Americans have been spending a lot more time at home lately, which means that all the little projects around the house that we've been putting off aren't quite so easy to overlook anymore.
Like that kitchen drawer so full of loose batteries, tangled extension cords, twine, and other junk that you cringe every time you open it.
Here are three quick decluttering projects you can get done in a matter of minutes. For more easy home projects, see our stories on how you can make easy home upgrades, perform necessary home maintenance, and get some outdoor home fixes done. For ideas on upgrading your outdoor space, read our easy tips to grow your garden and follow our advice on creating a backyard oasis.
Double Your Cabinet Storage
Time required: Up to 30 minutes
Is the undersink cabinet in your bathroom or kitchen a jumble of cleaning products? Tension rods are made for hanging curtains, but you can hang spray bottles from them, too (they hold 1 pound per foot). Mount a 7/16- or 5/8-inch-diameter rod high in the cabinet (you usually twist the bar from the middle until the rubber ends hold it steady), and hang bottles from their triggers. Always keep cleaning products in their original containers and use cabinet safety latches if children are ever in your home.
Declutter Your Drawers
Time required: Up to 30 minutes
Bring order to your catch-all drawers with organizing trays. You can buy them in various shapes and configurations online at places like Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond. Measure your drawer first to assure a proper fit, and avoid mesh trays, which can snag paper clips and pencil tips.
Maximize Cupboard Space
Time required: Up to 30 minutes
Attach adhesive strip caddies from brands such as Command to the inside of the cabinet doors to store frequently used lightweight products, like toothbrushes in a bathroom, spices in a kitchen, or binder clips in a home office. These removable bins come in various sizes; clear ones let you easily see what you're reaching for.
Editor's Note: A version of this article also appeared in the August 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.