The 10/10 Decluttering Method: A Simple Strategy for a Cleaner, Calmer Home
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to mean an entire weekend lost to organizing bins and donation piles. In fact, one of the most effective ways to reset your space is also one of the simplest: the 10/10 Decluttering Method.
At Corken + Company, we help sellers prepare homes that show beautifully and help homeowners live more comfortably—and decluttering is always step one. Whether you’re listing your home or just tired of the clutter, this method will help you make fast progress without the stress.
What Is the 10/10 Decluttering Method?
The 10/10 Method is straightforward:
-
Choose 10 items to donate or toss
-
Choose 10 items to return to their proper place
Repeat daily, weekly, or whenever your home needs a refresh. It’s a manageable, repeatable system that creates momentum—and real results.
Why It Works
Decluttering often feels overwhelming because we believe we need hours, energy, and a perfectly quiet weekend. The 10/10 Method flips that mindset. It’s about progress, not perfection, and it creates quick wins that keep you motivated.
It works because:
-
It limits decision fatigue
-
You see instant visual results
-
It breaks big projects into small, doable steps
-
It encourages consistency over chaos
This is especially powerful when prepping your home for listing. In just a few days, you can reduce visual clutter, reset high-traffic spaces, and create the tidy, open feel buyers love.
How To Use It Room by Room
Kitchen
-
Toss expired pantry items or unmatched storage lids
-
Return mugs, utensils, or spices to the correct drawer or shelf
Living Room
-
Donate books, old magazines, or unused décor
-
Rehome remote controls, chargers, or toys
Bedroom
-
Clear 10 pieces of unworn clothing or accessories
-
Organize 10 small items from nightstands or dressers
Bathroom
-
Toss expired products or samples
-
Reorganize drawers or countertop clutter
Garage or Entry
-
Get rid of broken tools or unused shoes
-
Hang jackets or store seasonal items properly
The method works anywhere. You don’t need a label maker or a perfect plan—just start with 10 + 10.
Bonus: Use It As a Pre-Staging Strategy
If you’re preparing to sell your home, the 10/10 Method helps you chip away at clutter without waiting until the week of listing photos. Start in the most visible areas (kitchen, living room, entry) and work your way into closets, cabinets, and less-trafficked spaces.
We recommend combining this strategy with light staging and neutralizing to create a polished, move-in-ready feel that helps buyers emotionally connect to your home.
Make It a Family Habit
The 10/10 Method is also a great way to involve kids or partners in keeping your home organized. Turn it into a quick family challenge or daily reset after work or school. It doesn’t require a checklist—just awareness and action.
You’ll be surprised how much calmer your home feels with just a few minutes of decluttering each day.
Let Corken + Company Help You Declutter With Purpose
Whether you’re prepping to list your home or just want to reclaim your space, our team offers more than real estate expertise—we guide our clients through smart, simple home strategies that create long-term value.
Need a plan to get your home market-ready? Want support organizing your home before a big life change? Call 303-858-8003 or visit www.corken.co to speak with a broker who can help you clear the clutter and move forward—confidently.
