Winter Blues Got You Down? Try These Simple 5-Minute Habits to be Productive and Stay Organized
We get it—winter in Chicagoland feels like it lasts forever. The short days, cold weather, and endless gray skies can take a toll on your motivation. When it's freezing outside, it's easy to let things pile up—both physically and mentally.
But don’t let the winter blues bring you down! Daily, organizing habits can make a big difference in how you feel. Creating a sense of order in your space can help you feel more in control, which can boost your mood and motivation.
The best part? These three simple organizing habits take just five minutes but can have a lasting impact on your home and mindset.
1. Make Your Bed Every Morning
You’ve heard this advice before, but that’s because it works. Making your bed is a small, quick task that instantly makes your space look tidier. More importantly, it helps you start your day with a sense of accomplishment.
Naval Admiral William H. McRaven emphasized this habit in his famous speech:
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”
And isn’t that the truth? When your bed is neatly made, your entire bedroom feels more put-together. It sets a positive tone for the rest of your day, making it easier to tackle other small tasks.
Even if your day is chaotic, at least you’ll come home to a clean, inviting space—one that signals peace rather than disorder.
2. Keep a Donation Box in a Prime Location
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle an entire room at once, create a simple, decluttering system that makes the process effortless.
Here’s how:
Find an empty plastic bin, reusable bag, or even an old Amazon box.
Place it in a convenient location you pass often, such as a bedroom closet, laundry room, or near the front door.
As you move through your home, start noticing the items you no longer use or love. If something no longer serves a purpose, drop it in the box.
Questions to Ask Yourself While Decluttering:
Have I used this in the last year?
Does this item bring me joy or add value to my space?
Would someone else benefit from it more than I do?
By having a designated donation box within easy reach, decluttering becomes a gradual, stress-free habit instead of a daunting task you keep putting off.
Once the box is full, the hardest part is actually dropping it off! To make it easier, place the box in your car immediately and plan to stop by a local donation center on your next errand run.
3. Set Up a Recycling or Trash Bin Near Your Mail Drop
Does your mail pile up on the kitchen counter or dining table? You're not alone! Paper clutter is one of the most common organizational challenges. However, a simple five-minute habit can keep it under control.
Here’s what to do:
Place a recycling bin or small trash can near the area where you usually drop your mail.
As soon as you bring in the mail, take five minutes to sort through it.
Immediately discard junk mail, advertisements, and anything unnecessary.
Once this organizing habit becomes second nature, take it a step further by creating a designated system for important papers. Consider setting up separate folders for:
Bills to pay
Invitations or event reminders
Important documents (insurance, taxes, etc.)
By consistently handling mail as soon as it enters your home, you’ll eliminate the stress of cluttered countertops and forgotten bills.
Start Small—It Adds Up!
Studies show that it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. That might sound like a long time, but it’s really just over two months—and completely doable.
The key is to start small. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big projects, focus on these quick, manageable habits. Each small win builds momentum, making it easier to create an organized home that feels peaceful and clutter-free. Helping you with your winter organization.
Bonus Habit: The One-Minute Rule
If you’re looking for an extra way to stay on top of clutter, try the One-Minute Rule:
If a task takes less than one minute to complete, do it immediately.
This simple mindset shift can help prevent mess from piling up. Some examples include:
✅ Hanging up your coat instead of draping it over a chair
✅ Wiping down the kitchen counter after making a meal
✅ Placing shoes back in the closet instead of leaving them by the door
By handling small tasks in the moment, you prevent them from snowballing into more clutter later.
You’ve Got This!
Winter can be tough, but don’t let it drain your motivation. By incorporating these simple, productive five-minute habits into your daily routine, you’ll create a more organized, stress-free home.
Which habit will you start today?
Need assistance? Contact me today to learn more on how to stave off those winter blues and turn them into winter organization goals.
