Welcome to the 30-Day Organize-athon!
In our final 5 minutes we’re going to make our second organizing mindset shift.
Inhale clarity, freedom and order…
Day 30: Get Organized Mindset Shift #2: Make It A Habit To Avoid Clutter
Step 1: Decide to adopt this new habit: Include cleaning up as part of every single task.
Whatever you use, take out, or work on, you put away as part of that activity. Completing a task includes whatever is needed to restore order to the space. As a result, you leave everything at least as tidy as you found it.
Here are some examples:
- Having dinner? That includes stacking the dishwasher when you’re done.
- Working on a craft? Returning your craft supplies to their home is part of the project.
- Watching a DVD? Put all remotes, DVDs and cases back where they belong before you move on.
- Getting home from work? Include as ‘getting home’ the acts of hanging up your coat, placing keys on the hall table and putting your purse or briefcase in the study (or wherever they live).
- Wrapping a gift? Replace the sticky tape and gift wrap, and put the gift in a spot that will prompt you to take it to the party.
- Getting ready to go out? Return discarded outfits to the closet and put away make-up, hair products and the hairdryer.
- Waking up? Open blinds and windows, make the bed, and leave the bedroom looking tranquil.
You get the idea.
Step 2: Read over the examples again to check that your mindset has shifted!
And you’re done!
Got an Extra 5 Minutes?
This works for the kids, too. Explain to them the idea that they need to include cleaning up as part of every single task.
- Playing with toys? Playing includes returning every toy to the toy box, bin or drawer where it belongs.
- Changing out of school clothes? That means putting new clothes on and placing old clothes in the hamper or wherever they need to go.
- Doing homework? Return books, pencil cases and school stuff to the backpack as part of the homework. (Bonus: This also avoids the homework-left-at-home drama.)
They’ll likely need several gentle and encouraging reminders, but with your patience and help they’ll soon incorporate this habit into their behavior.
Note: This post is adapted from my article: Home Organization: My Very Best Life-Changing Tip For A Clutter-Free Home.
Wow – 30 days of decluttering, organizing and mindset shifting. How awesome are you!
Organize-athon FAQs
I’ve put together a special 30-Day Organize-athon | Getting And Staying Organized Q & A post.
Leave Your Comment Below
Please leave your comment below to say you’ve completed today’s task.
And guess what? I’ll see you tomorrow for a surprise bonus task! Don’t worry – it’s not hard and it will make you feel so good. 
[Image by aussiegall]
I think this is where my former tidyness disappeared. When there seems to be so much to do, putting things away as you go often falls by the wayside.
Thanks for putting me back on track. All 30 challenges done and commented on and some new habits picked up! Thanks Michelle!
Missed tasks & comments for two days. Nevertheless, a great learning experience. TanQ!
I havevcompleted, and commented on, every task! Yay, me!!!!!!
Task 30 completed. I have not commented on all because my computer was in the shop for warranty work but I have since caught up and I saved each day in an email folder so that I can use this on a monthly basis. I loved that it made me stay focused on a specific task and I did double tasks for those days my computer was in the shop so 10 minutes a day is definitely feasible if something comes up. Thanks again for hosting this.
I’ve finished all tasked and commented on them. Some areas are going to need a “few” more 5 minute runs, but it will get done!
Have finished and posted on all 30 tasks. Thank you for the help of decluttering! I’m glad the last two weren’t hard for I have had my mind on another issue the last couple days. I plan on putting a picture binder together (before and after pics) for all the hard work that went into this. I do that with all the changed and fixes that are made to our house. I love looking back at the changes… 🙂
Day 1-30 done!!!
I’ve done all 30 tasks, and discovered a more productive way to declutter.
The 30 tasks were nice little reminders to get started on clutter. Thanks.
This idea is one I already use, but because I had fallen behind, it is an idea that ‘goes to sleep’ for awhile. Now that we have done the 5 minute exercises to catch me up, I can get back to this concept easily – since it was one that I really did live by ‘before’. Loved these 5-minute days (and even the ones that took a bit longer), I feel ready for spring and summer!!
I have completed all activities 1-30. My home is much cleaner, but has a way to go to be completed to my satisfaction. Thank you for the guidance, encouragement, and know how in order to accomplish this task. My children have also gotten into the organization and have tackled their own room as a result of the toybox cleanout.
Thank you for the jump start!
I’ve heard it said the forming a new habit takes 21 days. I have just completed 30 days of new behavior-forming moments. I am in the habit of spending a minimum of 5 minutes a day blitz cleaning somewhere in my home or yard.
This has been absolutely enjoyable and so doable. Love the new me and a much cleaner environment. It is so liberating that my creative juices are beginning to flow–I’m hoping to reach flood levels soon.
Thank you for sharing your time and your talents. You’ve made a difference in my life.
Who knew that I could be a new person in just two and a half hours? Cool!
I am so excited about all I have accomplished in those few short minutes a day. Inspired to keep up the work. I hated the days I had to miss because of getting some calls. That was ok. As you probably noticed, I picked up the missed ones the next day. Thank you for the challenge!
Done! I’m going to keep that one in mind!
All 30 tasks done! I am so proud of myself! 😀
Thank you very much for this challenge. I really enjoyed it!
Done! I can’t believe I made it through the entire month! It is so nice to finally have everything organized 🙂
I just recently came across your blog. I have been decluttering on and off for several months now. It’s been a slow process, and even slower since I have health issues. One thing that I had come to realize is that if I just picked up after myself regularly the clutter would not get to a bad point. Places especially like my desk are a hot spot so I am trying to be more conscious to pick up as I go along. I’ve printed out your lessons and will be focusing on them in May. Thanks for the inspiration!
Done! All 30 days done and commented! Thank you for this. I find myself organizing little areas randomly throughout my day now=)
Absolutely agree with this. Most of the messes get taken care of as they happen if this plan is implemented. Mindset totally agrees with this one. Done all 30. : )
Perfect!
This Dark Horse has come up from the back of the pack and by tomorrow morning I will of finished the details on my final posts – I just need to sleep now.
I have this great feeling of success with doing the 30 days and not putting it off or failing to complete…
DONE all 30 tasks are DONE 1 – 30 ALL COMPLETE!!!
I am using the Clean As You Go principle with all the tasks that I am doing, I was moving things to a room and dumping them down – but if I put them away straight away in a much quicker time I was starting to see carpet and results.
Thanks Michele for this great challenge
Kindest Regards
Michelle Sims – I am now Getting Sorted !!! Thanks to your help in April
http://edaic.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/aprils-organize-athon/