When we think about simplifying our lives, oftentimes we do the exact opposite and overcomplicate them. We think that we have to dedicate full weekends to simplify everything in our homes all at once and only then will we be able to maintain it. Usually we start off ambitious, but after hours and days of digging through clutter we become frustrated, feel overwhelmed, and give up. All it really takes is a few minutes a day to start simplifying your life. A few minutes a day won’t become overwhelming, will give you piece of mind that you accomplished one of your goals towards simplifying, and will be easier to maintain in the long run.

So let’s get right into the easy, simple tasks you can tackle today. Just doing one a day will help you achieve the simple life you want!

1. Choose one room and remove all items that don’t belong.

Grab a spare basket, bucket, or box. Choose one room to work in and set a timer for 15 minutes. Go around and throw everything that doesn’t belong into the basket. Take your basket and start returning the items that don’t belong to their rightful home.

2. Clean out your car.

Grab one bag for trash and another for items that don’t belong in your car. Set a timer and clean out your car! Throw away the trash and put away the rest of the items.

3. Clean out that junk drawer.

Set a timer and go through your junk drawer. Anything you don’t use regularly place in a bag and store for a predetermined amount of time (ex. a month). Choose a timeframe you think is appropriate for the items in your drawer. If you need something, grab it and after you are done using it place it back in the drawer. Anything that you haven’t used after the time you’ve specified should be disposed of or donated.

4. Clean out the kitchen.

Set a timer, grab a box, and clean out all expired items in your pantry and fridge. Any items that you don’t use and aren’t expired can be donated to a food pantry.

5. Clean out the bathroom.

Set a timer and grab a box. Go through your medicine cabinet and get rid of any expired medications that you may have. Go through your makeup and hair products and add any of those expired items to your box. Make sure to dispose of any expired medications appropriately.

6. Manage your mail.

Somedays I’m just too tired to deal with the mail. I grab it from the mailbox and just throw it on the counter to deal with tomorrow. But today we tackle the pile! Set a timer and start going through your mail.  Make a pile for junk mail, items to be shredded, items to file, and items that need you to take action. Dump your junk mail pile, shred the items that need to be shredded, and file away items that need to be filed. Any items that need you to take action (bills, reminders, etc.) do so. Designate a spot in your home to collect the mail. This will be where you will review your incoming mail from now on.

7. Cleaning out your inbox.

Not all clutter is physical. Set a timer (I know I could get lost in my email!) and go through your email starting with the most recent. Unsubscribe from any emails that aren’t interesting, you don’t read, or didn’t sign up for. Any emails that you’ve archived or saved should be revisited as they may no longer be relevant anymore.

8. Clean your counters and tabletops.

Now that you’ve made some space in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets it’s time to clean off the counters and tabletops! Not all of your counters and tables need to be done at the same time. Set a timer and start clearing them off, putting the items away in their proper place. When cleared, wipe down the surface with the appropriate cleaning solution.

9. Eliminate your duplicates.

I think the biggest offender for me are my kitchen gadgets. I don’t know why I have four pizza cutters, I just do!!! Whether it’s your kitchen gadgets or something else that is the offender, grab a box and get rid of the duplicates you don’t use. As well as any sets that don’t make sense to have multiples of (salad serving utensils you only use twice a year when hosting Thanksgiving, etc.) If you are like me, those duplicates will be in great shape, hardly used (if ever!) and can be donated.

10. Take 15 minutes for yourself.

It’s easy to get caught up with the physical items we need to purge and organize for a simpler life, but we all need to take time for ourselves to relax and self reflect on the process. Whatever you do to unwind – whether it’s sitting in silence, pouring a glass of wine, turning on some calming music, or laying down for a few minutes – do it! You deserve it, especially if you’ve accomplished any of the other 10 minute tasks in the days prior! Remember that simplifying your life means prioritizing what’s important to you, including taking for yourself!

Done in under 10 minutes? Good for you! Take the rest of the time for yourself! If not, don’t be discouraged, but come back tomorrow and finish another 15 minutes. It will become easier over time.

Do you have any other small little tasks you do to simplify your life? Leave a comment below! I’d love to hear!