Got a minute? Rid house of 25 things

We may think we’re constantly running on empty with no time to exercise, cook or see our friends — but that’s not entirely true. Even the busiest of people have these rare moments at home — scrolling through Instagram, looking for something to watch on Netflix or flipping through an old magazine or newspaper. These moments might be short and fleeting, but that’s no reason not to make the most of them.

Even if you only have five to 10 minutes to spare there are a few things you can toss to make your life a lot more organized and efficient. We tapped organizational expert and author Barbara Reich to guide us through the areas of our home that could use a little decluttering.

LIVING ROOM

In the living room, old tchotchkes and mementos may be cluttering your shelves. Your cupboards may be overflowing with unused board games (or even worse, cassette tapes). Put on a show on Netflix, and give your space room to breathe.

Toss this now: Framed photos that aren’t in focus or relevant

Vacation mementos that no longer fit the space

Accessories that have no meaning or that are creating clutter Board games that no one plays

Anything chipped or broken

KITCHEN

The real culprits of our unorganized kitchen? Higher shelves: the ones you use so seldom, you wonder why they even exist. Put on a podcast and work your way from the top down, throwing out anything that’s no longer relevant. Toss this now:

Any food storage container missing a top

Any large appliance that’s never used or doesn’t work

Any food past its expiration date

Mismatched mugs that you’ve accumulated over the years

Teflon pans that are scratched

BEDROOM

Our closets are periodically in need of a good cleanup — but there are other areas of the bedroom that could use some decluttering too: excess bedding in the linen closet or mismatched items in the jewelry box, for example. Throw on some tunes before this cleanout.

Toss this now: Excess pillows on the bed Clothing and shoes that don’t fit or are beyond repair

Anything received as a gift that isn’t used

Bedding that doesn’t fit the bed

Bedding that’s old, worn and stained

BATHROOM

Medicine cabinets and vanities are real magnets for beauty products and medications that go unused. While it’s contradictory to throw out a perfectly good product — you know deep down whether it’ll ever come useful or not. Just be real with yourself.

Toss this now:

■Medications past their expiration date

Toiletries and cosmetics that are past their expiration date

Lipstick in colors you’ll never use

Extra travel or promotion cosmetic bags

Any products that you never use

ENTRYWAY

The space where we enter and leave our home tends to accumulate a lot of clutter: mail, paperwork, magazines — not to mention the entryway closet, which is often filled with out of season and out of fashion items. Give this space a good clean-up next time you head out the door.

Toss this now:

Old receipts that aren’t needed

Newspapers and magazines that have accumulated

Keys that are no longer relevant

Coats or jackets that no longer fit, are out of style, or are beyond repair

Gloves without mates