Getting “organized” can seem like an overwhelming thought when you have several areas in your home or office that are out of control. However, there is a lot that can be done using a two-minute schedule for organizing. In fact, you can reduce your “To Do” list if you simply do the things that can be done in two minutes or less instead of adding them to your list. Here are suggestions to reduce your clutter and organize your spaces two minutes at a time.
1. Clear out five file folders! Sorting through your whole filing system can feel overwhelming, but you can likely clean out five folders in two minutes every night before you leave your office.
2. Organize your mail pile! Save yourself time and money by dealing with your mail daily. Sort your mail into three categories: Do, Dump, Delegate. By using a three category sorting system you won’t have paper clutter, lost bills and past due fees and it can take two minutes daily. The key here is simplicity!
3. Delete 20! Is your email inbox crammed? Start with your oldest messages, set a timer for two minutes and start deleting!
4. Pick it up! Take a large empty box/hamper into a room. For two minutes pick up everything in that room that is out of place. When you have another two minutes go back and put things away from the box.
5. Corral the plastic! Gather your plastic containers together from all over your kitchen. Got too many? Dump a bunch. Then match lids to containers and store the remainder all in one handy place.
6. Sort photos! Spend two minutes every night sorting pictures into a categorized photo box. Even if you have pictures all over the house, just start! Before you know it you’ll have them all in one place and ready for the next step.
7. Make an appointment! If you’ve been putting off an appointment to review your insurance, get a medical check up, hair cut, or a trip to the vet for one of your pets, take two minutes, make your appointment and cross it off your “To Do” list.
Start doing these two-minute organizing tasks and you’ll see how you can trim a large project into smaller tasks that aren’t so overwhelming.
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO). If you need assistance to simplify, declutter and organize, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-433-7263.