Do you find yourself overwhelmed with all the little things you need to get done everyday? The interesting thing about overwhelm is that usually the task on our list don’t take much time at all.
I don’t know if you’re guilty of this like I am, but I put off even small tasks. When it’s finally time that I absolutely must do them, I’m shocked to find that they really didn’t take as long as I thought.
Just today, I quickly did three tasks I had been putting off only to find that just ten minutes had passed. It left me wondering, “Why had I put them off so long?”
Previously I shared 15 ways to get more organized in 10 minutes or less. However, what if you only have 5 minutes?
How much time is wasted, waiting around, when you could be checking small jobs off your list? For me, I often find myself waiting on a child to find their shoes or brush their hair before we leave the house.
If I’m purposeful with my time, I can tackle many of these small jobs in a few minutes. Not only does it remove them from my “to do” list, I have a sense of accomplishment instead of impending gloom.
8 Tasks that Take 5 Minutes or Less
Sort Mail
You may not be able to do this in five minutes or less if you’ve been piling it up for weeks.
However, even if you have a few days worth of mail, you should be able to figure out pretty quickly what to file away, what will need your attention later, and what needs to go in the trash.
Clean kitchen or bathroom surfaces
While five minutes isn’t long enough for a good, deep cleaning, it really is enough time to get out your favorite cleaner and wipe down surfaces.
Dust one room
Again, this isn’t a deep cleaning project. Grab a dusting cloth and go to town wiping every surface. If you have a ton of knick knacks, this might not be possible as a five minute task. However, you might consider streamlining things a little to enjoy more clear surface area.
Pay a bill
Because I pay bills online, I could actually pay several bills and record them in less than five minutes. Even if you hand write checks, however, you should be able to do at least one in fives minutes.
Unload the dishwasher
This is one of those tasks that I always try to put off and am surprised at how quickly it actually goes if I look at the clock before I start and when I finish. As a matter of fact, doing that makes me go even a little faster than usual.
Water house plants
If you have house plants, this can be a quick task that’s easy to put off. Avoid those moments of dread when you see your plants looking sad and droopy. Take a few minutes to do some watering.
Take out the trash
Have your family members been pushing the trash down in the can as hard as they can because it’s too full? Take a few minutes and take it out.
Plan a meal
Plan at least one meal from the contents of your refrigerator, freezer, and/or pantry. If you think quickly on your feet, you might be able to plan several meals. Even if it’s only just one, however, it’s a great idea to try to use up things you already have on hand.
What are some quick tasks that you can get done around your house in five minutes or less?
By contributing writer Angie
Shannen says
#7 made me chuckle. Guilty as charged. The recycling gets much worse. I’ll empty the dishwasher while a cup of tea is steeping. It feels ultra efficient even though it’s so small.
Angie | Many Little Blessings says
I know that it’s probably silly, but I feel all accomplished when I do those small tasks too.
Thanks for popping by and commenting, Shannen. 🙂
Erin says
What a great post–helpful, down-to-earth and spot-on. Dowloading the dishwasher is one of those things I ALWAYS procrastinate about, but it really only takes five minutes–you’re right. 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Paul says
I had the habit of postponing small chores as you mentioned,
Now after reading your article, I am doing it right away.
Thank you for the tips.