Use the 5×5 Method to Make Cleaning Less Tedious
I am a firm believer in any approach to cleaning that is done over several days. Taking your time, using a schedule , and limiting how much you do each day to stay motivated are important aspects of actually getting work done. This is why I really like the 5×5 method from The Secret Slob . It covers the elements of working in small chunks and planning your cleaning, but it also gives you structure that other methods don’t have.
What is the 5×5 cleaning method?
Using the 5×5 cleaning method, you choose five zones to focus your cleaning on and then complete them in 25-minute cycles. This is a little longer than the 15 minutes I usually recommend for quick daily cleaning sessions, but the shorter five-minute sessions included in the program even out the time.
Since you’re treating five zones in five minutes each, it’s best for quick cleaning and decluttering rather than more intensive disinfecting and/or decluttering. Obviously, cleaning is not a one-time task, so adding variety to your routine can boost your motivation. Consider spending a few weeks doing rounds of 5×5, and then scheduling other, deeper sets for a few weeks, alternating back and forth so you can get everything done without getting bored doing the same thing all the time.
How to use the 5×5 cleaning method
When using this technique, you need to stick to a schedule. This is similar to the Pomodoro productivity method in that you set a timer and limit yourself to cleaning only during the 25 minutes you have allocated to cleaning. As you schedule those 25 minutes, keep time blocking and time management techniques in mind: In your overall daily schedule, set aside exactly 25 minutes somewhere for cleaning, using a 5×5 approach; When that time comes, get straight to work, focusing on cleaning during that time. When the time is up, stop. Knowing that you’ll have to stop when the timer goes off will allow you to focus on the task while you’re doing it; Knowing you’ll get back to it during the next day’s block will ease your anxiety about not getting everything done.
Once you’ve chosen a continuous 25-minute block and committed to cleaning during that time, choose five zones to focus on. They should be small, such as a table, cabinet or shelf. Don’t devote five minutes to, say, the bathroom, but rather to much smaller areas of it. Identify five zones, then work on each for exactly five minutes. In general, it’s best to keep zones close together—don’t jump from the kitchen counter to the nightstand. Each 25-minute episode can be dedicated to a specific room or area to help you stay focused and see more tangible results every time when the time is up.
Focus on the general needs of each area, such as clearing surfaces and removing unnecessary items. These are quick actions designed to have a big impact over time, so don’t get carried away with more intensive actions like reorganizing areas. You can (and will) do this another day.