Declutter Like a Pro: The 20-Minute Whole-House Speed Sweep

You know that moment when someone texts “be there in 20 minutes!” and you’re standing in the middle of a laundry apocalypse with cracker crumbs in your hair? Yeah, I’ve been there. Multiple times. That’s why I created this 20-minute speed sweep—a rapid-fire, no-excuses cleaning sprint designed to help you look like a mostly functioning adult in the time it takes to boil pasta.

This isn’t about achieving Pinterest-worthy perfection. It’s about making your home look significantly less feral in very little time. Ready to move fast and fake organized? Good. Set a timer, cue the dramatic action music, and let’s declutter like a pro.

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🧹 Zone 1: Living Room (5 minutes)

This is the first thing people see—and the first thing you trip over. Let’s handle it.

• Grab a laundry basket (aka your rapid-decluttering weapon of choice).
• Throw in anything that doesn’t belong: rogue socks, books, dog toys, your emotional baggage (just kidding—sort of).
• Fold throw blankets, plump up pillows, and toss that half-eaten snack into the trash, not your mouth.
• Quick wipe on any obvious surfaces (coffee table, TV console, dusty candle holders from 2013).
• Light a candle if you’re feeling extra—you’re not just tidy, you’re ambiance now.

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💌 Zone 2: Kitchen (7 minutes)

This is usually Ground Zero for clutter—mail, dishes, mystery food containers. Let’s go full tornado mode.

• Toss anything expired or suspicious from the counters (banana that’s more black than fruit? Bye).
• Load dishes—either the dishwasher or a very cheat-worthy soak in the sink.
• Wipe the counters with something that smells good (pretend you’re in a lemon grove, not a post-cereal battlefield).

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👻 Zone 3: Bathroom (3 minutes)

Your guests are going to use it. Make sure it’s not terrifying.

• Flush any evidence of small children, suspicious toothpaste crust, or your 38-step skincare routine.
• Close the shower curtain. It’s the easiest hack for hiding the “good enough” clean.
• Replace the hand towel with a clean one. Yes, people notice.
• Give the sink and toilet seat a quick wipe and toss any empty bottles into the trash.

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🧺 Zone 4: Bedroom (5 minutes)

Yes, even yours. Even if the door’s staying shut.

• Make your bed like your inner child is being judged by Martha Stewart.
• Toss dirty laundry into a hamper (or under the bed if we’re being honest—but I didn’t tell you that).
• Clear your nightstand of random water glasses, ponytail holders, and mysterious receipts.
• Bonus: spritz some linen spray on your pillow so it smells like you got your life together.

Still hanging on to clothes you haven’t worn since the last presidential debate? It’s time. Get inspired by our hilariously honest wardrobe detox in 10 Things Cluttering Your Closet (And How to Say Goodbye—for Real This Time).

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🎯 Bonus Round: Entryway/First Impressions (Bonus 2 minutes)

This is where your home either whispers “welcome” or screams “run.” We want whispering.

• Put away shoes that aren’t in daily use.
• Hang stray coats. Yes, all 37 of them.
• Tame the key-and-junk bowl. Remove the expired coupons and that rock you still think might be “cool.”

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🛠 Speed Sweep Survival Kit

These quick wins are even better with the right tools. Here are a few of my faves that actually earn their keep:

• Clear Acrylic Storage Bins: So you can see your stuff and stop yelling “where’s the pen?!”
• Rechargeable Hand Vacuum: Because crumbs are everywhere. ALWAYS.
• Fold-flat Storage Baskets: For when you need to hide stuff fast but make it look intentional.

You don’t need a thousand gadgets, just smart ones.

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📱 Can You Make It Digital Too?

While you’re in the groove, don’t stop with physical spaces. Phones, desktops, and inboxes need quick sweeps too. Start with The Ultimate Guide to Digital Decluttering: Clear Your Digital Space and Mind for a deeper dive. And yes, it includes breaking up with the 9 billion screenshots you’ve never looked at again.

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Your Mission: Try It Today

No more waiting for a perfect free weekend or divine intervention. Put something upbeat on (yes, the “Clutter Slayer” playlist counts), set that 20-minute timer, and go full superhero on your space.

And seriously, I want to know: what’s the weirdest thing you found during your sweep? Mine was a melted Rolo stuck to a dog toy. Your turn—come share your decluttering wins, fails, or oddball discoveries with us on Instagram. Bonus points for before-and-after pics!

Because simplicity isn’t just the ultimate power move. It’s also way more fun when you’re not stepping on LEGOs.