Small Steps, Big Results

The Power of a Daily Tidy

Most of us are busy, and everyday clutter can feel like just another thing to deal with “when we have time.” (Which is…never?) But as any professional organizer will tell you, a small daily habit of tidying up for just 5-15 minutes can make a huge difference in keeping your space organized and keep you from losing your mind. This bite-sized approach to cleaning can be a game-changer no matter the size of your space. Let’s explore the benefits of making this simple routine a part of your day:

1. Reduces Overwhelm

One of the biggest obstacles to staying organized is the overwhelm caused by the amount of clutter. A 5-15 minute tidy each day helps break down the task of cleaning up into manageable pieces. Rather than facing a weekend marathon cleaning session, a quick daily tidy ensures that messes don’t accumulate to overwhelming levels.

2. Establishes Good Habits

Incorporating a small, consistent tidying habit into your routine helps reinforce long-term organizational habits. Just like brushing your teeth or taking a vitamin while your morning coffee brews, a quick cleanup becomes second nature. Over time, you’ll find that you start tidying up as you go, reducing the need for big cleaning sessions.

3. Improves Mental Clarity

A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. When you take just a few minutes to put things away and clear surfaces, it helps you create a more peaceful and productive environment. Many studies suggest that a tidy space can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and increase overall productivity, especially for women.

4. Boosts Productivity

Tidying for 5-15 minutes a day can free up time for more important tasks. When everything has a designated place and you’re not wasting time looking for misplaced items, it streamlines your daily activities. The more organized your space, the more efficient you become in getting things done. Your periods of rest will be more relaxing, too.

5. Easier to Maintain in the Long Run

We all know that a deep clean is important every now and then, but wouldn’t it be nice if it wasn’t such a huge task? Daily tidying prevents things from getting out of hand, making periodic deep cleans much easier and faster. This means that when you do decide to tackle the bigger jobs, they’re more manageable, and you’ll spend less time doing them.

6. Builds a Sense of Accomplishment

Accomplishing even small tasks can give you an inspiring sense of achievement. When you take a few minutes each day to straighten up your home or office, you’re giving yourself a daily win. Those little moments of success can improve your mood and motivate you to take on other tasks throughout the day.

How to Start Your 5-15 Minute Daily Tidy:

• Choose a time that works for you: For some, it works better to complete their daily tidy at the same time each day. For others, it’s finding little pockets of time for the daily tidy, like when you’re waiting for your dinner to finish cooking or while you catch up on your favorite podcast. There’s no right or wrong here!

• Focus on key areas: Concentrate on high-traffic areas like the entryway, kitchen counter, living room, or desk. Tidying these spaces can have the biggest impact. Tidying the bathroom counter can be done while you’re brushing teeth (so only 2 minutes!).

• Set a timer: If you struggle with perfectionism or getting distracted, set a timer. This helps you stay focused and ensures you won’t spend more time than you intended. Remember: progress > perfection.

• Get the whole family involved: If you have kids or live with others, encourage them to join in. This not only divides the workload but also instills good habits in everyone. A family of five tidying for five minutes is 25 minutes of tidying! Sometimes it helps to have a fun song or two playing. When the playlist ends, so does the tidy session.

Final Thoughts

A 5-15 minute daily tidy may seem like a small effort, but it yields significant results over time. It keeps clutter at bay, reduces the need for marathon clean-ups, and promotes a more organized and peaceful living space. As a professional organizer, I recommend giving it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple habit can transform your home and your mindset!

Oh hey there! I’m Ashley, and I love my job as a professional home organizer in Jamestown, ND. I help people clear clutter and get their homes organized. Judgement is not included in my services! No matter your starting point, we can declutter, organize and set you up in a space that works for you. We’ll work together and when I leave, you’ll have the systems to keep it up.

Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation to chat about how I can help you be the boss of your stuff.