Simple tidying tips for troubled times
The pandemic has brought with it a lot of stress, fear, and anxiety. I don’t know about you, but even though it may seem like we have all the time in the world to get things done now, your energy isn’t there. Then you feel even worse because, isn’t this the perfect opportunity to clean and do ALL the projects?
Truth is, my house is still pretty much the same. But, I’ve still been able to push forward and make progress. Here are some of my tools that help me.
Tip #1: Even 10 minutes makes a difference
Toward the end of last year my kitchen was an utter disaster. With a few stints of 10-minute cleaning however, it actually looked like amazingly tidy. If you want to see the transformation, watch the Trashed to Tidy videos.
Depending on your energy levels, 10 minutes may seem like a lot, kind of a lot, or not much at all. If you’re like me, when I look around at everything I “should” do, I often end up circling the drain, not sure what to actually do. But, if I set my timer for 10 minutes, it helps me focus, and do something (anything!). Anything is better than nothing in my book.
Find out more about 10-minute tidying tips,
Tip #2: Make a checklist as you go
Couple this with intermittent tidying and you’ve got yourself a powerful tool
I’ve started doing this, coupled with intermittent tidying. Maybe it’s the fact I get to check something off, or maybe it’s the fact making a checklist as I go feels more doable, not to mention keeps me more focused, but I’m really enjoying this.
How to make your checklist work for you
Set your timer for 5 minutes.
Get your notebook out.
Write down the thing you’re about to tidy (for example, Kitchen sink).
Turn your timer on.
Do the thing.
Check off.
Repeat.
It’s very simple.
Tip #3: Intermittent tidying
I use the Tabata Timer app (pictured). Play with the intervals that work for you. (P.S. the Work and Rest intervals are backwards - I tidy for 6, rest for 26)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is my go-to for cleaning. If you’re someone who is easily overwhelmed, this is my antidote. Do I get through everything that needs cleaning in the house? No! Do I get something done? Yes!
It’s as simple as setting the timer for 5 minutes at a time, or whatever you feel comfortable with. You take breaks in between, then get back in there. For more about intermittent (or interval) cleaning, I’ve got some other posts about that.
Tip #4: Give yourself a break
No one should expect you to be a superhero and be everything to everyone. It’s okay to just be human.
If you’re doing intermittent cleaning, then you are probably already doing this! But in a more general sense, you might be thinking that this pandemic is the perfect opportunity to get things done. Yet, why can’t you?
Intellectually, yes, many of us probably have more time at home now. But that doesn’t mean you have the bandwidth to tackle all those projects on your bucket list of domestic projects.
Recognize this first. You’re not alone. And, by the way, the world is stressed out right now. It’s okay to give yourself a break. Deep breaths.