3455: The 2-Minute Decluttering Rule (Small Actions for Big Wins) by Antonia Collins of Balance Through Simplicity

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[00:01:08] This is Optimal Living Daily, the two-minute decluttering rule. Small actions for big wins. By Antonio Collins of BalancedThroughSimplicity.com, and I'm Justin Malek.

[00:01:19] I'm gonna jump right into today's post as we optimize your life.

[00:01:27] The two-minute decluttering rule. Small actions for big wins. By Antonio Collins of BalancedThroughSimplicity.com.

[00:01:36] Frustrated with clutter, but equally frustrated by decluttering that feels tough and time-consuming?

[00:01:42] In this article, we look at how the two-minute decluttering rule can help you use small actions for big wins to tackle your clutter the easier way.

[00:01:52] Do you need some quick wins around the home?

[00:01:56] Let me ask you something. How many times have you looked at a messy space in your home and thought,

[00:02:01] I'll deal with that later. Or maybe you've told yourself,

[00:02:04] I need a whole day to tackle this clutter, so I'll wait until I have time.

[00:02:08] The problem is, later rarely comes.

[00:02:13] Life gets busy, the clutter builds up, and before you know it, you're overwhelmed.

[00:02:18] But what if I told you that you can make a big difference in your home with just two minutes?

[00:02:23] Yes, two minutes.

[00:02:25] Here's where the two-minute decluttering rule comes in really useful.

[00:02:30] It's a game-changing approach that's helped me and so many others make decluttering feel less daunting.

[00:02:36] It's simple, effective, and perfect for even the busiest of us.

[00:02:41] I've found that even as someone who's pretty organized and motivated,

[00:02:45] it's so easy to get put off from doing things when they take too long or feel too complicated.

[00:02:51] I don't have the bandwidth right now.

[00:02:53] So, I like to break tasks down into baby steps that can be achieved pretty quickly as I go about my regular day-to-day.

[00:03:01] Then, so I can get on with other things that I want or need to do.

[00:03:06] In this article, I'm explaining the two-minute decluttering rule so you can see how small actions can lead to big results.

[00:03:14] What is the two-minute decluttering rule?

[00:03:17] The two-minute decluttering rule is a concept borrowed from productivity expert David Allen,

[00:03:22] who suggests that if a task takes two minutes or less, you should do it right away.

[00:03:28] When it comes to decluttering, this means tackling small, quick tasks on the spot instead of putting them off.

[00:03:35] For example, see a pair of shoes by the door?

[00:03:38] Pop them back in the wardrobe.

[00:03:40] Got mail on the kitchen counter?

[00:03:42] Sort through it and recycle the junk.

[00:03:45] Notice an empty glass on the coffee table?

[00:03:47] Take it to the sink.

[00:03:49] These tiny actions might seem insignificant, but they add up to a noticeable difference.

[00:03:55] Why the two-minute decluttering rule works.

[00:03:58] Decluttering can feel overwhelming because we tend to think of it as an all-or-nothing project.

[00:04:03] But the two-minute rule breaks it down into bite-sized tasks that are easy to manage.

[00:04:09] There are several reasons why the rule works so well.

[00:04:12] Number one, it builds momentum.

[00:04:15] Starting is often the hardest part.

[00:04:17] Once you begin with a two-minute task, you're more likely to keep going.

[00:04:20] Number two, it reduces overwhelm.

[00:04:24] Instead of facing a massive pile of clutter, you're dealing with one tiny job at a time.

[00:04:29] Number three, it creates habits.

[00:04:32] By consistently taking small actions, you build habits that keep your space tidy without much effort.

[00:04:39] And number four, it fits into any schedule.

[00:04:42] No matter how busy you are, you can spare two minutes.

[00:04:46] How to use the two-minute rule for decluttering.

[00:04:50] Now that you know what the two-minute decluttering rule is, let's talk about how to use it in your daily life.

[00:04:56] Here are some practical ways to get started.

[00:05:00] Number one, start where you are.

[00:05:03] Look around you right now.

[00:05:05] What's one small thing you can tidy or declutter in two minutes?

[00:05:09] Maybe it's folding a blanket on the sofa, putting away a book, or getting rid of an empty box in the recycling.

[00:05:16] The beauty of this rule is that you can start anywhere.

[00:05:19] You don't need a grand plan.

[00:05:21] Just pick something and do it.

[00:05:24] Number two, focus on high traffic areas.

[00:05:28] High traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, or entryway often attract clutter.

[00:05:33] Spend two minutes clearing these spaces whenever you pass through them.

[00:05:37] Wipe the counters, put away stray items, or load a few dishes into the dishwasher.

[00:05:43] Little by little, these small actions will keep your busiest areas looking tidy.

[00:05:49] Number three, apply it to paper clutter.

[00:05:52] Paper clutter is one of the easiest things to deal with in two minutes.

[00:05:56] Open your mail as soon as you receive it, recycle junk mail, and file anything important.

[00:06:02] Do this regularly, and you'll avoid the dreaded paper pile that seems to grow on its own.

[00:06:07] Number four, involve the whole family.

[00:06:11] If you live with others, get them on board with decluttering.

[00:06:14] The two-minute rule works wonders when everyone pitches in.

[00:06:18] Encourage kids to spend two minutes tidying their toys or putting their clothes in the laundry basket.

[00:06:23] Ask your partner to clear their side of the table.

[00:06:26] When everyone does a little, it makes a big difference.

[00:06:29] And number five, use it during downtime.

[00:06:34] Got a spare moment while waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave to finish?

[00:06:38] Use those two minutes to tackle a quick task.

[00:06:41] Clear a drawer, wipe down a surface, or straighten up a shelf.

[00:06:46] These moments might seem insignificant, but they're perfect for squeezing in some tiny decluttering projects.

[00:06:53] Examples of two-minute decluttering tasks.

[00:06:56] Need some inspiration?

[00:06:57] Here are a few quick tasks you can complete in two minutes or less.

[00:07:02] Return items to their proper place, like keys, shoes, coats, etc.

[00:07:08] Throw away expired food from the fridge or pantry.

[00:07:11] Fold a blanket on the sofa.

[00:07:13] Organize a small section of a drawer or cupboard.

[00:07:17] Recycle empty bottles, boxes, or containers.

[00:07:20] Straighten up your bedside table.

[00:07:22] Declutter worn-out socks or tights.

[00:07:25] Delete old emails or clear your phone's photo gallery.

[00:07:29] Or wipe down a single surface, like a kitchen counter, coffee table, and so on.

[00:07:34] Turning two minutes into a decluttering habit.

[00:07:38] The real magic of the two-minute decluttering rule is that it creates momentum.

[00:07:42] Once you see how easy and satisfying it is to complete these tiny tasks, you'll want to do more.

[00:07:48] There are some tricks that you can use to make these two minutes become a regular habit.

[00:07:54] Number one, pair it with existing habits.

[00:07:58] Attach your decluttering tasks to things you already do.

[00:08:01] For example, tidy the coffee table every evening before you sit down to watch TV.

[00:08:07] James Clear calls this habit stacking.

[00:08:10] Number two, set a timer.

[00:08:13] If you're struggling to start, set a timer for two minutes and challenge yourself to see how much you can get done.

[00:08:19] And number three, celebrate your wins.

[00:08:22] Even small progress deserves a pat on the back.

[00:08:25] Remind yourself that every little effort is a step towards a more organized home.

[00:08:31] How the two-minute decluttering rule transforms your home.

[00:08:35] At first glance, the two-minute decluttering rule might seem too simple to make a big impact.

[00:08:40] But let me tell you, it works.

[00:08:43] When you consistently tackle small tasks, they add up to big results.

[00:08:47] Here's what I've noticed in my own life.

[00:08:50] Less overwhelm.

[00:08:51] My home feels more manageable because I'm not letting clutter build up.

[00:08:55] More time.

[00:08:56] I no longer have to spend entire weekends cleaning because I'm staying on top of things daily.

[00:09:01] And a sense of calm.

[00:09:03] A tidy space brings me so much peace.

[00:09:06] It's amazing how much lighter you feel when your environment isn't chaotic.

[00:09:10] For me, as an introvert, highly sensitive person, homebody,

[00:09:14] a peaceful and calm home is my favorite place to be.

[00:09:19] Conclusion.

[00:09:20] Decluttering doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing process.

[00:09:24] The two-minute decluttering rule proves that even the smallest actions can lead to big wins over time.

[00:09:30] It's about consistency, not perfection.

[00:09:33] So why not give it a try?

[00:09:35] Pick one small task right now, something that'll take you no more than two minutes, and do it.

[00:09:41] I'm pretty sure that you'll feel so much better once it's done.

[00:09:45] Remember, it's not about how fast you get there.

[00:09:47] It's about taking small, intentional steps toward a clutter-free, stress-free home.

[00:09:53] And with the two-minute decluttering rule, those steps are easier than ever.

[00:10:02] You just listened to the post titled,

[00:10:04] The Two-Minute Decluttering Rule, Small Actions for Big Wins,

[00:10:08] by Antonia Collins of balancethroughsimplicity.com.

[00:10:11] I'll be right back with my commentary.

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[00:12:22] Thank you to Antonia.

[00:12:23] I've definitely been guilty of putting things off

[00:12:26] because I felt like I needed a big chunk of time to tackle it,

[00:12:30] whether that's decluttering or other projects.

[00:12:34] But breaking it down into tiny pieces can make a huge difference.

[00:12:37] That's how I've been able to track every penny in and out of my life since 2010.

[00:12:43] It's just a couple minutes a day.

[00:12:45] And on that note, I think the two-minute rule can work with pretty much any habit we're trying to build.

[00:12:50] I'm doing Tai Chi now.

[00:12:52] And while I'd love to practice for an hour every day,

[00:12:56] sometimes just doing two minutes is better than nothing at all.

[00:12:59] Keeps the momentum going.

[00:13:01] And the fact is, when we start something and plan to only give it two minutes,

[00:13:06] we tend to not mind it as much as we thought and we'll give it more time than we planned,

[00:13:12] which is a good thing.

[00:13:14] But with decluttering specifically, I found that having designated spots for things makes a huge difference.

[00:13:20] Like I have a specific place for my keys, wallet, and phone.

[00:13:24] It just takes two seconds to put them there, but saves so much time later not having to search for them.

[00:13:30] Time that can be spent decluttering or building a habit.

[00:13:34] So with that, start building those habits today.

[00:13:36] Thank you for being here and thinking about these things along with me.

[00:13:39] It means a lot.

[00:13:40] I couldn't do this without you.

[00:13:42] Have a great rest of your day and I'll see you over the weekend where your optimal life awaits.

[00:13:47] If you could find a place where your choice is, then you need to take those thoughts,

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[00:13:48] If you're looking for the next one, let's see you over the next one.

[00:13:48] Bye.