Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

This weeks mini missions are broad ranging. Each mission gives you a wide variety of items to choose from. I will be very surprised if you can’t find something for each category this week. And don’t tell me you decluttered something of the sort last week. Last week was last week and doesn’t count this week. 😉 Good luck and happy decluttering.

Monday – Declutter something food related. Whether that be for serving, preparing or eating.

Tuesday – Declutter a fashion item. Be that clothing, accessories, shoes or maybe just a magazine.

Wednesday РDeclutter a d̩cor item. Anything from curtaining to floral arrangements to cushions or figurines.

Thursday – Declutter something in the beauty, body pampering or toiletry range.

Friday – Declutter a hardware item. Anything form a power tool to a nail or a large as a plank of wood.

Saturday – Declutter something outdoorsy. Camping, sporting, gardening etc.

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

Eco Tip for the Day

Don’t switch on lights to do something in a dimly lit room unless it requires fine motor skills.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

I have been receiving and reading some good post by other bloggers lately that I feel the need to share with you. Here is a great one that Cindy sent through to me…

www.inc.com ~Want to be truly productive? End each day like this. By Kevin Daum

Please read it before reading on.

I particularly liked his first suggestion…

“1. Finish one “organizing” project. Busy people always have some organizing project they have yet to get accomplished. It might be cleaning out an old file drawer or clearing your email. Whatever it is, schedule 20 minutes at the end of the day and tackle it.  Even if you get partway done you’ll feel like you started to accomplish something.  Within a week at most the task will be done and you’ll feel lighter inside.”

Why not consider what you want to declutter during the day then take those 10 minutes at the end of the day to physically remove it to your transition point. This idea is in line with yesterdays post of separating deciding from doing. Take your time to make the decision during the day then do the task and enjoy the satisfaction right before relaxing and turning in for the night.

Quite often, even if you have no decluttering item in mind when the day starts out, you will encounter objects during the day that will come under scrutiny. Give yourself the rest of the day to make the decision as to whether an item can stay or go.

Also, as Kevin suggests, doing a small portion of a large task will give you satisfaction and inspiration to continue, if only in increments. Doing a big task in small chunks can be far less gruelling than trying to tackle it all at once.

You can then rest well in the satisfaction that you have accomplished another step in your decluttering journey.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter old videos, DVDs, records or CDs you no longer watch or listen to.

Eco Tip for the Day

For a full list of my eco tips so far click here

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

This weeks mini mission are based on the kinds of items that I notice were donated at the thrift store last week. Specifically items that we seem to receive an copious and endless supplies of.

Monday – Declutter at least one glassware item.

Tuesday – Declutter an item of clothing that you no longer wear.

Wednesday – Declutter an item of costume jewellery.

Thursday – Declutter old videos, DVDs, records or CDs you no longer watch or listen to.

Friday – Declutter some items of crockery.

Saturday – Declutter at least one book it is doubtful you will ever read again.

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

Eco Tip for the Day

Consider secondhand when making purchases.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

Do you have items that with a little thought or effort could be transform from “I might use it if…” to actually using it. Or items that you might use if life changes so that you have the time or inclination. How about putting these mights into action or finally let the item go.

Monday – Alter an item so it better suits your needs that you might actually use it. Eg. Shorten a hem, cut off long sleeves, replace a handle…

Tuesday – Pull out some old hobby equipment and test your desire to rekindle the interest in that pastime. If the desire is strong enough you will find the time and effort, if not let it go.

Wednesday – Some items become clutter due to disrepair. Repair such an item that it may be used again.

Thursday – Reposition or relocate something that has become unused due to inconvenient placement.

Friday – Rejuvenate an item so that you might use it rather than hide it away somewhere. Maybe a good clean, a lick of paint or some other sprucing up would inspire you to use it.

Saturday – Chose an item that can’t be altered, relocated, repairs or rejuvenated to make it appealing and declutter it.

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

Eco Tip for the Day

Quit smoking. Imagine how much water is wasted on crops, energy on manufacturing & fuel on transport of tobacco products. Not to mention the effects of indoor pollution and health repercussions.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

This week we are going to get rid of some leftovers. That is stuff left over from times gone by that aren’t being used or no longer have a place in your life. So lets get started.

Monday – Declutter some leftovers from a craft project that you finished a long time ago and haven’t used again.

Tuesday – Declutter some items left behind from a previous relationship. Things you can remember the good time without or that only serve to remind you of the bad times.

Wednesday – Do a use it up challenge on some leftover ingredients in your fridge or pantry. Preferably items that have lingered there for a while.

Thursday – Concentrate on using up left over beauty products and don’t replace them if you have a similar alternative product.

Friday – Get rid of leftovers from a previous career or long since completed studies.

Saturday – Get rid of clothing items leftover from a bygone era that you are never likely to wear again even if they do fit you.

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

Eco Tip for the Day

 As adults it is our job to teach our children to conserve power and water. If you raise your children with good habits now conservation will come naturally to them when they become the adults themselves.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

Do you have things cluttering up your place that you would use if only something about it was too hard. Items you know could be mighty handy if it wasn’t for that things that makes them unappealing to use. I have had stuff like that and I bet you do too. So this week we will declutter this kind of stuff.

Monday – Declutter something that is too hard to use. It seemed like a time saver in the sales demo but turned out to be not so easy to use.

Tuesday – Declutter or rearrange something that you don’t use because it is too difficult to get at when you need it so you achieve the task some other way.

Wednesday – Declutter something that is too hard to clean ounce you do use it so it is easier to use something else. Garlic press and pretty much any kitchen device you can use a knife instead of.

Thursday – Declutter something that requires assembly to use so you can never be bothered with it. Perhaps a complicated kitchen gadget.

Friday – Declutter something that you bought in order to make something from scratch but after a couple of uses decided it was too much bother. Perhaps a pasta maker, sewing machine, ice cream maker…

Saturday – Declutter something that you thought would be useful but turned out not to be. Perhaps a camera bag that wasn’t so practical, a pocket multi-tool that would be confiscated at airport security,

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

Stuff is made of all sorts of stuff. This weeks mini missions challenges you to find clutter made of different substances. You can really use your imagination for these. I’ll name the substance and you find some clutter made from it to declutter.

Monday – Declutter something constructed with wood. Perhaps a photo frame, a piece of furniture, a pencil…

Tuesday – Declutter something made from fabric. An item of clothing, lines, raggedy or napkins, handkerchieves…

Wednesday – Declutter something made from glass or china. Crockery, figurines, eye glasses, glass beaded necklace…

Thursday – Declutter  something that has wiring in it. An old lamp, excess cables, jewellery, computer gear, a small appliance…

Friday – Declutter something made from plastic. Toys, Tupperware, pens…

Saturday – Declutter something metallic. Cutlery, tools, utensils, hardware…

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

Eco Tip for the Day

Take care of the thing you own. The longer they last the less often they need replacing. Which means less manufacturing.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Today’s Decluttered Item
A bunch of old warranties and manuals.

While decluttering some paperwork last week my husband came across the removal manifest for our move from America to Australia in 2007. We held on to it to make the comparison with this latest move.

There were no fewer than twenty pages of this manifest. That did not even include the items that were in storage here in Australia that were also delivered to our home. All of our electrical items, furniture and any items that would not fit in a packing box, when we left for America, were all left behind. So If I took a conservative guess I would say there were at least 23 pages in all, of boxes, furniture, individual items, suitcases, bikes etc.

So, drum roll please, guess how many pages were to the manifest of our recent move. Fifteen? No! Ten? There were not quite five pages. And that my friends is the power of one a day decluttering. So if you have any doubt the one a day can be effective then give up that doubt right now. Granted it took three and a bit years to get to this level but the difference was staggering even to me.

Today’s Mini Mission

Start a trial separation of stationery items.

Eco Tip for the Day

As you light globes wear out replace them with LEDs, they use less power and don’t have the disposal issues of CFLs.

For a full list of my eco tips so far click here

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

Some items that clutter up our home are items that aren’t unused individuals but similar items that we use but just have too many of. This weeks overall mission is to start a trial separation from some of these items to see if we really need so many or can happily live without some. So find yourself a box to store these items in, gather them up and put this away somewhere for a while. If you find you don’t retrieve them in a month or two then it is probably safe to declutter them permanently.

Monday – Start a trial separation of plastic kitchen storage containers.

Tuesday – Start a trial separation of fashion accessories.

Wednesday - Start a trial separation of costume jewellery items.

Thursday - Start a trial separation of stationery items.

Friday - Start a trial separation of kitchen gadgets.

Saturday - Start a trial separation of your lease favourite clothing items.

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

Eco Tip for the Day

Save the water in the kitchen sink while rinsing items. Then bail it out and use it on your potted plants or garden.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

Mini Mission Monday is about finding ten minutes a day to declutter. To make it easy for you, each Monday I set seven declutter missions, one for each day of the week for you to follow. It takes the guess work out of decluttering and makes it easy and “fun” for you to achieve some quick decluttering.

I left it to the last minute yesterday to write todays missions. In fact I almost forgot because we were busy celebrating a family member’s birthday. So for my own sake and for a little fun I decided to keep it simple. Placement is the theme of today’s mission – in, under, on and behind. See if you can find something in each of the places I mention. It shouldn’t be hard because they are broad with choice.

Monday – Declutter something under a piece of furniture. The bed is often a good place to look.

Tuesday – Declutter something whose purpose is to wrap around something. Perhaps a belt, a set of sheets, and old scarf, excessive rubber bands…

Wednesday – Declutter something hanging on your wall.

Thursday – Declutter something hiding behind something. Behind a door for instance.

Friday – Declutter something from inside a cupboard.

Saturday – Declutter something in a drawer.

Sunday - Sunday is reserved for contemplating one particular item, of your choice that is proving difficult for you to declutter. Whether that be for sentimental reasons, practical reasons, because the task is laborious or simply unpleasant, or because the items removal requires the cooperation of another person. That last category may mean that the item belongs to someone else who has to give their approval, it could also mean there is a joint decision to be made or it could mean that the task of removing it requires assistance from someone else. There is no need to act on this contemplation immediately, it is more about formulating a plan to act upon or simply making a decision one way or another.

Good luck and happy decluttering

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow