10 Minute Challenge: Nightstand

I’ve started giving myself 10 minute challenges. I set my timer for 10 minutes and tackle a household chore while my children are having a snack or lunch. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in only 10 minutes when you focus on the task. The 10 minute challenge is a weekly feature on Mommies with Cents. Each week, I will show you one of the things I was able to accomplish in 10 minutes. I encourage you to join me- it really easy amazing what you are able to achieve, even if it’s incremental, if you set your mind (and timer!) to it!

Every time I post one of these 10 minute challenge posts I’m embarrassed to let the world see how messy I can be.  My nightstand top and drawer have been out of control messy for quite some time.  It really bothers me but it’s really hard for me to find the time to take care of it.  There’s always something else that needs tending to.  I knew it would take longer than 10 minutes but I knew I could tackle it in increments if I had to so I finally made the leap.  The lighting in our bedroom is horrible but here is the before pic:The first 10 minutes I cleared and dusted the top and started sorting through the drawer.  I can’t believe how much junk had accumulated there.  At night, I often work on my laptop while sitting in bed and can never find a pen when I need it.  Look how many I found in the bottom of the drawer!  And hand lotion!

I was wearing the baby in a front carrier and my other two were having a snack while I worked.  Parker spit up down my shirt in middle of this task so I had to stop the timer for a few minutes to clean up.  I wanted to just get it done so I gave the older two some play doh to keep them busy while I finished up.  I was able to do two nearly back to back 10 minute sessions and mission accomplished!  I threw so much stuff away!  It’s funny looking at the picture because it still looks like there is a bunch of junk in that drawer but now it’s more organized (even if it doesn’t look like it!) and I can find what I need when I need it.

I’d love to hear ways you manage your time at home with kids. Please share your tips with me and our other readers by leaving a comment, then come back next week for another 10 minute challenge!