Some days are just hectic and nonstop putting out fires. Often with a day like this a 10 minute tidy up will transform your home. Ideally after the 10 minute tidy you will find a place to unwind or work on a hobby for a few minutes.

Where to start

Start with putting water on to boil. I will tell you with just about any 10 minute tidy I do it starts with heating water for tea to enjoy after I am done. My favorite post hectic day tea is typically a turmeric and ginger tea.

Give the kids a task they can handle independently during the 10 minute tidy. Remember this is something to be completed within 10 minutes that you do not need to manage.

1 to 3 year olds can help with wiping tables, picking up laundry, or sweeping. Sometimes having a pile of wash cloths they can fold keeps them ‘helping’ and occupied.

3 and 4 year olds can be very helpful putting away specific toys. Also, they are ready to be responsible for collecting dishes, trash, or laundry. Often at this age it is important to be specific and keep the requests small.

5 to 10 year olds can clean up their toys without much further direction. They can help out with household chores also but I have found the biggest help on hectic days is if they can pick up toys.

After the age of 10 they can help out with regular household tasks independently and they have less toys laying around. Look for an item that takes time (about 10 minutes) but would make a big impact. Ideas would be folding the pile of laundry, washing dishes, returning items to rooms.

If you have a partner ask they to complete something specific as well. Lots of times our partner just does not know what we need or what would be helpful in the moment. Remember everyone’s day will be better if we all work together for just 10 minutes.

10 minute tidy for an ultimate transformation

Everyone else has a job. Now what?

While our water heats up for our tea we are going to take 4 minutes and pick up the essentials. Trash, dishes, and laundry. Don’t be tempted to wash dishes or laundry just bring it to their proper location.

Next we will pick our trigger area and focus on that. For me that means clearing off all the items that don’t belong on the table and chairs. Everything goes back to the room or area it belongs. Do not actually put it away at this time unless it is very quick.

Halfway Point

Okay, so we made it halfway through our 10 minute tidy up. Put that hot water into your tea cup and lets move forward.

Quick assessment. We now have all trash, laundry and dishes picked up. Our most triggering area completely clear. And I got to say… This feels good.

It is time to pick the final boulder to tackle. While you were handling the rest of the tasks your eyes kept bringing you back to that one distracting thing. This is your chance to handle it. Chances are for my house there is a pile of 12 blankets unfolded in the middle of the living room floor and it has frustrated me every time I walked past it.

Burnt-out Mom Surviving 10 minutes at a time

Final 10 minute tidy up

If there is any time left go ahead and handle some of the dishes. Or put those stacks of laundry away. Then pull out your favorite quiet time hobby and tea. Take the next 10 minutes to relax and catch your breath.