What Can You Do in 15 Minutes?

What Can You Do in 15 Minutes?

It’s only 15 minutes.

Do you ever find yourself stuck waiting? Using that “wait” time constructively, in the doctor’s waiting room or the carpool lane can go a long way to getting you more organized. We are so busy these days.   It’s a good strategy to take advantage of the spare minutes that we spend waiting. By taking advantage of this “free” time spent waiting when you can’t do anything else anyway.

Next time you grab your keys to head out the door take along a few things to better use your “waiting” time. And get something crossed off your to-do list.

A Dozen Things You Can Do To Be More Organized

Menu Planning.

You can plan a week’s worth of meals in minutes. Think of what is in your freezer or your pantry that you could begin to plan a meal around. Browse a cookbook for a new idea, add a family favorite or two, and forget to plan one night of leftovers.

Shopping List.

Using your menu plan, why not make a list of the ingredients you will need to pick up at the store? Take it one step further and swing by the store to pick up what’s needed on the way home.

Make Doctors Appointments.

While parked in your car, pick up your phone to make appointments. It is a great way to cross this task off your list. You may be put on hold by the receptionist – think of it as multi-tasking, waiting for two things at once.

Answer Emails.

Use today’s technology to lighten your load of correspondence. By responding to those quick emails, you can keep current and keep one more thing off your to-do list.

Write a To-Do list.

15 minutes of concentrating on what is important for you can clarify your priorities. Write down three things you want or need to accomplish by the end of the day and plan how you will accomplish them.

Pay Bills.

If you pay your bills online it’s a snap to do it on your phone while waiting or bring along your checkbook and a book of stamps and you will be able to cross this task off your list. You can even drop your payments in the mail before you even enter your house.

Read.

Save articles from newspapers or magazines by ripping them out and stashing them in a file folder. Instead of letting them pile up on the kitchen counter, keep them in your car for times just like this.

Calendar Planning.

Focus on your calendar, whether it’s a planner or your smartphone. Put all your extracurricular activities, birthdays, parties, appointments, and other events into your calendar. You’ll be more organized with everything in one location.

Thank You Notes.

Revive the art of the handwritten note. Take the time to get the thank you notes written, addressed, and stamped and you’ll be on your way to perfect manners in fifteen minutes flat.

Catch up With a Friend.

Sometimes the small things get pushed aside because we are so busy. Whether it is by phone or a quick email or text, spend 15 minutes catching up with a friend without the distractions of home and the family.

Plan a Date Night.

Once all the calls, lists, and reading are done, then reward yourself by planning some fun! Think of some ways that you can spend some quality time with your spouse or family. Make dinner reservations, book tickets, and reserve a babysitter all while you sit waiting.

Take a Nap.

Sometimes a little shut-eye is the best thing for you. 15 minutes of downtime can help you be your best for the rest of the day.

You can’t accomplish all these quick tasks while waiting. But by getting one or two done regularly you will free up some time at the office or home where you really could use the extra fifteen minutes.

About Us

Basic Organization is a professional home organizing company based in Centreville, Virginia serving families, busy professionals, seniors, and home-based business owners in the Washington DC area. Our passion is helping people achieve peace and simplicity in their lives by organizing homes, routines, and lifestyles. Our team of personal organizers will help you regain control of your environment by helping to organize the living and storage areas of your home, including the garage, kitchen, basement, office, bedrooms, and closets.

About Janet

A Certified Professional Organizer and a published contributor of the book Get Organized Today, Janet Schiesl is the owner of Basic Organization–a leading professional home organizing services company in Northern Virginia. A personal organizer since 2005, Janet loves using her experience as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at the areas of a home differently. Recognized as the 2016 Washington DC Area Organizer of the Year by NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals where she served as president, Janet specializes in managing large organizing projects and working one-on-one with clients who need help organizing their homes or office. Contact Janet at 571-265-1303 or click to schedule a discovery call to find out what Janet and her team can organize for you!

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