I find most people use the excuse that they do not have time to organize and de-clutter. I would like to challenge this excuse with 10, 10-minute tasks!
1. Designate a spot for incoming papers. Paper is a major source of clutter in most households. If you keep all papers in one spot it lessens the clutter and keeps you organized to find important papers when needed.
2. Clear your counters. Take everything off them that you do not use on a daily basis. Store small appliances, no room in your cupboards remove small appliances from your cupboards if you only use them 2 - 3 times a year and store it in your basement or pantry.
3. Pick a shelf any shelf. Commit to clearing off one shelf, in the garage, laundry room, pantry, where ever you choose as long as you complete one shelf. Take it one shelf at a time.
4. Create simple folders. Have incoming bills, paid bills, active paperwork etc. nothing too fancy but this can be set up in your designated paper area. This will keep you on top of this pile and not feel overwhelmed by it.
5. Learn to file quickly. Once you have done all you need with in coming papers, file them immediately. This will keep the paper area organized and keep paper flowing not piling up on you.
6. Have a box/bin in your trunk for charity donations. When you come across an item in our house you no longer need but is useful and in good shape add it to this box/bin . When your box/bin is full donate it to a local charity.
7. Clear out your medicine cabinet. Only keep items you use on a daily basis in there. This allows for more room and less cutter so you can easily find things.
8. Pull everything out of a drawer. Go through items and ask if you still need it, can it be donated or is it garbage? Put back items needed in an organized fashion, use bins and boxes to separate like items together.
9. Admire your hard work. Once you have organized and de-cluttered an area look at it, take it in. Make the decision that this is the look you want for the entire house and commit to working on it 10 minutes at a time.
10. Create a 30 day list. To keep a lot of new stuff from coming in make a list of items you see out and about that you want, date the item and in 30 days if you still want it you can purchase it. Most times shopping is done on an impulse and we do not need nor want things we did over the course of 30 days. This will save you money and new clutter from happening.
Let me know how your 10-minute tasks go...share before and after photos to encourage others to take the challenge as well. I hope this smashes your excuse for not de-cluttering and organizing, you deserve a serene and functioning space just like everyone else does :)
