Hi I really appreciated reading how to clean and organize in 5 minutes. Timing yourself to do tasks is a great idea – I never thought about it quite in that way.

I have done something similar – for example, if I am waiting for something to heat up in the microwave (my coffee) – I think to myself that I have “found” 1 minute to do something – so I clean the front of the microwave, or take the rubbish out – some little chore rather than standing there watching the coursel go round. 

It almost becomes a little game – gee – it only took me x seconds to do that. Also, I use ad breaks – another slot of “found” time.  When I have stuff to do, I will watch a TV program, and the start of the ads is my signal to get up and do a little chore.  For example, I might have the dish washing to do (I don’t own a dishwasher), so in the first ad break, I run the water and put the glasses in to soak.  In the next break, I wash the glasses and put the plates in to soak and so on.  It’s amazing how much gets done.  Or, you can do a little bit of dusting or vacuuming in the break.

Cheers for now Kate in Cleveland, Queensland, Australia

Hello Kate,

I love to hear from our readers from down under. As a matter of fact I am reading yet another book that is set in Australia. I just love to read about your country.

I did the same type of thing you mentioned when I was really sick. I couldn’t clean the whole bathroom but I would make myself get up and clean the sink during the first 5 minute TV commercial and then the toilet during the next. That way I didn’t over do but at the same time I manage to get huge amounts done. I totally agree with what you said. Thanks, Jill