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clutter free

Five Minutes to a Clutter Free Home

April 24, 2015 Leave a Comment

How out of control is your home? Should somebody call FEMA to come clean up the disaster? Or should you go straight for the demolition crew, tear it all down and start over!
 

Don’t let home organizing get your down. Start where you are now, no matter how dismal it looks, and take baby steps to freedom!  

“You can do anything for 15 minutes.” That encouragement from Marla Cilley, the FlyLady. It is her theme song!
Take just 15 minutes – even as little as 5 minutes – per day and clear a space to the worst room in the house. You know, the room that is so cluttered you’d be embarrassed for anyone to see it. Just work your way in, clearing clutter as you go, for five minutes a day. Do it faithfully for a month and see the transformation. It’s simple and it works!
Marla encourages the use of a timer so that you don’t get caught up. When the timer rings, you’re done! Move on to the next task at hand, one of which might even be some special time for you! Read a book, take a brief cat nap, catch up on your emails. Relax for a few minutes. You deserve it!
The FlyLady is popular because her no-pressure approach to organizing, cleaning and decluttering is so simple. Simple, and fun! “Baby steps”, that’s all it takes.
Another five minute technique: the Bathroom Swish and Swipe  My friend, Paula,  has been a FlyLady fan for years. “I love it all, especially when I keep on track. I always do the bathroom swish and swipe. Keeps the grunge and yuck at bay.”
The “Swish and Swipe” is a five minute “fly through” in the bathroom before you leave the house in the morning or start your daily routine. Quickly swish the toilet and sink, swipe the mirrors and you’re done!
One of my other FlyLady enthusiast friends,  Kristen,  says “The things that I have stuck with the most over the years are the shiny sink, the bathroom wipe down, and the 5 minute declutter. These are things I still do almost daily.”
As a high school principal, Kristen leads a very busy life. “The 5-minute declutter and using sticky notes have definitely helped me at work, too. I open my mail at the garbage can both at home and at work, and have a designated place for bills, keys, etc. It is amazing how these little things have made such a big difference.”
So, find your TIMER…get ready, get set, GO! 

 
 
      
Photo credits:
Asian woman by Num_Skyman on Freedigital Photos 
Note: this author is an Amazon afiiliate. Anything purchased from Amazon through Ducks ‘n a Row will result in a small commission for me. In advance, “thank you.” … Sinea

Filed Under: organizing, Uncategorized Tagged With: clutter free, FlyLady, minimalist

So, Why Live An Organized Life?

April 29, 2014 Leave a Comment

By Sinea Pies

Why live an organized life? A big reason: the atmosphere it creates opens doors of inspiration and opportunity. Simply put: it frees you up to pay attention to other things! Your environment is clutter free and hazard free.

Gorgeous red roses #wowfactor #flowers #organizing  Ducks 'n a Row
The Wow Factor!


Visually, it is pleasing to the eye. Emotionally, it feels good. You know where all of your stuff is and it is OK for anyone to just drop in. In fact, it looks so good that you actually HOPE someone drops in! Being organized brings order to your universe and “all is well with the world”.

So, when you are organized, what will those other things you can concentrate on be? They should be the things that put the “WOW FACTOR” into your life! Maybe a hobby you always wanted to pursue. Maybe a life-long ambition. Perhaps more time with family and friends. Whatever it is, you’ll get energy just thinking about it!

Motivational speaker Brian Klemmer says in his book “If How-To’s Were Enough, We Would All Be SKINNY, RICH and HAPPY” that you need to find a vision and define the WHY behind your goals. He encourages the reader to start on their biggest goal now, even if you aren’t sure that it is the right one. He points out that it is easier to guide a ship that is moving than one that refuses to leave the dock! So, his strong advice is: get started NOW!

Steps to your dream:
  1. Clear the clutter and get organized. (Do not strive for perfection. It will slow you down)
  2. Apply your new-found time to your biggest goal
  3. Search for the “WHY”. Get quiet and pray. You need to know the purpose behind what you are about to do.
What is the WHY? According to Klemmer, it is “the fuel that powers your goals and meaning to your accomplishments.” i.e. When it is a “God idea”, you’ll climb Mt. Everest to make it happen! (And climbing Mr. Everest ain’t easy!)

So, if you thought you were enjoying life already…clear the clutter, take a look at the extra time you’ve just gained and get going with enjoying that dream! It will take your life to a whole new level!

      

This author is an Amazon affiliate. Any purchases you make from Amazon through Ducks ”n a Row will result in a small commission for me. In advance, “thank you” for your business.  …Sinea

Filed Under: organizing, Uncategorized Tagged With: clutter free, minimalist

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