There are many wonderful quotes about slowing down, and one great one is from our friend the turtle: “slow and steady wins the race.” Why is this so? Because when we hurry, we often make mistakes or decisions that we later regret.
Organizing is no different! You let things get disorganized due to overwhelm, lack of time, lack of confidence in our skills or other good reasons. Then in frustration, you throw things in a box, only to discover later that something of great personal value can no longer be located. Take heart!
Though it’s great to set aside large blocks of time to mindfully organize your space, most of us lead very busy lives. Instead, you can make steady and satisfying progress by giving focused attention to an organizing task in 5, 10 or 15 minute increments. Consistency keeps you moving forward, so try picking a regular time each day or each week and make an appointment with yourself to work on a small organizing challenge.
If you know that finding time to organize is your biggest challenge, then we have a challenge for you!
CHALLENGE: The Five-Minute Daily Decluttering Challenge
If finding time to organize is your biggest hurdle, here’s a simple challenge: spend just 5 minutes a day decluttering.
Seriously! Set a timer, pick a single category or area, and focus only on that for five minutes. ONE CATEGORY! This helps you from feeling overwhelmed and keep your focus narrow ensures you make progress.
Here are some ideas you can do during the challenge:
- Kitchen Counters: Clear off small appliances, wipe down cabinets or put dishes away .
- Bathroom Drawer: Sort through makeup, toiletries, or expired medication.
- Fridge Door: Toss expired condiments or organize items by category.
- Junk Drawer: Throw out broken pens, tangled cords, or random papers you no longer need.
- Entryway or Shoe Rack: Straighten up shoes, hang jackets, and clear out old mail.
- Bedside Table: Put away books, clear any clutter, and wipe it down for a fresh start.
- Bookshelf: Return out-of-place books, dust the shelves, and straighten stacks.
- Clothing Drawer: Remove clothes you no longer wear and refold items for easier access.
- Coffee Table: Clear away magazines, coasters, or clutter, leaving only essentials.
- Purse or Backpack: Toss old receipts, organize small items, and refill essentials like tissues or hand sanitizer.
Once the five-minute timer goes off, stop decluttering. A consistent, slow-drip approach like this will work wonders in your home. If you find that after five minutes you still have energy, extend it to another five minutes or even ten. But note: it’s important to reset your timer and stop decluttering at a specific time of your choosing. As we declutter, it’s easy to zig-zag from decluttering the fridge to decluttering the countertops to decluttering the cupboards, and that’s how you find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, and feeling as if you never want to declutter again.
Practical Tips for Organizing at Your Own Pace
- Pick a Starting Point: Choose one area to focus on, like a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Starting small prevents overwhelm and lets you see immediate progress.
- Make It a Routine: Attach your five-minute session to an existing habit, like after breakfast, coming home from work or before bed. Consistency is easier when it’s tied to something you already do.
- Stay Focused: Avoid zig-zagging between tasks. For example, if you’re organizing a closet, don’t wander to the kitchen halfway through. Keep your focus on the task at hand.
- Use Simple Tools: You don’t need fancy gadgets. A timer, a trash bag , and a bin for items to keep are all you need to get started.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Take a moment to appreciate your progress, even if it’s just a cleared shelf or an organized drawer. Recognizing success keeps you motivated.
And, yes, it IS possible to organize your home or office slowly and mindfully, despite what some bestselling authors will tell you (we see you Kondo)!
Regardless of which method of organizing you choose, it is encouraging to note that even small increments of time dedicated to organizing will add up quickly. Promise!
You don’t have to organize your entire home in a weekend to make a big impact. By focusing on small, consistent actions—just five or ten minutes a day—you can create a lasting habit that keeps your space organized and your stress low.
So grab a timer, pick one area to tackle, and get started. Slow and steady really does win the race!