Procrastinator’s Corner: How to Trick Yourself Into Getting Things Done
Welcome to Philly Neat Freaks Newsletter, where we’ve got your back especially if you’re the GOAT of putting things off. This edition is all about embracing your inner procrastinator and still making progress. No judgment, just solutions, on your schedule.
5-Minute Moves for When You Can’t Even
We get it: Sometimes, the thought of organizing your entire space feels like climbing Everest in flip-flops. Here are a few bite-sized tasks you can crush in five minutes or less:
Trash Sweep: Grab a bag and toss anything you know is garbage—junk mail, broken pens, snack wrappers. Boom. Done.
One-Shelf Wonder: Pick one shelf (just one!) and reorganize it. Instant progress.
Timer Tidy: Set a timer for five minutes and see how much clutter you can relocate to its proper place. Make it a game—you versus the clock.
Digital Declutter: Delete five apps you haven’t opened in months or clear out your inbox spam. No sweat required.
Hack: Keep a donation box at all times. Every time you stumble across something you no longer need, toss it in. Minimal effort, maximum impact.
Deadline-Driven Decluttering: Because You’re Too Busy to Plan
Some of us thrive under pressure, so why not make that work for you? Here’s how to weaponize your procrastination:
The Guest Trick: Invite someone over. Nothing motivates a quick cleanup like knowing you’ve got company coming. But please, for the love of organization, DON’T stash everything in a reusable shopping bag.
Fake a Deadline: Tell yourself (and maybe others) that your new home office setup will be done by Friday. The external pressure will help get you moving.
Room Roulette: Pick a random room or area, set a timer for 15 minutes, and tackle whatever you see first. Spontaneous, but effective. Take a before and after picture and send it to a loved one.
Pro Tip: Prioritize visible areas for maximum impact. Start with entryways, countertops, or your desk—the spots you notice first.
The Art of Strategic Laziness in Organization
Why work harder when you can work smarter? These hacks are perfect for the efficiency-loving procrastinator:
The Two-for-One Rule: Every time you get up, take two things with you that need to go somewhere else. Example: Bring your coffee mug to the kitchen and grab the mail on the way back. In the restaurant biz we would call this “full hands in-full hands out”
Lazy Labels: Invest in bins and label them broadly (e.g., “Tech” or “Toys”). It’s better than piles on the floor. You can even use masking tape for labels til everyone gets used to the new flow. This works great for non verbal communication in busy households.
Drop Zones: Designate a spot for keys, bags, and mail near your front door to avoid the daily “Where did I put that?” panic.
Quick Fix: Hang hooks for jackets or bags. It’s easier than opening a closet and way faster when you’re in a rush.
Neat Freak Challenge: The 10/10 Declutter Dash
Got 20 minutes? Try this challenge:
Spend the first 10 minutes decluttering one small area (a drawer, shelf, or countertop).
Use the next 10 minutes to relocate everything you’ve decided to keep.
Snap a photo of your success and tag us on Instagram using #PhillyNeatFreaks. Seeing your progress inspires us too!
More Resources To Get You Going
Looking for new homes for your decluttered items? Check out our Philly Donations Google Map and Philadelphia’s Recycling and Donation Finder.
Solid tips from one of our favorite places, The Container Store: Our Top 12 Organization Tips.
Rent Blog asked, and we answered. Take a look at our advice in Rent by Redfin’s new article: Decluttering
Final Thoughts from Marlena
Being a procrastinator doesn’t mean you can’t live in a well-organized space. Small, intentional actions add up over time. So, whether you’re tackling a five-minute task or riding the adrenaline of a deadline, remember: Progress is progress, no matter how slow. You’ve got this.
Until next time, stay cool, and keep it neat.
