10-minute organising projects for your home

By Alicia Parsons

Hands up if you’ve ever said ‘I don’t have time to get organised’? {Raises own hand} Yep, even as a decorating and organising blogger, I still have moments days weeks where I throw in the towel just because I don’t have time to tackle everything.

I then have to remind myself that a little is better than nothing. So here are some 10-minute organising projects that you can squeeze in while dinner is cooking or over a couple of ad breaks.

Go through your mail – Ditch the junk, file any statements and put any invitations or bills in a ‘to action’ file.

Clean out your handbag – Receipts, shopping lists, chewing gum that expired in 2009… throw out the rubbish and go digital for your shopping lists and decorating references.

Put your clothes away – It will instantly make your bedroom feel calmer and more spacious.

Clean out one drawer  – Make it your junk drawer if you dare, otherwise pick a linen, clothing or desk drawer.

Clean out your fridge – Completely empty the fridge, throw out anything that looks like a science experiment, clean the shelves and put back the edible stuff.

Clean your desk – Wipe down the dusty surfaces and put away your papers and stationery for a quick productivity boost.

Start a donations box – Designate a box or bag (ideally near the front door or in the boot of the car) for items to be donated. Add items to it as you come across them instead of  waiting to do a big clean-out.

Remove any foreign objects – Grab a laundry basket and do a once-over of a room, collecting anything that doesn’t belong, then put them back in their rightful places.

Clear one surface – Pick one surface in your home that tends to be a dumping ground (maybe your dining table, kitchen bench or coffee table is a culprit) and clear it off… then keep it that way for a week.

Even if you only have a few minutes, you can make a difference in terms of maintaining an uncluttered and well-functioning home. You never know, you might feel so motivated by your achievements that you want to take on some bigger organising projects!

Find Adelaide blogger Alicia Parsons at Atypical Type A, where pretty meets practical with ideas to make your house a home.

Jen is currently on honeymoon in Tokyo, Venice and the UK, and has opened up the blog to a series of fabulous guest posters to share their interiors-related expertise in her absence. She hopes you’ll enjoy them and look out for the odd honeymoon post from overseas! The new Mrs Francis (who will still be known as Bishop for work purposes) will be back at her desk on 11 November.