Comments on: Ten things to do in 10 minutes http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:04:26 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Cha http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1969 Cha Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:48:36 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1969 Sort through your makeup and get rid of stuff you don't use. Cleqn out the trunk of your car. Empty al the trash cans in the house (I have a trash can in every room---helps keep clutter down in each room). Boil white vinegar in your microwave for 5 minutes, then give the inside a good wipe down...you'll be amazed how clean it will be. Clean out the fridge of all old, outdated food and wipe off shelves with Chlorox Wipes. Sort through your makeup and get rid of stuff you don’t use.
Cleqn out the trunk of your car.
Empty al the trash cans in the house (I have a trash can in every room—helps keep clutter down in each room).
Boil white vinegar in your microwave for 5 minutes, then give the inside a good wipe down…you’ll be amazed how clean it will be.
Clean out the fridge of all old, outdated food and wipe off shelves with Chlorox Wipes.

]]> By: blacknotebook http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1968 blacknotebook Sat, 21 Jul 2007 10:12:28 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1968 If I have a few minutes spare I go to my Documents folder on my Mac and delete stuff that I don't need any more (particulalry downloads from Safari). Its amazing how this stuff can build up if you don't do your "housekeeping". "Tidy Mac, Tidy Mind" If I have a few minutes spare I go to my Documents folder on my Mac and delete stuff that I don’t need any more (particulalry downloads from Safari). Its amazing how this stuff can build up if you don’t do your “housekeeping”.

“Tidy Mac, Tidy Mind”

]]> By: Nancy http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1967 Nancy Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:00:56 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1967 You can also try listing your stuff on Craigslist in its "Free" section. Less hassle than Freecycle. You can also try listing your stuff on Craigslist in its “Free” section. Less hassle than Freecycle.

]]> By: Nic http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1966 Nic Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:50:17 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1966 When my mind is cluttered with these tasks I like to write them out one per index card. When I find that I have a few minutes to do 1 task, I just pick a card from the pile and do that task. And that task alone. This way I never feel overwhelmed having to do too much at one time and my list of things to do gets whittled down When my mind is cluttered with these tasks I like to write them out one per index card. When I find that I have a few minutes to do 1 task, I just pick a card from the pile and do that task. And that task alone. This way I never feel overwhelmed having to do too much at one time and my list of things to do gets whittled down

]]> By: Andrea http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1965 Andrea Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:47:22 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1965 Uncluttering while waiting for something works well in the yard too... weeding while waiting for everyone one else to get ready to leave works wonders. Uncluttering while waiting for something works well in the yard too… weeding while waiting for everyone one else to get ready to leave works wonders.

]]> By: Eric http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1964 Eric Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:34:24 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1964 Jazzie -- My microwave has a kitchen timer feature, that serves as a timer without emitting a single microwave. I figure that's what zenparadox is using too... Jazzie — My microwave has a kitchen timer feature, that serves as a timer without emitting a single microwave. I figure that’s what zenparadox is using too…

]]> By: mercurial scribe http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1963 mercurial scribe Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:30:48 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1963 Excellent post. Which reminds me to set the coffee maker for tomorrow morning... Excellent post. Which reminds me to set the coffee maker for tomorrow morning…

]]> By: jazzle http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1962 jazzle Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:01:23 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1962 driving around with the weight of that wood in your car not only increases your emissions, but also your fuel bills. zenparadox, I hope you had your microwave on the lowest power setting. next time, just use the tiner on your "cell" phone. driving around with the weight of that wood in your car not only increases your emissions, but also your fuel bills.

zenparadox, I hope you had your microwave on the lowest power setting. next time, just use the tiner on your “cell” phone.

]]> By: Eric http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1961 Eric Fri, 20 Jul 2007 03:22:24 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1961 Oh, I also miss Veronica Mars. Damn you, CW! Oh, I also miss Veronica Mars. Damn you, CW!

]]> By: Eric http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1960 Eric Fri, 20 Jul 2007 03:21:23 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1960 For me, using the GTD 2-minute rule ("If it will take less than 2 minutes, do it right now") has resulted in a string of tiny victories every day. Recently I had a candle on my counter that had outstayed its welcome. And about twenty times I looked at that candle and thought, "Damn, I've been meaning to throw that candle away." (I am that bad a procrastinator.) After reading about the 2-minute rule, next time I saw that candle, instead of thinking "I should throw that away," I just threw it away. It sounds ridiculous even to me as I type it out, but that 5 seconds of work actually resulted in a small sense of accomplishment! Much of the clutter in my surroundings results from things I'm just leaving there until I get around to dealing with it later. But I'm gradually starting to pierce through that, not with marathon cleaning binges (though I did have one of those this weekend), but by those 5 second acts that can be accomplished in between the things I'm actually doing. Disclaimer: I haven't even read GTD yet, I just read ABOUT it, and the 2-minute rule really resonated. For me, using the GTD 2-minute rule (”If it will take less than 2 minutes, do it right now”) has resulted in a string of tiny victories every day.

Recently I had a candle on my counter that had outstayed its welcome. And about twenty times I looked at that candle and thought, “Damn, I’ve been meaning to throw that candle away.” (I am that bad a procrastinator.) After reading about the 2-minute rule, next time I saw that candle, instead of thinking “I should throw that away,” I just threw it away.

It sounds ridiculous even to me as I type it out, but that 5 seconds of work actually resulted in a small sense of accomplishment!

Much of the clutter in my surroundings results from things I’m just leaving there until I get around to dealing with it later. But I’m gradually starting to pierce through that, not with marathon cleaning binges (though I did have one of those this weekend), but by those 5 second acts that can be accomplished in between the things I’m actually doing.

Disclaimer: I haven’t even read GTD yet, I just read ABOUT it, and the 2-minute rule really resonated.

]]> By: Monica Ricci http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1959 Monica Ricci Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:05:36 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1959 Erin, this is one of the fundamental concepts I teach in my workshops. I call it "Tiny Time" (and I always end up typing "Tiny TIM" on the first go-round). It's so true though! You can do SO MUCH in very small chunks of time... even in 30 or 60 seconds, if you just pay attention to what's in your environment. Good post! ~Monica Erin, this is one of the fundamental concepts I teach in my workshops. I call it “Tiny Time” (and I always end up typing “Tiny TIM” on the first go-round). It’s so true though! You can do SO MUCH in very small chunks of time… even in 30 or 60 seconds, if you just pay attention to what’s in your environment. Good post!
~Monica

]]> By: Nat http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1958 Nat Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:12:26 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1958 I too subscribe to the do something while waiting in the kitchen for the coffee, microwave, kettle, etc. For us, it's usually emptying or loading the dishwasher, giving the counter a good wipedown or emptying the compost bucket or garbage. I too subscribe to the do something while waiting in the kitchen for the coffee, microwave, kettle, etc. For us, it’s usually emptying or loading the dishwasher, giving the counter a good wipedown or emptying the compost bucket or garbage.

]]> By: Kev-N http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1957 Kev-N Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:11:10 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1957 Erin, I'm going to miss Veronica Mars so very much as well! Thanks for 10 more ideas to de-clutter! Kev-N Erin,

I’m going to miss Veronica Mars so very much as well! Thanks for 10 more ideas to de-clutter!

Kev-N

]]> By: Tuppenz http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1956 Tuppenz Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:43:08 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1956 re the Recharge Station - why is this shown next to a jar of pencils which have never been sharpened? Can you imagine trying to take a message and reaching for one of these pencils. re the Recharge Station – why is this shown next to a jar of pencils which have never been sharpened? Can you imagine trying to take a message and reaching for one of these pencils.

]]> By: Anonymous http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1955 Anonymous Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:26:02 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1955 I used to be a person with messy counters, a sink full of dirty dishes, general mess everywhere. Then I decided to see how much I could get done while waiting for the kettle to boil and a cup of tea to steep, or a pot of coffee to brew, or some other "waiting around" kind of time. When the tea is ready, etc., I walk away. I found out that the problem was thinking everything had to get done at once and feeling overwhelmed. I'm surprised to say that I'm never more than 5 minutes away from a clean and uncluttered kitchen or living room. Using little bits of time has made all the difference in my quality of life. Now if I could just find a way to make this work in my bedroom... I used to be a person with messy counters, a sink full of dirty dishes, general mess everywhere.

Then I decided to see how much I could get done while waiting for the kettle to boil and a cup of tea to steep, or a pot of coffee to brew, or some other “waiting around” kind of time. When the tea is ready, etc., I walk away.

I found out that the problem was thinking everything had to get done at once and feeling overwhelmed. I’m surprised to say that I’m never more than 5 minutes away from a clean and uncluttered kitchen or living room.

Using little bits of time has made all the difference in my quality of life.

Now if I could just find a way to make this work in my bedroom…

]]> By: zenparadox http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1954 zenparadox Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:10:50 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1954 I set my microwave timer for 10 minutes and see how much I can accomplish before it goes off. Better yet, I race my S.O. to see who can get the most done in 10 minutes. He's so competitive that it's a great way to get him to do housework. I imagine this would work with small children, too. I set my microwave timer for 10 minutes and see how much I can accomplish before it goes off. Better yet, I race my S.O. to see who can get the most done in 10 minutes. He’s so competitive that it’s a great way to get him to do housework. I imagine this would work with small children, too.

]]> By: Eric http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1953 Eric Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:09:10 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1953 "Organize your sock drawer." - and never have sex again! <a href="http://unclutterer.com/archives/2007/07/organization_facts_from_mother.php" rel="nofollow">http://unclutterer.com/archives/2007/07/organization_facts_from_mother.php</a> “Organize your sock drawer.” – and never have sex again!

http://unclutterer.com/archive.....mother.php

]]> By: LizMo http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1952 LizMo Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:35:05 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1952 Tackle the ironing pile - if you are like me it piles up, so get it all done at once! You'll also feel like you have new clothes (mine sit for weeks!) Do some mending - I also have a large pile of clothes that need a bit of mending (a button, seam repair, etc.) Tackle the ironing pile – if you are like me it piles up, so get it all done at once! You’ll also feel like you have new clothes (mine sit for weeks!)

Do some mending – I also have a large pile of clothes that need a bit of mending (a button, seam repair, etc.)

]]> By: lesliet http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1951 lesliet Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:31:51 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1951 - Clean out your email inbox - Bundle all your newspapers and magazines for recycling. - Sort through one drawer or shelf, being really serious about what things you actually need and use and what things can be tossed. - Evaluate your "books to be read" pile. Get rid of the any books that have been sitting in it for 6 months - if you haven't read it yet, realistically, you'll probably never get to it. PS: Misty, you must be a Flylady person. I tried it, but never understood the whole "cleaning sinks" emphasis. Good luck to you, though. - Clean out your email inbox
- Bundle all your newspapers and magazines for recycling.
- Sort through one drawer or shelf, being really serious about what things you actually need and use and what things can be tossed.
- Evaluate your “books to be read” pile. Get rid of the any books that have been sitting in it for 6 months – if you haven’t read it yet, realistically, you’ll probably never get to it.

PS: Misty, you must be a Flylady person. I tried it, but never understood the whole “cleaning sinks” emphasis. Good luck to you, though.

]]> By: Misty http://unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/comment-page-1/#comment-1950 Misty Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:49:04 +0000 http://development.unclutterer.com/2007/07/19/ten-things-to-do-in-10-minutes/#comment-1950 Clean out your fridge. Clean one of your sinks. Clean out your fridge.
Clean one of your sinks.

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