Some of my favorite minimalist influencers use the phrase "5 minutes matter". This is 100% true. Whether you're waiting on the kids to put on their shoes, watching the pan of brownies finish baking, or chilling during a commercial break - 5 minutes really matters. But it's what you choose to do with those 5 minutes that matters most. If you take just one or two 5 minutes sessions each day and really apply yourself, your home can be a much more peaceful and stress-free place to live. If you're in search of some great ways to spend your next 5 minutes of solitude, I've got the perfect list!

1) Fold a Load of Laundry

There are countless jokes about the bed, couch, or dining table being piled with clean laundry. But how long does it really take to fold that load of laundry that's been cluttering up your sofa for 2 days? Not long at all. I'd say you could fold most any load of laundry in 5 minutes or less. So, find the pile and fold it.

2) Load or Unload the Dishwasher

Nothing makes a kitchen look messier than piles of dishes on the counter or in the sink. If you're blessed to have a dishwasher, load it. It won't take more than a few minutes, and the machine does the rest of the work for you. The reduction in visual clutter will make your home a much more peaceful place to be. If your dishes are already clean, use this time to unload the dishwasher and put the items away.

3) Tidy a Messy Area

There is usually at least one clutter hotspot in most homes. This is a spot that attracts clutter regularly and is difficult to keep decluttered. Use your next 5 minutes to clear off one of these spots. Be sure to find homes for any stray items, so you will have a specific place to put them instead of just throwing them down the next time you're in a hurry.

4) Empty the Trash Bins

The presence of trash makes your area look and smell messy. Take this time to empty all of the trash bins in your house. Don't forget the small one under your desk. It's especially important to empty any bins containing food residue. You don't want the smell to lure in unwanted guests: I'm talking to you, Mr. Ant.

5) Sweep or Mop the Kitchen

Your area may be decluttered, but are your floors clean? If you have messy kids or pets, I know it often feels useless to even try to keep it clean. But I promise you will feel better even if your clean floor only stays clean for 5 minutes. So, grab your broom or mop and get to cleaning. I love my E-cloth mop. It removes 99.9% of germs with just water! Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3sM71rS

6) Vacuum any Rugs/Carpet

Even if your carpets look clean, dirt and germs can get trapped between fibers and worsen allergies and asthma. Save yourself the headache (literally), and keep those spaces vacuumed well. If you're on a tight budget, I have a budget-friendly cordless vacuum that I absolutely love! Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3FB5Enw

7) Wipe Counters & Tables

Never underestimate the power of a good wipe down of your table, bar, or counter. Crumbs, stains, and water spots all contribute to a messy feeling. And who wants to lay down the mail and realize it's all wet from a spill on the counter? Grab a rag, add your favorite cleaner, and let's scrub! My personal favorites are Jaws cleaners with refillable pods. They help the environment and save space if you like to keep extra cleaning products on hand. Check them out here: https://amzn.to/3FnlEcW

8) Clean your Toilet (Inside & Out)

One space I often forget (maybe a little on purpose) is the toilet. It's one of my least favorite jobs, but it's also one of the most satisfying when it's finished. I use my Clorox Toilet Wand to clean the inside, insert a Lysol Click Gel Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner to keep it smelling fresh for up to two weeks, and then wipe down the outside with disinfecting wipes from Aldi. Cleaning your toilet is probably much quicker than you think, so grab a brush and get it done.

9) Dust One Room

Dust often goes unnoticed when we're busy taking care of other household tasks, but try walking into your home and looking around from a guest's perspective. Are there cobwebs and dust bunnies? Grab a duster, and get them down so you aren't embarrassed the next time your mother-in-law comes over for a visit.

10) Declutter 5 Items

Removing five items from your home may not feel like much, but imagine this - If you remove 5 items from your home every day for a month, you've removed between 140 and 155 items. That makes a huge difference! Every single item you remove from your home pushes you toward peace with the process of letting go. Think about letting go of items you no longer use or love. The more you let go, the easier it gets.

I'd love to read your favorite 5-minute tasks in the comments. Thank you for your support. It means the world to me!!!

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