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Most of us feel like there just isn’t enough time in the day for everything we have to do. And then you add all the little things that need to be done every once in a while – like organizing closets, dusting ceiling fans and organizing/cleaning out kitchen cabinets. Some would say there just isn’t time. I’m here to tell you that there is!!
Well, first you need a Cleaning Schedule. (Here’s mine)
Second, you need a timer and just 20 extra minutes in each week day and a timer. {I’m giving you the weekends off. Do you see how nice I am??}
A few kids would help too. If you don’t have any of your own just grab a neighbor kid or two. My kids love to play “Race the Clock”.
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Last, you need a list of all the “extras” that need to be done around your house. I gave each room of my home it’s own list of ‘extras’ that needed to be done.
Then I choose *ONE* room to work on for that week. Pick a room – any room! {Remember this is on top of the cleaning schedule you already follow.} This week I’ve chosen the kitchen.
Here is an example of goals for the next week:
There is something fun about trying to see how much I can get done in 20 minutes. And I love that!
- Wipe out all kitchen cabinets {This one may take a little longer than 20 minutes, so you might want to do one of the quicker jobs first, such as washing windows or cleaning out the trash can and then use the remainder of your 20 minutes cleaning out a cabinet or two. Or, you can just do what I do and get it all done at one time.}
- Wash kitchen & dining room windows
- Organize the ‘junk drawer’ – actually I have 3. But, in my defense, they are all for different things. One is for school work {pencils, pens, erasers, paper, staples…blah, blah, blah}. One is for tools – I hide my tools in the kitchen. If I keep them in the garage they seem to run away and never find their way home. The other is for junk.
- Organize my 2 messy cabinets
- Clean the inside and outside of the trash can, lid & dust the top of the fridge
Then, I simply set the timer for 20 minutes and work as fast I can each day.
You’d be surprised how much you can get done in 20 minutes and how fun it can be. I’m not necessarily competitive, in fact, I’m not really competitive at all, but to me there’s something great about that feeling you get when you know you’ve accomplished something – even if no one else knows – YOU know and it feels good!!
On top of 20 minutes a day, set up a daily routine! You’ll be organized fast!
How much do you think you can get done if you set a timer for 20 minutes a day?
Angela was raised a Military Brat. She is married to a pastor and is a mother to 4 children and 2 in heaven. Understanding how hard life can be and desiring to love other ladies, Angela took on blogging.You can join Angela at Hidden Treasures where she blogs about the Christian life, children, whole foods, saving money and time, and living a natural life the way God intended.
I used to love racing the clock, but it’s a habit I’ve let fall by the way. I’ll have to try it out again now that my boys are old enough to be involved. 🙂
I hope you have a blast when you do this with your boys!
Great ideas, Angela! I’m going to try this. I actually do a smaller version of this … I see how long it takes me to unload the DW. I don’t set a timer, it’s just a fun way to beat the clock and get something productive done. But your plan sounds so much more “comprehensively fun.” Did I just say that? Oh my! Can you tell I like organization but am not very good at it?! Thanks for your help, my friend!
haha Beth, I make up/ and sometimes use “big” words all the time, I am sure Angela does too! That must be a mom thing!
I know I am more successful at tasks if I set smaller time limits – and I end up doing more. I like your suggestion – I will have to try it and see how much I can get done!