How to Tidy up a Room Quickly
Whether guests will be arriving any minute or your life has become so hectic that you have little time for housework, being able to tidy a room quickly is a useful skill. The process isn't complicated, but it does require focus, organization and a few simple tools. One of the most important tools is a kitchen timer. It's easy to get distracted or spend too much time on one step in the process. A timer will keep you moving and keep you on track. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wastebasket or plastic trash bag
- Two laundry baskets or storage bins
- Kitchen timer
Instructions
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Gather four items in the room to be tidied: a wastebasket or plastic trash bag, two laundry baskets or storage bins and a kitchen timer.
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Set the timer for the amount of time you want to spend tidying the room. Place the timer where you can check it as you work.
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Start at the door and work either clockwise or counterclockwise around the room. Carry the trash bag or wastebasket around the perimeter of the room, adding any items that need to be thrown out. Check the center of the room for trash items last. Set the trash container outside the door to the room.
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Carry the laundry basket or storage bin around the perimeter of the room, placing any items that don't belong in that room inside the container. If you fill one basket, set it outside the entrance to the room and start filling the second container. Check the center of the room for stray items last, and set the second basket outside the room.
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Travel the same route around the room, quickly putting items in their proper places. If you're not sure where something belongs, hide it in an empty drawer, closet or decorative container in the room.
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Dispose of the trash. If you can quickly put the items from the first and second baskets where they belong, do so. Otherwise, stash them in a closet or spare room to handle later.
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Tips & Warnings
Reserve an empty drawer, closet shelf or other storage place for hiding things when you need to clean up in a hurry. Clear the temporary storage area weekly so that it doesn't become a permanent junk receptacle.
References
Resources
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