There is always time to spare
To paraphrase Steven Covey: When you say you don’t have time what you’re really saying is you’d rather be doing something else. There is always time to declutter, but if you aren’t making time it means it’s not a priority. And you know what? That’s OK!
However, I have found that most people start to get stressed by their clutter. When physical clutter starts adding to your mental clutter then it’s time to start making it a priority. You can easily find 5 minutes here and there to squeeze in some quick speed-decluttering.
Try out the Pomodoro Technique®
Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The Pomodoro Technique® is centered around the idea of using a tomato timer to get things done. What does that have to do with organizing, you ask? It’s all about efficiency and productivity.
It’s the approach I used while successfully decluttering and organizing my garage in February. It’s a simple yet effective method you can use to stay on track while working on any big organizing project. This time management technique was credited by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.
It’s as simple as setting a timer for 15-25 minutes and getting as much done as you can within that time frame.
The genius part is that you HAVE to take a short break (about 15-20 minutes) when the timer goes off. Drink a cup of tea, stretch, take a power nap, anything relaxing. During your short break you cannot do anything related to the organizing project.
After your break, set the timer for another 15-25 minutes and get back to organizing. The short bursts of work with systematic breaks keep you from burning out too quickly. Less burn-out means you’ll be more likely to finish your project in a timely manner (see what I did there?)
I don’t suggest doing more than 4 timed-sessions a day. Remember, organizing is not a do or die situation. If you don’t get your organizing project done in one day that’s OK! It took me an entire month to get my garage decluttered and organized, and I’m a professional organizer! I set reasonable goals, set a timer while I worked, took breaks and got the job done without getting overwhelmed.
You can declutter, destress and simplify in short, manageable bursts.
If you are ready to start Loving Your Home, join the Club!