You’re a mom that needs to get stuff done. But you have a million things to do and keeping up with the housework just isn’t happening. Even worse, you are punishing yourself for not getting the house in perfect order so you wouldn’t dare think of fitting in time for self-care.
This is extremely demotivating and can make getting things done even harder for you.
If you’re struggling with this, I have for you a simple way to get your house in acceptable order AND have some me-time. Sounds good?
Your house won’t look Pinterest perfect or be a super deep clean of your home but that’s not the goal. When you’re strapped for time, you want to be as efficient as you possibly can.
That is where the five-minute tasks shine. Minute tasks will make your days more productive and reduce the stress associated with unfinished tasks.
Don’t give procrastination a chance. Set a timer and grab that load of laundry in the dryer or empty the dishwasher (or both).
If you get distracted easily and have difficulty focusing on a task for a long period of time, then 5-minute tasks are for you. They are a lifesaver and will have you getting a lot of stuff done quickly.
Don’t forget time for self-care tasks too! Maintaining yourself is just as important (if not more important) as maintaining your home. I’ve included some great five-minute self-care activities that you cannot pass up.
Here is a list of 78 Five-Minute Tasks so you can get stuff done without taking up all your precious time. In no way am I suggesting that you do all the things on this list. Use this master list as a guide only.
Grab my Free Five-Minute Tasks Checklist, print it out and choose the task(s) you want to tackle. That simple!
Want to feel accomplished at the end of the day? Use this list to help you knock off a few small tasks so you can have more time doing the things you want to do.
Kitchen
- Load dishwasher.
- Empty dishwasher.
- Reorganize one cupboard.
- Take inventory (Food in Fridge, Freezer, or Pantry).
- Discard expired foods in fridge or cupboards.
- Wash/Wipe down lunch bags and boxes.
- Replace water filter(s).
- Chop produce for quick grab and cooking.
- Clean up and organize spice shelf.
- Sweep the floor.
- Wipe down counter.
- Quick clean microwave.
- Clear dining table.
- Take out the garbage and/or Recycle.
Living Room/Common Areas
- Pick up any stuff off the floor (toys, books, papers, etc.) and put in basket.
- Quick Vacuum (carpet, rugs, sofas or chairs).
- Dust surfaces (furniture, picture frames, vents).
- Place remotes, chargers, batteries, phones or other electronics in their designated place.
- Quick wiped-down: Windows, TVs, mirrors, furniture.
- Wipe down dining tables or other eating tables.
- Paper goods (including mail): sort, recycle, or toss.
- Sort and place shoes in designated spot (rack, mat, closet, etc).
- Wipe down doors, light switches, and doorknobs with a disinfectant wipe.
- Empty and wash pet bowls. Refill with fresh food if needed.
Bedrooms
- Pickup clothing off floor, beds (In hamper or fold and put away).
- Change sheets.
- Make the bed.
- Clear nightstand.
- Dust off light fixtures.
- Dust off curtains/blinds.
- Toss any clothing or items in a donation bin or bag.
- Layout pajamas.
- Layout next day’s clothing.
Bathrooms
- Wipe down sink and counter.
- Wipe/Shine mirrors.
- Quick sweep or vacuum floors.
- Reorganize under sink cabinet.
- Spray toilet bowl, scrub and/or wipe down.
- Replace hand and bath towels.
- Replenish supplies and toiletries (hand soap, paper products, toothpaste,etc).
- Empty the wastebins.
In the Office
- Sort, organize, file and/or shred papers and mail.
- Sort, organize or delete files on computer.
- Organize office supplies into drawers or caddy (pens, sticky notes, clips, etc).
- Replenish supplies (printer paper, pens, envelopes, etc).
- Organize any cords, USBs, and wrap with Velcro ties.
- Wipe down keyboard, mouse, tablet, computer screen.
- Delete and/or Unsubscribe to irrelevant emails.
- Organize business cards. Transfer info to spreadsheet or digital contact list.
- Empty garbage bins.
- Reshelve books, folders and/ or files.
- Plan for the next day.
Self-Care
- Light Full body stretches, yoga.
- Low impact exercises (squats, lunges, jump rope).
- Prepare your me-time evening routine (skincare, planning, etc).
- Read one chapter in your favorite book.
- Write a few words in your journal.
- Practice mindfulness and focus on deep breathing.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or pillow, listen to some calming music.
- Grab a tea or coffee and listen to a podcast.
- Sit outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
- Do something tactile like doodling, sketching, coloring, painting or knitting.
- Enjoy a healthy snack.
- Prepare a chore list for your family.
- Sign up for a class.
- Practice a new language.
- Give yourself a mini manicure or pedicure.
- Toss or donate any unusable and unwanted items (quick declutter).
Do Ahead Tasks
- Set alarms (clocks, phone, watches or other devices)
- Plan next week’s meals.
- Prep snack bins/bags.
- Make lunches (school/work).
- Prep breakfast for next morning (overnight oats anyone?)
- Place a grocery order online for pickup later or next day.
- Prepare coffee maker for tomorrow morning.
- Preload laundry washer with detergent and set timer to start at a later time.
- Set jackets, bags, shoes, or other items near the door for next morning. No more searching for your things!
- Delegate future tasks.
If you think 5-minute tasks are not enough, think again! You can get so much done at home and at work. Don’t underestimate the power of pockets of time even when small. They still count! And you will be surprised how much you can get done.
A reminder that this is a big list so don’t feel you have to do everything on it. You choose which tasks you feel need to be tackled asap. You might break up all tasks under the Kitchen category throughout the day or split it in half spread out over two days.
If five-minute tasks seem overwhelming to you, start with no more than 15 minutes worth of 5-minute tasks spread out in the day and go from there.
I hope you give it a try. See how much you can get done in five minutes.
Grab my Free 5-Minute Tasks Printable Checklist and get started.
Hi, I’m Melanie. I’m the woman behind Mommy Life Strategies. Here you will discover ways to manage your time more efficiently, how to create positive daily habits that stick, mindset exercises that energize, and health & wellness tips that work even for the busiest moms.