Does using 15 minutes to declutter work? I can say a resounding, “Yes.” I have been following The FlyLady for many years, and I have implemented her system in my home with my children. Using 15 minutes has made a huge difference in my home. I was looking back at pictures from several years ago, and it is funny to see the clutter in the background of the pictures. It all started with a timer and 15 minutes. I shined my sink, and I kept this habit in place as I started decluttering daily. I still declutter regularly. I keep a box in my van of items to donate when I am out doing errands. Some weeks it might be a small box, and some weeks, it might be a big box.
As I progressed with the different monthly habits, I also taught my children how to help me bless our home. I made decluttering a game. I included them and made it fun. I see the fruits of this in my young adult children who now bless their homes. It will feel like you are not making fast progress. You might feel like you are moving slower than a turtle when you are including your children in blessing your home. It’s ok. It is better if they are helping your bless your home versus them playing in a different part of the house making a mess. You want to channel their energy in a productive way.
After blessing your home together, then you need to reward everyone with some play time. If you do not have play time scheduled into your day, I want you to add it to your To Do list right now. I want you to make memories and have fun with your children.
Weekly Home Blessing Task: Declutter Paper/Magazines
Routines:
- Make Your Bed (Do this as soon as you get up.)
- Get Dressed Down to Your Shoes
- Swish and Swipe
- Start Your Laundry
- Decide on Dinner
- Check Your Calendar
- Start the Day off with a Shiny Sink. Don’t leave the breakfast dishes sitting.
School:
- Do a fun Christmas craft
- Eat Lunch
- Clear off One Hot Spot
- Reboot the Laundry
- Declutter for 15 Minutes (Be sure to have your children declutter, too.)
- Drink Your Water
- 15 minutes of loving movement
Before Bed: (This starts right after dinner.)
- Check the Calendar for Tomorrow
- Lay out Your Clothes for Tomorrow (Have your children lay their clothes out, too.)
- Put things at your launch pad
- Shine Your Sink
- Clean Off a Hot Spot
- Go to Bed at Decent Hour
I am just reading this…I needed this encouragement. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome! Keep using your timer and 15 minutes at a time!
Tami