How to Create a 15-Minute Problem-Solving List.

BySingleMomOutWest

This is one of several organizing tips for busy moms that have helped me!

Lately, it has occurred to me that some things are not getting done. Sure, I may have just been swamped. That’s true.

But I think there’s more to it than that.

I use my busy mom’s cleaning routine, and it works great! It keeps things functional. If you’re interested, you can find it here.

https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/cleaning-routines-for-busy-moms/

I think it’s more of a situation of out of sight, out of mind.

We take care of the immediate—feeding, basic cleaning, etc.- and the things that are not constantly in front of us may not get done.

But eventually, I’m reminded of that bedroom closet, that terrible closet. For the last five months, I’ve put off cleaning it.

And if I’m completely honest, a few more things have fallen through the cracks.

It happens to all of us.

This is why we need to make a plan and evaluate the situation.

Let’s start with the whys.

  • We are completely overwhelmed and tired. That alone is enough to ignore or purposefully forget the problem.
  • We don’t want to. Yep. It’s the truth. I have better things to do- like anything else.
  • But we will most likely not remember the problem until it is right in front of us again.

Here’s a video just for us. Ultimately, here is our why!

Then comes the problem.

There are a few you could choose from:

  • It is slightly unnerving. What is down there? If I weren’t so good at denial, that might keep me up at night.
  • Normal people can see the bottom of their closets. At least, I think they can.
  • It is possible that cleaning the closet is simply the right thing to do.
  • Someday, a rich, handsome man may show up and randomly look in that wretched closet and say, Nope, that’s a deal breaker.
  • Your issues may look different. But isolating how this affects you will make you feel slightly more motivated.

There are many things like this: the car’s trunk, paperwork still not filed, my tax receipts, and the porch that needs to be hosed off.

They aren’t what’s bothering us now, so they don’t get done.

Here is one of several organizing tips for busy moms:

How to do it:

The extended version of this is covered in Stephanie Winston’s book Getting Organized. I have simplified and adapted this method to meet my specific needs and time constraints, but her excellent book provides a more in-depth look. You can find a link to this book on my bookshelf page here.

https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/books-for-single-moms/

The Short Rotating Master List.

Yes, I haven’t come up with an alternative name.

It lists ten things that take 15 minutes or less to complete. When one is done, it is taken off and replaced with the next one on the list.

It’s simple, and it goes something like this.

Master List

  • Bedroom closet
  • Clean underneath the boys’ beds
  • Back seat of the car
  • Take bags to secondhand stores.
  • Etc.

As one is scratched off, the next one takes its place.

Master List

  • Bedroom closet
  • Clean underneath the boys’ beds
  • Back seat of the car
  • Take bags to secondhand stores.
  • Etc.

We continue to replace items and move through the list.

Master List

  • Clean underneath the boys’ beds
  • Back seat of the car
  • Take bags to secondhand stores.
  • Etc.

Create a list of 10 items that need to be completed. Please resist the urge to make it longer. If we make it too complicated, they will not get it done.

We can do these things throughout the week when we have an extra 15 minutes.

In conclusion:

Many aspects of motherhood are not glamorous, and it’s easy to overlook those that are not in the forefront.

But in the long run, it causes anxiety, confusion, and embarrassment. We want to be women, actively engaged and in charge of our homes.

This will help alleviate our feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.