The most important step in the organizing process is the every-day-for-the-rest-of-your-life step. I’m talking about maintenance.
There are tough steps, for many folks, along the path of getting organized: getting started, staying on task or making decisions, for example. And that’s is completely understandable. But conquering and assimilating maintenance of your organization into your daily life will be the step that reaps the most rewards.
Twenty minutes can make a huge difference in life.
Recently, I discussed this with a client who was frustrated because, while she has made great progress on her organizing projects, some times the clutter still piles up.
I hear you, sister. I’m guessing we have all felt this same frustration!
I shared how I made a commitment to 20 minutes every morning for my New Year’s Resolution, and that this focused routine really keeps me on track. I create calm in my home, clear clutter, fortify myself plus start some laundry, all in 20-ish minutes.
What simple tasks would help you and your home immeasurably if you could tackle them in little pieces every day? It may not be in the morning, and
let’s face it – some days may eat up those 20 minutes. But the Habit and Focus and Routine still matter!
Here’s what mine looks like, what could yours look like?
Somewhere between 7:45 and 8:15 most mornings, I do the same tasks:
- I check bedrooms: turn off lights, straighten beds and grab the laundry hamper if my son hasn’t already taken it to the basement like he’s supposed to! (Elapsed time 1 minute)
- Next, my bedroom: I make the bed if I haven’t already, hang my walking clothes and pajamas on their hooks, toss dirty laundry in the hamper I still have with me from my son’s room. (Elapsed time 3 minutes)
- I check the bathroom and hang up or wipe down whatever is out of place. (Elapsed time 2 minutes)
- Dining room / living room: I straighten or collect any random shoes at the front door (or any
other clutter), turn off the porch light and open up the curtains to let in the sunshine. (Elapsed time 2 minutes) - Kitchen, office / family room / back door area (all one big long space in my house): Obviously, this takes more time. I start my second cup of coffee, take my vitamins and make my smoothie. I fill my water bottles for the day, put my water and lunch in my cooler bag, then set it all by the back door in my office. If I’m really paying attention, I’ll check the weekly menu to start thinking about dinner prep, take out the trash or load or unload the dishwasher. Once I’m done making a mess, I grab counter spray and a microfiber cloth and wipe down the counters and table. (elapsed time 10 minutes)
- Finally, I check the family room / office area for any more stray clutter, shoes, laundry, etc., toss the microfiber cloth from the counters, dish towels and cloth, etc., and take the laundry to the laundry room to start a load before I head out for the day. (elapsed time 5 minutes)
These 20-ish minutes are the BEST INVESTMENT in my day EVER. I can leave my house with a calm mind, food and snacks to sustain me during my busy day, and a clear conscience! And I come home to a relatively calm and organized space, which does wonders for my Peace of Mind and my productivity.
If you have doubts, remember that if you do this almost every day, clutter won’t have accumulated for days or weeks. Piles won’t be large, surfaces will be clearer. Regular little bits of maintenance help us out EVERY day. EVERY DAY. And it doesn’t have to take long.
What maintenance tasks could you add to your daily routine? Go for it!