Decluttering can be easy. The hardest part is getting started. Things might seem overwhelming. You don’t know where to start. It seems impossible to make any headway. It doesn’t need to be that way. You just need to approach this from a fresh perspective.
The best way to tackle a new challenge is by taking little steps. A lot of little steps, taken together over time, can add up to big results. And, that’s one reason why I created a set of 10 Decluttering Mini Challenges.
These might be mini challenges, however you’ll see immediate results.
Today, I want you to set aside any preconceived notions you have around decluttering — that you hate it, that it’s hard to do, that you’ll never get out from under the mess you created. None of this is true. I want you to try something new — I want you to engage in a Mini Challenge.
First, read through the Mini Challenges listed below. Next, select one that resonates with you. You don’t need to do all of them — just pick one. Then, grab your phone and set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete the challenge. It only takes 5 minutes so you can put your best energy behind it.
Mini-Challenge #6: Clean one drawer
This is a really easy challenge. Find one drawer in your home. It can be a dresser drawer, a kitchen drawer, the “junk” drawer, or maybe even a drawer in your bathroom. Dump out the contents. Wipe down the drawer with a damp cloth. Throw out anything that you don’t need and then place everything you want to keep. You don’t have time to think about stuff. You have 5 minutes so you need to work fast. I know you’ll love the results. The next time you open that drawer, you’ll be happy you took the time to reorganize it!
Mini-Challenge #7: Organize your medicine cabinet
This is a really important challenge, but it requires a little up-front work. If you’re going to discard medicines, you may want to check the FDA site before doing so as it provides for best practices (USA-based): Food and Drug Administration
Go to your medicine cabinet and empty it completely. Sort through the contents and discard any expired medicine according to the instructions listed at the site above. Wipe down the cabinet inside and out. Put back any items you wish to keep. The result will be a neat and tidy spot for all your most needed items.
Mini-Challenge #8: File your papers
If you haven’t read my first list of Mini Challenges, you can find it here: 5 Decluttering Mini Challenges.
Mini challenge #3 is closely related to this one. You’ll want to complete that one before you tackle this one. I’ve included it here for your convenience:
Mini-Challenge #3: Create a place for papers
Papers. Even in this digital age, we have a lot of paper to manage — mail, bills, receipts, notebooks, calendars, and so on. Find a box where you can sort all your papers. Set your timer for 5 minutes. Next, as quickly as possible, gather all your papers and place them in the box.
Save the sorting for another day. Right now, you just want to get all the papers contained in a single place. In the future, buy a few file folders, label them, and then organize your papers. So let’s get started! I guarantee you’ll breathe a sigh of relief just by completing this simple challenge.
If you’ve completed Mini Challenge #3, then you can continue with this one.
Before starting Mini Challenge #8, make sure you have some file folders on hand. Grab your box of papers and then set your timer for 5 minutes. Quickly sort similar papers into piles. At the end of your 5 minutes, place the groups of papers into their own file folders. Continue for an additional 5 minutes if you haven’t finished sorting through everything. You’ll love the end result — labeled file folders with all your papers in the rightful places!
Mini-Challenge #9: Clean the car trunk
When’s the last time you looked in your car trunk? Like anything else, it’s a place where clutter accumulates. Before starting, grab a garbage bag. Go to your car, pop open the trunk and set your timer for 5 minutes. Discard anything you don’t need and then replace everything you want to keep. If you happen to have some small boxes or plastic organizers, you can place them into the trunk first and then fill them with your thinks. Easy, right?
Mini-Challenge #10: Wash a window
Before you start, grab some window cleaner and paper towel. Set your timer for 5 minutes and then clean one window — more if you have time. You’ll be so much happier with clean windows. Everything will be brighter and cleaner. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in just 5 minutes and the best thing is that you can see the results.
Taking small decluttering steps is easy. In just five minutes, you can make great progress when it comes to decluttering. I challenge you to complete all 10 Mini Challenges.
Clutter can stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams. It can keep you stuck in your business, stalled in your career, or miserable in your home. It doesn’t need to be that way. There’s a way out and you don’t need to find it alone.
If you’re ready to declutter your life so you can free up your mind and energy to pursue your heart’s desire, let’s chat!
Next Steps …
Lighten your life and your load. Find out how working with a coach can help you create a path forward that activates your gifts and talents, energizes your soul, and aligns you with your life purpose.
Make yourself a priority! Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me a note at https://www.tarahelpdesk.com and we’ll schedule time to talk. The only way to get things done is by taking action. The time to start is now!
Best,
Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff
Coaching entrepreneurs since 2002
Michigan Entrepreneur TV: Creator, Producer, Host
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