1) Recruit your kids and make it a game.

Set a kitchen timer for 5 minutes and challenge your kids to accomplish ONE of the following before the bell rings:

• See if they can put ALL their own toys in bins and boxes (they might want to compete with each other to see who gets done first) OR
• See if they can fill a grocery bag with toys and books to donate so other kids can enjoy them. OR
• See if they can go through the public areas (living room, dining room, family room, kitchen) and put every single thing that belongs to them (clothes, toys, backpacks, schoolwork) into a tote and carry it to their room.

2) Make it a game for yourself.

Grab 2 empty containers  (bins, boxes and/or re-useable sturdy grocery bags)  and 2 garbage bags,  one large, one smaller.

• The first container is to collect the things that belong somewhere else (another room, your car, to be taken to the office, etc.).
• The second container is for things that can be donated (if it's cluttering your home, isn't it time to release it?).
• The larger garbage bag is for trash. Add the second, smaller bag inside the larger trash bag to separate items to be recycled.

Set a timer (or your cell phone alarm) for 5 minutes, and do a 5 minute de-cluttering of the ONE most public area of your home. When the timer rings, deliver the contents of each container to where it belongs, and then put your feet up.

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Kate S. Brown, CPO® Director, National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)