even pick up furniture or household goods right from your home.

The goal isn’t to become a minimalist. It’s to make space for the life you’re living now—not the life you used to live or feel obligated to hold onto.

Why does this matter? Because clutter isn’t just annoying. According to Canadian stats: