The Power of the Quick Tidy Up
I am frequently asked how to keep a space tidy after the decluttering and organizing process is complete. While no one typically likes the answer to this question, it is both shockingly easy and also, totally infuriating.
The magic lies in the resets. There’s no other formula except to just do a little bit at a time, and to do it consistently. The secret to organizing is similar to that of weight loss: consistency. It is both simple and just the beginning. There are habits to undo, a mindset that needs to shift, and the magic occurs in those tiny actions that happen multiple times a day over time, becoming second nature.
After you declutter your spaces and get it organized, you’ll find that it’s easier to tidy up because every item has a home. Sure, the process of creating your systems takes time, but once you get there it becomes easier to keep things tidy day after day.
So how do you get started?
● Start by choosing an area in your home to tidy up.
● Set a timer for 15 - 20 minutes every day. During that time just start putting things away. The random dirty socks on the floor? Put them in the hamper. The mail pile? Go through it. As one of my clients has said - this sounds like a real joke when you’re first getting started, but once you get the whole family involved, you realize that your house becomes exponentially tidy. A house of three people suddenly gets 45 minutes of effort put in in the same amount of time that you’re putting in at 15. This is where the transformation really happens.
● When your timer rings, take a 5-minute water break and admire the work you just did. From there, you can decide to keep going or move on to something else.
This practice is essentially using the Pomodoro Method to get your house in order (versus just getting work done). The principles are the same as you’re able to get more done in a quick sprint with a lot of focus versus a longer period of time where your focus is all over the place.
You may be surprised how much you’re able to get done in such a short period of time. I find that on weekend mornings, a tidy-up sprint does a lot to help me feel refreshed in my space. This allows me to really enjoy my downtime. I’ve also found that I use this method to get other things done around the house, like the dishes. Even though I usually dread doing them, I find that doing the dishes actually only takes me about 10 to 15 minutes (whereas in my mind - it takes a year)!
Another thing to remember about the quick tidy up is that this is going to be a lifelong practice. Just like when you’re learning about getting into shape, you can’t coast on what you learned in one class three weeks ago. This is something that takes constant effort for the rest of your life. So give yourself grace, because you’re in it for the long-haul!
One of my clients, Tami Hackbarth, a Self-Care Coach recently spoke about her experience with the quick tidy up on her podcast “100% Guilt-Free Self-Care, Episode 58”.
I challenge you to give it a try for 90 days. I promise that your life will change!
If you use the quick tidy up I would love to hear how it’s helped you! Tag me in your stories on Instagram @tidyrevival using #whatwouldtidyrevivaldo - I can’t wait to see what you’re working on!
