The Domestic Contessa is hosting a new, weekly blog carnival starting today. It's called The 15-minute Tackle.
I'm really happy to be participating in this carnival, since I've used a similar practice myself for large projects. I used to set my timer for 20 minutes and get as much done as I could. Then take a break for 20 minutes. Then work the project for another 20 minutes. Until the project was done.
Now, this idea really comes in handy since a lot of my day is occupied with the baby. Now, if I can manage to get something major done taking 15 minutes here and there for a whole week, it should be something I can manage!
My 15-minute tackle this week is decluttering the house. After being sick after Christmas, I haven't gotten a chance to take down the Christmas decorations. So, I have that to deal with along with outgrown baby clothes and gadgets. Not to mention everyday clutter like the newspaper and mail.
Yesterday, I dealt with the clothes that no longer fit Gracie. I've been storing them on shelves in the basement in diaper boxes. It seemed silly to have them stored on shelves that could be put to better use. Now, the diaper boxes full of clothes are stacked together in the box that Gracie's carseat came in. They are in the garage waiting to be taken up to the attic where they will be stored until we decide if we are having another baby or not.
Today, I am dealing with the baby gadgets. Gracie has outgrown her infant carseat, her co-sleeper and her swing. Those items need to broken down and stored in the attic along with the baby clothes.
After those items are out of the way, I can deal with the Christmas decorations. I started with putting some lights away yesterday, but the majority of the stuff still needs to come down. Probably some of it will come down tonight and tomorrow. Working on it 15 minutes at a time, here and there while Gracie watches either Yo Gabba Gabba or The Wiggles.
When I pack away the decorations, I want to have it packed away a bit more organized that I did last year. Two bins were in the attic and another 2 were in the basement. I had no idea what was in each of the bins and it made decorating (15 minutes here and there) a hassle. So, the rest of the week, my 15 minute tackle will be organizing the decorations and getting everything ready to go up into the attic.
Hopefully, I can get everything done by the weekend, so Joe can take the stuff up when he is home from work. Storing the stuff in the attic is Joe's job. I don't like ladders. :)
Thanks for your link-up, Alison! It sounds like you have quite a bit to keep you busy! I completely understand how overwhelming it is to declutter after the holidays: packing up decorations, finding new places for all the gifts received, etc. I look forward to hearing how your tackle for this week goes! (Congratulations on joining the ranks of mommyhood!)
ReplyDeleteI need to tackle organization to. I find with 2 little ones at home that there is rarely more than 15 minutes to do anything! I found your blog on The Domestic Contessa blog and am now a follower. You can view my 15 minute tackle post here: http://www.couponclippinmommy.com/2010/01/15-minute-tackle-christmas-decorations.html
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad. We have the tree down and the ornaments packed up, but I still need to pack up the rest of the decorations and store them. This is what I will be working on, My 15 minute tackle will be organizing my coupons. I actually started last night by cutting them out. Tonight I will put them in my coupon holders. I will do this while watching some of our favorite shows that way I am getting two things done at once.
ReplyDeletep.s. I don’t have a blog.
s-tay(at)cox(dot)net
Hi, I found you from the domestic contessa, I joining you for the 15 minute tackle, I'm going to focus on laundry. I hope you get a lot done this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Domestic Contessa! We've waited a long time to start our family and she occupies most of my day...I wouldn't have it any other way!
ReplyDeleteCoupon Clippin' Mommy, I'm glad I'm not the only one getting a late start in taking down the decorations! :)
Shelly T., I've not found a good way to organize coupons...at least not one that works for me. And I don't have the HUGE amount of coupons that a lot of you ladies have and I still have a tough time getting them organized!
Jessica,
Laundry is a much hated chore for me. It's a never ending battle! I try to tackle a load or two every day.
YEY for decluttering! What an encouragement to try to keep it that way too. :) Amazing how much nicer the house can look after just 15 minutes isn't it?
ReplyDelete