Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness

by Gretchen Rubin

END EACH STAGE OF YOUR DAY WITH THE “TEN-MINUTE CLOSER.” We give children transition times to help them move from one activity to the next, and adults benefit from transitions as well. Before you leave work, take ten minute to put things in order. This transition time helps to mark the end of the day—and it also makes it far more pleasant to return in the morning. Glance over your calendar for the next day (this step has saved me a lot of trouble) Throw away trash, such as food wrappers or dry pens, and remove dirty dishes Put loose change in a change cup Stash pens, paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, and other supplies (by the end of the day, I have seven pens scattered across my desk) File or discard any papers that you no longer need Close any open drawers or doors Shred Put away anything set in a transitional space, such as folders “temporarily” placed on the floor Pack up anything that belongs at home For extra credit: Do a ten-minute email blast. For ten minutes, go as fast as you can through your email inbox and blast out as many responses as you can. Unsubscribe to any unwanted email newsletters.