Minimize clutter effortlessly by seamlessly integrating the following tasks into your daily regimen until they effortlessly become second nature. This guide zeroes in on the key areas that yield immediate enhancements, all achievable in five minutes or less.
EARLY AM
I can knock these first two out while waiting for my coffee to brew. Use that 5 minutes to get a jump start on your day.
1) Get a load of laundry started.
As soon as you have enough soiled laundry to constitute a load, kickstart your day by promptly loading them into the washing machine, then transfer them to the dryer once the washing cycle concludes.
Keeps laundry from piling up and prevents your child from complaining that her favorite jeans have been in the pile for a whole week.
2) Make your bed.
Few actions can swiftly tidy a spacious area in 2-3 minutes as effectively as simply making a bed.
The room feels cleaner. The room looks nicer now. Remember, you spent a lot on that beautiful comforter, so use it the right way, not just thrown on the floor.
A special thanks to my mother for adding this tip to the list. Apparently you are never too old to have your mother remind you to make your bed. 🙂
AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING
3) Take care of incoming mail immediately.
Throw away or recycle the junk mail. For the important stuff like bills, put them where they belong, like in a “to-do box” or a basket for filing. Remember, don’t leave anything on the counter. This will help you keep your home tidy and make sure you don’t lose important bills.
4) Fold and put away laundry.
Find a few spare minutes to fold and put away the load of laundry you did this morning. If you did more than one today, you are ahead of the game! Congratulations!
Prevents the laundry room from having piles of clean laundry as well as keeps it from being used as a dressing room.
EVENING
5) Kitchen cleanup
After dinner, take the time to wash all the dishes and run the dishwasher if it’s full. Wipe down the counters, cabinets, and appliances quickly.
Keeps the kitchen clean and the silverware drawer stocked. There’s nothing worse than eating your cereal with a fork!
6) Kitchen counter cleanup.
The counter tends to be a “drop-off” spot during the day. Take all items back to their assigned places. The counter is for food, snacks, etc., not paper clutter.
Keeps the kitchen area neat and orderly.
7) Nightly toy pick-up.
If you have kids, toys tend to make their way around the house quickly during the day. Get everyone involved with a quick 5-minute pickup to put everything back in its place.
Keeps living room/toy room organized and clutter-free. Say “good-bye” to the pain of stubbing your toe on a Barbie car or the shock of stepping on a Lego in a sleepy morning daze.
I like to wake up in the morning with my house in order. Mentally, it puts me in a better mood because I am not slapped in the face with things that need to be done on the way to making my coffee. I also find I am more productive during the day when the house is free of clutter.
ashok says
That’s not a bad series of actions – most of what you’ve listed has to be done anyway, and some of it doesn’t take a long time to do at all (i.e. why do people leave their beds unmade?).
Melinda says
I find it I skip doing these things one day, I regret is because it causes a back up of clutter and mess.
Ned says
It’s true, I have found making the bed makes a big difference how a room looks.
Often as your tips point out dealing with clutter doesn’t take much time. For me, I always feel there is something more important to do so I never take that few minutes.
Melinda says
I know I am guilty of skipping the kitchen cleanup occasionally and really regret it the next day.
Cheyenne Renard says
I cant wait to do this I want to have a clutter free home that i can get things done in great idea and thank you so much . Cheyenne of Henderson Nevada
Melinda says
I really regret if a skip a day doing these quick and simple tasks. It really does make a difference. Good luck 🙂
Roxanne says
I have issues with #3.. I never do it immediately and always end up with a stack I have to go through at the end of the month to go through and throw away.
As for #2 – I’m always surprised when I show homes at the people who leave their bed unmade. It’s one thing when nobody will be visiting your home, but when you are trying to sell it?? I just don’t understand it.
nayumigrante says
This is great! Article for doing laundry..
Harieth says
I agree, I have found making the bed makes a big difference how a room looks. A lot of your tips point out dealing with clutter does not take much time.
Kim says
i just love your advice, i think this will work perfectly for me! 🙂 yay! good luck to me.