I had a busier than normal social week last week and it created chaos in the house. I have work and other to dos to catch up with, so I didn’t want to take a lot of time to clean up. Today is a pick up as you go day.
I made my bed as I got out of it in the morning. Books were straightened and reorganized, paper thrown out, and makeup put away. Clothes got hung up or tossed in the hamper. I took a random cup, hair doodads, a hanger and the trash downstairs when I went.
I picked up the kitchen as my smoothie blends. I noted I’ll need to do dishes after my lunch.
Makeup and hair supplies were put away before I left the bathroom.
Before work, I cleared off my desk and put the jewelry away as my computer booted up. I saw items that needed to be put away on the piano bench today during breaks.
I also planned to take care of a tote bag on the living room floor and its contents.
In general, I pick as I go at least a few times a week. And then some weeks it doesn’t happen. Grooming products get strewn as I rush out the door. Things pile on the kitchen table after shopping. The piano bench fills with items to do something with. Jewelry and clothes get tossed. I start leaving a trail behind anytime I do something.
Then I notice my energy draining. Even if I am still in the midst of a busy time, I can do some pick up and go. It takes 10 seconds to put something away. Less if you are right in the area.
By the end of the Pick up as I go day, I will have picked up the rest of the house. Piles and totes will be taken care of and I will enjoy the energy of my home again.
Connect with me:
- FREE Declutter Calendar
- Learn more about Upcoming Classes
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook at the My Simpler Life Nest
- Follow me on Twitter
- Subscribe on Youtube
I related to this today, as it’s just what I did this morning, and I got a lot back in place by doing it. It’s a great way to keep on top of things that may seem to have gotten out of control, and overwhelming feeling. “As you go” is a very productive, efficient (and quicker than we think) way to get things back in order and feel less disorganized and drained mentally by the clutter and disarray. I listen to a good declutter podcast occasionally, “The Maximized Minimalist”…I always recall something she quoted her grandma used to say: “never leave a room empty handed.” There’s usually something you can pick up, and put back in place, along the way, “leaving a room.” I also always think to myself two quotes I heard years ago: “Don’t put it down, put it away” (those 10 secs you mention, it takes little time to “put it away” instead of down, which I used to do all the time.) And also, “don’t pile it, file it.” That one I do in my own system….I sort paper clutter often and pile, neatly, temporarily, for when I weekly go & file it all. I don’t file each time I touch paper…but this has still worked for me.
Tks, Beth for all you do…I’m always inspired by your newsletters and weekly tips.
Oh, one more quote from the Maximized Minimalist: “OHIO” Only Handle It Once. 🙂