“The first hour is the rudder of the day.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Let’s face it. Mornings can be tough. In many homes, they are famous for containing too much to do and too little time.
But mornings set the mood for the rest of our day. They have the potential to energize us or drain us. They have the opportunity to lift our spirits or drag us down. They can start us on the right foot or the wrong foot.
Given the fact that mornings are so important, it’s wise to spend a few minutes each night preparing your house for tomorrow’s sunrise. After all, a clutter-free house in the morning means less stress, less anxiety, and less time getting prepared for the day. And that benefits everyone in the home!
Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t need to spend hours each night cleaning the house to accomplish a clutter-free morning. Instead, simply stay ahead of the clutter by tackling these ten 60-second decluttering projects before you go to bed each night.
1. Return shoes/coats to closets. In the winter, add gloves, hats, and scarves to the routine.
2. Recycle junk mail and newspapers. A new day brings new mail and new news. Keep your table or counter space clutter-free in the morning by removing today’s.
3. Put away articles of clothing. Some go in the laundry. Some go back in the closet. But none should be left on the floor. It helps to have a minimalist wardrobe.
4. Store media out of sight. Put back all dvd’s, cd’s, video games, and remote controls that were used during the day. The first time you walk into that room tomorrow, you’ll be glad you did.
5. Process coins and receipts. I’m sure it was your husband who left the contents of his pockets on your dresser, but either way, it’ll take you only 60 seconds to put those items where they actually belong.
6. Clear all bathroom surfaces. The first place you’ll go in the morning is the bathroom. It’s also a surprisingly easy room to keep clutter free. Invest the 60 seconds every night to make it happen.
7. Clean-up homework. Get your kids into the habit of putting away their schoolwork each night before bed rather than scrambling around each morning to find it.
8. Put kitchen items away. Granted, I’m assuming you’ve done some cleaning up already after dinner. And if you have, it’ll only take you another 60 seconds to tidy up anything that got left out.
9. Put back toys. Realistically, life doesn’t allow a clean toy room every evening. But if you have a toy room apart from your living room, spend 60 seconds returning toys to the room where they belong. Or better yet, get your kids into the practice of doing it themselves.
10. File paperwork. Stay on top of paper and office clutter by handling it the day it arrives.
If you are not in the habit of doing these things, it’ll definitely take longer than 10 minutes the first time. But once you get a handle on each area, the entire project will take you less than 10 minutes… and your morning you will thank you!
Image: BeatPlusMelody
Island Mom says
I can’t seem to find the line between clutter-free and OCD. A workman was in my kitchen and asked where he could wash his hands. I said “You can use the sink.” He asked “Where is the soap?” I replied “It is under the sink, I am practicing minimalism.” He said “How is that going for you?” I answered “Well, I have to get things from under the sink all the time!”
So I have fought OCD in the past, and now it seems that I am constantly worrying about things being put away properly. Is this healthy? I agree that it feels fantastic when it is all done, but I am spending a lot of time keeping things orderly. And yes, I have given half of my stuff away already.
Amy U says
I am so far from this being my reality, but I’m starting, regardless. This evening, I’ve read through all the above comments (made to this article over the last couple of years) and have determined I’m in a much different place than most of your readers…..but I’m not giving up. Without getting too deep into my details, I am proud of my own personal progress in becoming more minimalistic over the last several y-e-a-r-s…..yes, that’s how long it’s taking me. I fight some of my own bad habits and at times wonder how much one can change vs. how much one is to embrace themselves the way they are. The first time I clean out something is never the last—-I’m evolving in terms of each time, I’m willing to part with more, but I’m not there the first time around at whatever it is I’m cleaning out. I kicked the habit of bringing it INto the house, though, several years ago.
I can’t tell you how many days it would take me to clear away all the clutter—-ha ha, no joke. (For example, for me to take care of each single piece of paper on my kitchen counter would be a couple of hours in and of itself.) BUT, at least I can follow your night time suggestions (which I’ve been pondering on my own & then your article popped into my vision this evening) and at a minimum, take care of the clutter I’ve created TODAY. It’s a start. I struggle with having the energy in the evenings to keep going…..have considered instilling habits like a quick after-dinner walk with the dog or a splash of cold water on my face……just something to revive my energy level.
It’s taken me YEARS to realize I’m not as self-motivated as I was when I worked outside the home (before kids)…..YEARS to even BEGIN to add structure to my own day, myself.
With the start of this school year came a more routined weekday meal planning for me (I wasn’t ready for it until now…..just wasn’t “there” in my head) & a more-regular-than-ever (but not too consistent) workout plan.
I’m evolving. It may be slow, but it’s better than going backward or staying in the same place.
Amanda says
I could have written that myself Amy, except I have not been able to articulate how I feel, let alone tell anyone. The responses of people who say it has taken them sometimes upwards of two years to declutter gives me hope that this slow progress may get me where I wish to be one day. I am glad I read the comments and love the advice of “handle it once” plus your ” deal with TODAYS” clutter resonated with me as that’s where I am at the moment, I look forward to the day I master it ;)
Fidan says
This is the list of things that we unconsciously do, or should do every day. It must be kind of duty and a part of our lifestyle.
Thanks for reminding us about them!
georgia mark says
Recently, I have become a fan of your web site. It has been a couple of weeks and I am still purging items in the house. My boyfriend’s motto is ….a place for everything and everything in it’s place. I just haven’t got there yet. Working on it though and it gives me great pleasure to get rid of items. Once I achieve my goal, I plan to implement your suggestions as I would prefer to live in a neater looking abode. I really do believe that your surroundings have everything to do with your mind. I am striving for a better environment. Plus, trying my best not to purchase more stuff, as I am not in need of anything except food….
georgia mark says
Hmmm it is 4:30 a.m. Where I am living. It stated I wrote it at 2:30 a.m.
David says
Great article… Thanks for the reminders.
Becki Britt says
I know some may find this odd, but in addition to some of the practices here, I sleep in a knit dress, or yoga capris and a top, so that when I get up at that unbelievable hour (which for me is anything before 11am) I am already dressed and can quickly finish my brief personal routine and help get the kids fed and into the car for the 20 minute ride to school. My quiet time is when I return.
Maria says
We’re HOPELESS at this! I’ve just spent the morning doing dishes, cleaning up the kitchen, tidying the lounge… Procrastinators to the max in our house although we’ve had a huge purge of stuff over the last three months.
I need things to be fun so I’m turning this into a game with hubby and my 3yo son. Got a picture card for each of these steps, we take turns choosing a card out of the box to complete. Then choose another until it’s all done!!
Beth says
I love everything you write and find your posts a refreshing breathe of sanity! I just have one suggestion to this one. I did wrinkle at the mention of “I’m sure it was your husband who left the contents of his pockets on your dresser, but either way, it’ll take you only 60 seconds to put those items where they actually belong.” This is true, and it is true that I am the wifey (and tidier extraordinaire) reading this. However, shouldn’t you also be speaking to him about tidying? I know you wouldn’t say that women should hold this role alone and tolerance is always a great message. I just think maybe using the word “spouse” or saying “either of you” to tidying it would be more fair.
“I’m sure it was your spouse who left the contents of their pockets on the dresser, but either way, it’ll take you only 60 seconds to put those items where they actually belong.”
Just a note from the gender role division of helpful suggestions! :)
Pmg says
Love the ideas! I think making the bed should be on there. Check it: http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/brain-candy/201208/make-your-bed-change-your-life
:)
Also, a kerig will help the kettle debacle and it wouldn’t hurt to get your clothes settled for the whole week when you have more energy on the weekends.
Marie says
I have always lived by the rule of tidying before going to bed. I learned that valuable lesson while raising 7 children. Start the day stress free and the rest of the day will go smoothly! :-)
Ellen Delap says
Truly making the night before all about organizing works!