3 Ways to Use Our Organizing Deck of Cards

I can’t believe it’s already been two years since Jonda Beattie and I started talking about creating an organizing deck of cards to help people create more order in their homes. We know that  one of the best organizing strategies is to break the task down into very small components. So, that’s where we started. Jonda asked the question, “what can you do in 10 minutes?” Everyone has 10-minutes to work on one task, right? That is, if the task is small enough. That’s how we came up with the title: Organize Your Home 10 Minutes at a Time. Then we went to work creating the individual task cards and the rest is history.

Sometimes people ask how to use these cards. I’m sure there are many more ways to use our deck of cards but let’s start with these 3 ways. A quick note… it’s a good idea to read through the task card before you set your timer and then gather any cleaning supplies and/or a trash bag. This way when you set the timer you already have an idea of what you’re doing, and you have your supplies at hand.

3 Ways to Use Our Organizing Deck of Cards

Use the cards by yourself

You can fan out the cards face down, pick a card at random, and then do that task. This way you do a small organizing task in different areas of your home.

Another strategy is to start by grouping all the cards by category (family room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom etc.) Then, decide where you want to put in 10-minutes of work today. Take a card from that room or area of your home.

Or once a week you can pick 7 cards to do this week. Everyday do one card. If you find that you want to keep organizing when you finished that card, pick another card to do.

Use the cards with a friend

There are two ways to work with a friend. You can work together in one house, or you can each work on your own project, in your own home at the same time. You decide. Both ways are fun.

If you are working together in one house, you have camaraderie and a bit of an accountability partner. Someone to help you make decisions. And you will get twice as much done in half the time.

If you are each working on your own project in your own home, it can be more of a race. See who can get the task done in the allotted time. You still have an accountability partner because you are going to hold each other accountable for completing one of the Organize Your Home 10 Minutes at a Time deck of cards.

When the time is up, compare notes. How did it go for each of you? Plan another time to work together.

Use the organizing deck of cards as a family

Taking care of the home is the responsibility of everyone who lives in the house. Make maintaining order in the home something everyone helps with.

Have each member of the family pick a card to do on either Saturday or Sunday. Some of the cards are labeled Child Friendly and have tasks a young child can do (maybe with a little help or guidance depending on their age).

Create a playlist of songs that everyone in the family likes. When the music stops everyone should stop what they’re doing and tidy up.

Then, go out and do something fun as a family.

Rewards are key

Jonda and I are big believers in rewards. What could be better than having fun with your family after doing a little work? If you are doing the cards with a friend, reward yourselves with a lovely lunch together after your organizing session. Always reward yourself, especially if you are working your way through the cards by yourself.

The reward doesn’t have to be big. It also doesn’t need to be something you purchase. You can reward yourself by giving yourself time to do something just for you. It can be as simple as sitting outside listening to the birds. Just make it meaningful for you.

Using this organizing deck of cards can be a bit like eating potato chips – once you get started, it’s hard to stop.

Why? Because you are successful. We give you the start and the finish and all the steps in between.

Don’t worry if you don’t have this organizing deck of cards, they are easy to get. Just go to our website or to Amazon and place your order. They will be in your mailbox shortly.

If you need more guidance, consider joining Jonda and me in our clutter support group called: Clear Space for you. We start new groups at the beginning of each month.

Diane N. Quintana is a Certified Professional Organizer^® ,a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization^®, Master Trainer and owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC and co-owner of Release●Repurpose●Reorganize, LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia.