Are you discouraged by magazine articles that set the expectation for organizing too high? Here are 5 proven and powerful tips for getting rid of clutter in just a few minutes.
My daughter had eye surgery a few years ago and when she was released from the clinic she was given a pair of snazzy sunglasses--you know the ones I mean--they wrap around on the sides and you don't want to be seen in public wearing them. She calls them her $1,500 sun glasses and wears them more than she wears her nice ones that are stylish. The reason for this is she can't find her nice sunglasses when she needs them because she puts them where ever she takes them off. They might be in her purse,
on the piano, on the seat of her car or on the desk. The $1,500 pair she always puts back in the glove compartment (aka: jockey box) in the car so she finds them every time.
I was thinking about this when I read an article that listed a few projects that can be completed in about 2 minutes. This disturbed me because I think people really believe these articles and then get discouraged or think something is wrong with them when they can't get organized in 2 minutes.
Instead of having this mindset that it should only take 2 minutes I think it is more productive to start with some small area and see how long it will take rather than setting yourself up for failure. Here are some of the things suggested to get rid of clutter in 2 minutes or less:
1. The fridge: My friend used to tell me I had the most disgusting fridge ever. I think that is because she was OCD. Never-the-less it was full of left over's that I had good intentions would become planned over's, but they never did so they grew mold and then I could throw them away. Do you have the same problem; you have to save it and can't throw it away until it is disgusting? We might as well toss it before cluttering the fridge.
I recommend getting rid of clutter in the fridge by taking about 5 minutes and taking out all of the mystery food and disposing of it, rinsing the container and loading them in the dishwasher. When you have more time come back and organize and clean the fridge.
2. Designate a home for things you use all the time but can't find when you want them. Things like sunglasses, keys, purse and daily planner. These is not brain surgery, think of a place and call it home for that item from now and forever and get in the habit of putting it in its home when not being used.
3. Sock drawer: You can get rid of clutter and the socks can be straightened in under 5 minutes--IF it has already been organized. I recommend drawer dividers to separate exercise, daily and dress socks.
4. Nightstand: is yours piled with books, magazines, and hand lotion, lose change, food dishes, and unused tissues? Take about 5 minutes and get rid of those piles. Anything there that belongs somewhere else in the house put in your BE basket (belongs elsewhere) to be put away when you're done here. Contain the loose change somewhere else as there usually isn't room on a night stand and it isn't a convenient place to come for change. Keep only items you use on a daily basis on the flat surface. Things like a lamp, 1 bottle of lotion (your whole collection doesn't have to be here), tissues, radio, eyeglasses and a book are some examples. After it is organized then it will only take a few minutes to reorganize if the piles start happening again.
5. Night time routine: Are mornings a bit hectic for you? Is it because there is a lack of order in your home? Before going to bed (train your children to do this too) take 5 minutes or less getting rid of clutter. Put toys away, newspapers put in the recycle bin, dishes that aren't in the kitchen put in the sink or dishwasher. How sweet it is to get up to an orderly home and a bit of tidying up the night before goes a long way in making mornings less hectic.
Don't be discouraged when you don't meet the expectations of a magazine article. Start--that is the key word, start getting rid of clutter and before you know it you will be able to organize many things in under a few minutes.
