Have you ever noticed that if you give yourself an hour to clean out the fridge, you take
the full hour? But if you only give yourself 30 minutes, somehow, you still get it done?
That’s because work expands to fit the time we give it. If you allow a task to take all afternoon, it will take all afternoon. But if you set a timer and commit to finishing
faster, you’ll likely accomplish just as much—without dragging it out.
This phenomenon is often observed in workplaces, but it applies just as well to organizing at home. If you give yourself two hours to clean out your pantry, you’ll probably spend time overthinking where every item should go, pausing to wipe down shelves twice, or
getting distracted by an old cookbook.
But if you only allow yourself 30 minutes, you’ll move with more focus and purpose—and still get the job done.
Set a Time Limit and Stick to It
The best way to keep yourself on track? Give yourself a time constraint. Before you start a task, decide how long it should take, set a timer, and commit to wrapping it up when the time is up. Try these strategies:
Instead of setting aside a whole morning to declutter your closet, give yourself 45 minutes. Rather than an entire afternoon for organizing the garage, focus on one shelving unit for 30 minutes.
Sorting through paperwork? Limit yourself to 20 minutes and stop once the timer rings.
Working with a set time keeps you moving forward. It prevents perfectionism, eliminates unnecessary steps, and ensures the task doesn’t take over your whole day.
Good Enough is Good Enough
Another key to finishing tasks faster is recognizing when good enough is good enough. If you’re spending 10 extra minutes deciding whether to keep a single spatula, or if you’re reorganizing the same shelf three times to get it just right, you’re wasting time that
could be better spent elsewhere.
Work expands to fill the time we allow it—but we can use that to our advantage. Instead of waiting for a huge, open block of time to tackle a project, shrink the time, focus on smaller tasks, and move with intention. You’ll
get more done, avoid burnout, and free up more of your day for things you actually enjoy.
On another note, know someone who could use some comfort? My Gifts of Comfort Idea List is filled with thoughtful, practical gifts to lift spirits, provide warmth, and bring a little joy—perfect for anyone facing a tough time or just needing a
pick-me-up. 
