Introduction
After the festive season, many of us feel overwhelmed by the post-Christmas clutter.
January is the perfect time to reclaim your home and start the year fresh. However, if you're a busy parent or just someone pressed for time, tackling a messy house can feel daunting.
The good news is that decluttering doesn’t have to take hours. By dedicating just 20 minutes a day and using simple, effective methods, you can create a calmer, more organised space.
Here are three tried-and-tested techniques that we love that make decluttering manageable and even fun, plus tips inspired by Marie Kondo for those seeking joy in tidying up.
1. FlyLady’s 27-Fling Boogie
The FlyLady system, created by Marla Cilley, is all about breaking tasks into small, doable chunks—perfect for busy parents. The 27-Fling Boogie is one of her simplest and most effective methods for decluttering.
How It Works:
- Grab a rubbish bag and a donation bag.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes.
- Quickly walk through your home and find 27 items to throw away (broken toys, expired food, tattered clothes, etc.).
- If you want to go the extra mile - find 27 items to donate that are still usable but no longer serve you.
By the end, you’ve cleared 54 items in under half an hour! Repeat this process weekly, to keep on top of the clutter!
💡 Why It Works for Busy Parents: The Four-Box Method keeps clutter from migrating elsewhere and creates a clear plan for each item. It’s also a great teaching tool for children, helping them understand the value of organising their belongings.
2. The Four-Box Method
The Four-Box Method is a fantastic way to declutter systematically without making a bigger mess in the process.
It works well if you want to tackle specific areas like a drawer, cupboard, or toy shelf.
How It Works:
Label four boxes (or bags) as follows:
- Keep
- Donate
- Chuck
- Relocate
Pick a small section of your home, set a time for 20 minutes - and sort every item into one of these boxes.
Be honest with yourself—if it doesn’t serve a purpose or spark joy, it likely doesn’t belong in the "Keep" box.
Once the timer goes off, deal with the items immediately:
- Put "Chuck" in the bin.
- Take "Donate" items to your car / leave them by the front door for the next charity trip.
- Return "Relocate" items to their proper places.
💡 Why It Works for Busy Parents: The 27-Fling Boogie is quick, energising, and provides immediate results. Kids can even join in, turning it into a game—who can find 27 items the fastest?
3. The 12:12:12 Method
Joshua Becker, a leading voice in the minimalism movement, popularised the 12:12:12 method as a quick and effective decluttering strategy.
How It Works:
- Identify 12 items to donate, 12 items to toss, and 12 items to put back in their proper place.
- Focus on one area of your home, such as the kitchen counter, living room, or playroom.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes and work quickly.
The 12:12:12 method is ideal for maintaining momentum every day, and the numbers are achievable without feeling overwhelming.
💡 Why It Works for Busy Parents: This method is easy to remember and gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment. For families, it can become a fun competition—assign everyone a category and see who finishes first!
Marie Kondo’s Tidying Principles
If you’re looking for a more mindful approach, Marie Kondo’s philosophy of keeping only items that "spark joy" is a game-changer. While her full KonMari method can be time-intensive, you can adapt her principles for quick decluttering sessions.
How to Use Kondo’s Method in 20 Minutes a Day:
- Choose one category, like clothes, books, or toys.
- Gather items from that category in one spot.
- Hold each item and ask yourself: "Does this spark joy?"
- Keep only what brings happiness or serves a genuine purpose.
Marie Kondo’s approach is particularly effective when tackling sentimental items, helping you make thoughtful decisions without guilt.
💡 Why It Works for Busy Parents: Her focus on joy makes decluttering feel more personal and rewarding. Plus, if you involve your children, they’ll learn to appreciate their belongings rather than accumulate clutter mindlessly.
Additional Tips for Busy Parents
Start Small
Decluttering doesn’t mean revamping your entire home in one weekend. Break it into manageable tasks, like one drawer or shelf at a time. Success in small areas builds momentum.
Use a Timer
Set a timer for 20 minutes and commit fully to decluttering until it rings. This keeps the process focused and prevents burnout.
Tackle High-Traffic Areas First
Focus on spaces where clutter affects daily life the most, such as the kitchen counter, entryway, or living room. Clearing these areas provides an immediate sense of relief.
Enlist Help
If you’re a parent, involve your children by turning decluttering into a game. Use a points system or rewards for their efforts.
One In, One Out Rule
After decluttering, adopt the "one in, one out" rule: for every new item you bring into your home, remove one. This prevents future clutter build-up.
Conclusion
January is the ideal time to reset your home and your mindset. With methods like the FlyLady’s 27-Fling Boogie, the Four-Box Method, and the 12:12:12 approach, decluttering can be easy, fast, and even enjoyable.
By dedicating just 20 minutes a day, you’ll see visible progress without the overwhelm.
Whether you’re a fan of Marie Kondo’s joy-sparking philosophy or prefer the simplicity of quick daily routines, the key is consistency. Start small, involve your family, and watch as your home transforms into a clutter-free sanctuary to kick off the year ahead.