Photo courtesy of Meanest Indian Life Laundry Day: Get Your Affairs in Order Each Week to Clear Your Mind
One of the least likable characters in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Count Vronsky, has a habit that I really like: every now and then he has a “laundry day” where he puts all his affairs (financial, career, etc.) in order, and completely clears his mind.
And when he’s done “doing his laundry” (he doesn’t actually wash his clothes), he feels like a new man. His friend says it always looks like he just got out of a bath.
Designating a day to put your affairs in order — a “Life Laundry Day” — is a great way to straighten things up in your life, get your mind clear, and make you feel like a new person. I know that every time I get everything taken care of, I feel amazing.
How would a Life Laundry Day work? It’s simple: designate one day each week or each month, depending on what works for you, for putting things in order. Maybe that’s a weekday, if you can spare it, or perhaps a Saturday if that’s better. Maybe it’s the first of the month. Make a list of the things you need to do that morning, or the night before, and then try to knock off all the things on the list — or as many as possible.
Think of it as a GTD Weekly Review, where you clean up your system, but instead of just making lists, you actually take care of as much as you can.
Alternatively, you could do everything as it comes in each day (pay a bill when it comes in, clean as you go, etc.) and that’s often the best method. But even if you do that, as I try to do, there will be things that slip between the cracks, or things you didn’t have time to do during the rest of the week. And that’s why we all need a Life Laundry Day now and then.
Here are some of the things you can tackle — but you don’t have to do all of them. Choose the ones that you think would do the most for you, in clearing your mind.
Financial. Create or update your list of debts, and go over your plan to pay these debts. Make a debt payment if possible. Do the same thing with your bills, and any other expenses. Update your spending plan and checking register/personal finance program. Feel the bliss when you’re done.
Paperwork. You should have one inbox in your home, and another at work, where all incoming papers go. I recommend clearing these inboxes each day, processing each paper in them until you get to empty. However, if there is paperwork here during your Life Laundry Day, get the inbox processed and empty.
Cleaning. Is your house (or workspace) a mess? Do a quick clean so that things are nice and tidy. You don’t necessarily have to do any deep cleaning — you can do that another day if you like — but you can if you have the time or the inclination.
Errands. Instead of doing errands each day, I definitely recommend that you do them one day a week. If they can fit in with your Life Laundry Day, so much the better — it’s great to take care of everything at once, including errands, so see if you can fit them into your day.
Repairs and maintenance. Little things need to be fixed — maybe a faucet is leaky, maybe a button came off your pants, maybe your car needs an oil change — and we often don’t have time to take care of these things right away. Do them on Life Laundry Day, and feel great afterward.
Career. This is the time to take a step back and think about your job, and your career in general. How do things seem to be going? If they’re not going well, what needs to be done? Make a plan to get things going in the direction you want them to go.
Relationships. What are the state of your most important relationships? Have you been regularly spending time with the people you love most? If not, make appointments or dates to do so, right now. Are there any people who you need to contact, that you haven’t talked to in a long time? Call them now. Anyone who you aren’t talking to because of some silly grudge? Call them now and make up — life is too short for grudges.
Goals. Review your life goals. Are these still the goals you have for yourself? Which one are you focusing on right now — if you’re not just focusing on one, choose one and make that your priority. What are you doing to further that goal along? Put the next action item for that goal on your calendar or to-do list, and get back on track!
Clutter. If you have time, a Life Laundry Day is a great day to do some decluttering. Clear the clutter out of your closet, your bookshelf, your counters or tabletops, your floor, your (shudder) garage. Put all the stuff you don’t need in bags or boxes, and put them in your car to donate or recycle.
When you’re done with your Life Laundry Day (and it can just be a few hours or a half day if you like), rejoice in the wonder that is your life. Feel the beauty of a life that’s in better order. Hallelujah!
- Posted on 21 July 2008 in Habits, Productivity & Organization |
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Comments (58)
Suzie Cheel Says:
July 21st, 2008, 6:03 am
I love your posts Leo and admire your ability to be so organized. I realized the other day I need to get Zen to Done out- somewhere along the year I had slipped off the path.
What do you do to get back on track?
Shamelle @ TheEnhanceLife.com Says:
July 21st, 2008, 6:40 am
I remember sometime ago one of my cousins used a similar concept to organize his messy life! He made a joke about “Sprint cleaning his life!”
Great concept. I suppose it has to be a continuous process to be effective.
Ken Allan Says:
July 21st, 2008, 6:51 am
Kia ora!
I often wonder about the work-ethic, its roots and how it evolved. There are many little sayings that summarise some of what you list here. “Cleanliness in next to godliness” - “A stitch in time saves nine” - “A tidy house means a tidy mind”, etc. I wonder how they first originated - not the sayings but the sentiments behind them.
I’ve sometimes taken the opportunity to watch little animals at their idle toil - but they’re not idle. Mice, hamsters and other little rodents will sit and preen, as do cats and birds. Even humble flies will land in sunny spots and while away moments preening their antennae and wings.
Do these apparently soul-cleansing routines have a common ancestry? Could it be that, way back along the evolutionary thread of life there was a need for even the most primitive mind to seek solace and contentment, through a routine of establishing order? What is this need the living have to reduce the entropy around them?
Ka kite
from Middle-earth
Sara Says:
July 21st, 2008, 7:02 am
What a great post!
I try to do this each Sunday night. I use the 7 Habits/First things First idea of a file for each person. During the week each piece of paper goes in that persons file and then on Sunday night, when everyone is fresh shiny and tired, I quietly review each file and then slot things in during the week. Big rocks first.
You inspire me Leo. What a guy.
Sara in Sydney
Emma Says:
July 21st, 2008, 7:18 am
Great post. I read it thinking, I would never find the time to do all this. Then I realised that was really negative… I’m going to go for it. One day a month after my son has gone to bed… starting tonight!
A couple of hours is better than nothing.
Pete Says:
July 21st, 2008, 8:20 am
I think the most important part of this message is creating time to take care of you. Most of us think that our normal routines for work and life are more important than taking care of ourselves, when actually, if we take care of ourselves, we will excel at work and life.
Great post.
Eric Says:
July 21st, 2008, 8:26 am
Your post causes me to reflect on the fact that we even *need* a Life Laundry Day… where our lives are so hectic in this fast-paced society, and there is so much that needs to be done. The question for me is wondering if it is possible to slow things down so that I don’t have to have a catch-up day! ;)
Adam Sicinski @ Study Matrix Art Says:
July 21st, 2008, 8:42 am
This is a wonderful concept Leo. Personally I get caught up in the process of just “living” and things tend to pile up.
It is so easy for us to put things off till the next day, week, month or even year. Yet our perspective is somewhat clouded in these instances - we never fully realize that putting things off (even the most irrelevant things) is actually an incredibly unproductive way to manage our lives as it fills our mind with thoughts that clutter our judgment and process of decision making.
Doing the laundry on a regular cycle will keep things clean, organized and clutter free. And this can only help us transform the way we think and tackle our most important daily tasks and activities.
Cheers
Irene | Light Beckons Says:
July 21st, 2008, 8:54 am
Hi Leo, I like this idea of having a laundry day each week to tidy things up. Come to think of it, I am already doing this but I don’t cover as many things as you’ve mentioned … I do agree that they are ALL important though. Hmmm, perhaps I need 2 laundry days each week then! Hopefully my mind will feel doubly clear once the “chores” are done. :D Great post.
Ryan @ Smarter Wealth Says:
July 21st, 2008, 8:54 am
I think this is a great idea. A good idea to get everything sorted and in order. That way if one thing swings out of balance and you have too much or too little of it you can realise that and then put it back in order.
I am definately going to try this though I don’t think I will take a whole day to do it. I would get too bored. Maybe take an couple of hours to do it. To just go somewhere alone with a piece of paper and a pen and write down how everything in my life is going.
Thanks for giving us categories too. I think splitting your life into categories helps us to make sure that we are on the right track in all areas. Making a lot of money doesn’t equal success if your relationships are not in order. Like I said before everything needs to be in balance.
Thanks for the post leo
Mary Says:
July 21st, 2008, 8:58 am
My husband and I do this on Sunday evenings before he goes to bed. We finish tidying up around the house, then we go over anything that has come up during the week. After that, we discuss the upcoming week and firm up any plans we have.
It’s not as thorough as what you’ve posted, perhaps, but it gives us a feeling of clarity going into the new week.
Lisa Says:
July 21st, 2008, 9:10 am
This is so great. As Pete said, it’s essentially paying close attention to your life and caring for the people/things that really matter.
When I’m organized and clutter is cleared, I feel energized and empowered. It helps me to move forward with my life and to receive all the good.
Lisa
http://www.Holistic-Treatment-for-Depression.com
“Your Daily Foothold to Happiness”
Traci Says:
July 21st, 2008, 9:14 am
Thank you for this post! I do this monthly during the week, usually a Monday. I take a mental health day off from work. I find that this day really eases my mind and allows me to organize my life, not to mention my husband’s life, too. I do feel better after, and I feel ready to take on the month!
Thanks again!
Alison Wiley Says:
July 21st, 2008, 9:30 am
Amen to everything you said. And, the clarity we gain ends us making us kinder to others. Another simple organizational technique I’ve used periodically for many years is summarized in my article http://www.diamondcutlife.org/?s=Inconvenient+truth+of+the+168
warm wishes,
Alison in Oregon
LobotoME Says:
July 21st, 2008, 9:41 am
Love these tips! I usually do all errands on Monday (get them out of the way for the week) and spend Sunday evenings getting organized for the week ahead - that way I at least start the week of right!
jenny :)
Charlotte K Says:
July 21st, 2008, 10:03 am
Your post has me wondering how old you are. I think the older you are, the more sympathy you come to have for Count Vronsky, rather than the passionate, selfish lovers. Anna K is my favorite book and one of the reasons is its complexity of character. It was fun to see this example in your column today.
Laurie | Express Yourself to Success Says:
July 21st, 2008, 10:22 am
This is brilliant - thank you! Just reading it has made me feel calmer about all the things I have to get done and the variety of the tasks to do. It never occurred to me to schedule a day - I just try to squeeze chores or planning into my regular schedule but either don’t get it done or it gets done poorly. I think my First Life Laundry Day will be this Thursday and I’m looking forward to it. Thanks again.
Heather Says:
July 21st, 2008, 10:59 am
Just yesterday I was thinking about this very concept (only I didn’t have a name for it) for my 21yr old stepson. He has a terrible time getting around to anything to do with money. Paying bills, filing his income taxes etc… I trying to think of how to get the idea of “Once a month spend 1 day doing this stuff”
Apon reading your blog I realize that I need this as much as he does. I personally could spend a day on each of the categories you’ve outline let alone one day for them all!
I can’t see finding a whole day ever to spend on my life laundry, let alone one day a week or even a month but I can spend a couple hours after the baby is in bed doing something. So I think Monday night is going to be “Relationships night” from now on. :)
Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:11 am
What if you added to the relationship section by setting aside time to get things done with your spouse? I mean, work together to get things cleared out that fit into both your goals. Or even spend the time to create some relationship and family goals.
I’m off to clear away a few things form the list.
I have Zen Fever! Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:27 am
Leo - Great Post. Lot’s of ideas. Thanks.
Vered Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:32 am
Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books. :)
Interesting idea. I guess it’s a good way to make yourself look at the bigger picture.
Evelyn Lim Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:35 am
I’ve designated “laundry days” every once in a while to clear the errands on my to-do list. If I don’t set aside the time, I find that I don’t get to them.
Thanks for the reminder that I need to do this once again soon! The clutter on my desk is just appalling!
Evelyn
Eric Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:35 am
This is an incredible idea, and one I’ve been trying to focus on for a while without even realizing it. Throughout the week, my house becomes a mess. While the dishes are cleaned and put away every night, the stovetop and counters are often neglected. My workspace collects unnecessary papers. Dirt always finds a way to sneak in the door and over the stairs. Before I started my weekly habit of tidying things up, the house would become unliveable after a short period of time.
I started the habit of cleaning up about a year ago, and more recently added the balancing of my personal finances to that to-do list as well.
I do think I need to add a more personal touch to my “laundry day,” though. Cleanliness is about pure functionality, and financial balance is more about structure and order than personal fulfillment … at least for me. Somehow I need to find a way to focus more on relationships and my personal life while doing the “laundry.” I’m confident it will help me in more ways than I can imagine.
Stephen Martile Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:44 am
I’ve always looked at the laundry list as a structure to put in place that will help reclaim my integrity…..
In simple terms I think being in integrity means to do what you know and say you will do.
I’m not a big fan of doing laundry but I am big fan of having a structure in place to help me keep my promises.
Vern at AimforAwesome Says:
July 21st, 2008, 11:46 am
I’d like to send my laundry out for cleaning…. pay someone to take care of some of this laundry that I despise taking time away from ‘productivity time’ to do.
That’s a lot of different types of laundry to get done once a week! It’s safe to say I won’t do this… I think I should, but I don’t see it happening Leo!
Certain types of laundry can build up and scrape the ceiling for me and I’m ok with that. In Thailand it’s even better. Standards are lower. No expectations - literally none to meet from others. Everything is on your own standards.
Relationships, Goals and Errands I get done on a daily basis. They’ve gotta be ‘right’ each and every day. The other things - yeah, they really do need a weekly looking at - but uhhhhhhhhh…
Marc and Angel Hack Life Says:
July 21st, 2008, 13:30 pm
Clutter… grrr…
I ask myself this question evey morning when I sit down at my desk:
Is there anything here I no longer need?
Elizabeth Gage Says:
July 21st, 2008, 13:40 pm
I like the ideas but I mainly wanted to thank you for the perfect photo.
Toblerone @ Simple Mom Says:
July 21st, 2008, 13:52 pm
Great post, Leo! Feels like one of your tried-and-true articles, so thanks for sharing.
Two things I do that remind me of this:
• About every other week, my husband and I have what we call a “fizzy drink date night.” A store across from our home sells these fun little drinks we normally don’t get, but we buy one for each of us, and after the kiddos have gone to bed, we sit out on our balcony with our drinks. We each come with a list of things on our mind - the budget, disciplining our kids, chores, etc. We just talk through those things, kinda like a staff meeting.
• The other thing I do to make it so I don’t have to declutter on these “life laundry” days is quote the following mantra anytime I’m picking up the house - “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or do not believe to be beautiful” (William Morris). I pick something up and quickly ask “Is it useful?” and “Is it beautiful?” If I can answer yes to either of those questions, it stays. If both answers are no, then it goes into a box for charity or to sell.
Amy Says:
July 21st, 2008, 15:59 pm
Thanks for this idea. I need it! There are so many little things that get postponed but are so hard to deal with as they pile up. Cleaning is my biggest sore spot. Tonight will be my first laundry list day, for just a couple of hours, but I’m sure it will help!
Michael Moniz Says:
July 21st, 2008, 16:40 pm
It is so important to keep uncluttered.
I set a day a month where anything I have not touched in the last 30 days is gone. It is a way to keep from collecting stuff.
I also made sure to reduce items I collect during the month. Reminding myself I do not need it and will only end up donated by the end of the month.
The best thing I do is make my one day a month a party! I go out and get a Starbucks, play loud music and just enjoy the time cleaning away and getting rid of stuff I do not need.
At the end, I reward myself by time at the pool, reading a new book. I noticed the reward at the time help sme keep motivated and to complete the task each month so it never becomes an all day event. :)
Andrew K. Says:
July 21st, 2008, 17:52 pm
Great post! I am definitely going to give this a try, starting today.
Zendad Says:
July 21st, 2008, 18:05 pm
When you’re a parent it seems like everyday is “laundry day” in the literal sense and in your reference. I try to keep on top of these duties daily and some fall by the wayside. I then have true “laundry days” where I just designate to catch up on stuff while my daughter is in daycare. Great post Leo, keep the tips coming!
Zendad
http://www.zendad.net
Leo Says:
July 21st, 2008, 18:12 pm
Thanks for the great comments everyone! I’m glad you liked the post — it’s something I’m trying to make more regular in my life, as opposed to just “every now and then.”
And thanks to those who’ve added their experience to this post!
Kristin Says:
July 21st, 2008, 19:44 pm
Thank you Leo ~ I’m going to print this out and post it on my wall for a reminder!!!!
tiffanie Says:
July 21st, 2008, 21:18 pm
what a great thing to live by! i may start doing this every Monday :)
Thomas Johnson Says:
July 21st, 2008, 22:27 pm
Nice post, it really is good to step back and take a look at how things are progressing in relation to your big goals. I don’t do it anywhere near often enough.
Shilpan | successsoul.com Says:
July 21st, 2008, 22:28 pm
Leo - Excellent article. I’m a big fan of simplicity and this article resonates well with my thoughts. The simpler we make our life, happier we become.
Masked Editor Says:
July 21st, 2008, 22:39 pm
I’ve enjoyed coming to this site…..it has encouraged me to get a grip on my life and finances, to which I’ve started a site: http://www.artofbeingbroke.blogspot.com, where I am going to start chronicling my daily spending habits, it’s the only way to grip on life in NYC! Wish me Luck!
etavitom Says:
July 21st, 2008, 23:11 pm
such a wise post. thank you very much for the encouragement and wisdom…
Rose Garden Says:
July 21st, 2008, 23:27 pm
My whole life is a long string of “laundry days.” I just can’t figure out where all the “dirty laundry” is coming from :-)
Actually, I’ve been trying to spread the joy across more days of the week so I have some bigger blocks of time to be doing something other than chores! But I seem to be hooked on the satisfaction of a load of fresh clean, warm laundry…neatly folded and put away.
Sara at On Simplicity Says:
July 21st, 2008, 23:28 pm
Yep, it’s called “Saturday.” Best of all, it can actually be fun. I put on loud, crazy music and just dance my way through all the chores. I highly recommend Prince for both car maintenance and toilet scrubbing. (Just don’t accidentally use the brush as a mic…)
Leo Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 0:13 am
@Ryan: Good question! At one point, I was posting 2-3 times a day. But that was overwhelming for a lot of readers, and for me, so I switched to 6 days a week, once a day. Even then, a lot of readers said I was posting too much for them to read, as many of my posts are long. So I’ve gradually found a balance, and I think 4-5 times a week has been working well for me and for readers. I try to post quality posts just about every time I post, so that while my posts are less frequent than some blogs (but more frequent than others), they are key posts every time.
Thanks for the question!
Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 0:19 am
My Life Laundry Day is on Sunday. (It’s also my actual laundry day!) I use the time to do some cleaning, review my mission statement, and make plans for the week that cover the four areas I value most (body, mind, heart, and soul). I can’t think of a better way to get things going!
DanGTD Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 2:04 am
Great post.
Clearing clutter can transform your life by releasing negative emotions, generating energy, and allowing you to create space in your life for the things you want to achieve.
But it has to be done on a regular basis, because the truth is, there is no end to clutter. The mail will keep coming, bills will show up, thre will be setbacks in career or relationships, etc.
Donna Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 5:34 am
Thanks for the insightful article Leo! I would have posted last night but got down to some “life laundry” instead:)
I feel much better too for it! Thank you for your wisdom!
karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 8:55 am
We all need to clean house every now and again. If we can set-up one of these suggestions from Leo to do each month we can stay on top of our life. It’s all about creating the routine.
Leo, do you have a schedule when it comes to doing your life laundry?
DASO Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 11:18 am
I really need to do that, I think that Sunday is the best for it. Thanks a lot for this post.
eUy Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 12:42 pm
I’ve gotten so much out of your posts and site in general. Thank you for adding the intangibles to my life.
Stephen Smith Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 12:56 pm
The weekly review is an important part of how I keep things straight. I like to get my “laundry day” done on Friday, before the weekend and the time that I set aside to relax.
nick Says:
July 23rd, 2008, 22:10 pm
It’s amazing how these simple tips can really take the stress out. walking into a cluttered or dirty room can really take away your energy
United Voices Says:
July 30th, 2008, 11:39 am
I really think I should also get my affairs (my errands) cleared. Cause, my projects are getting stacked up and my clients have started to get grumpy that their projects are not being completed or started on time. Which in turn ends up as the project gets elongated.
Sometimes, I get scared about all the workloads on my shoulders. Man, I’ve got to get in Order.
Ian Parker Says:
August 1st, 2008, 13:01 pm
Not sure how I managed to miss this post, but it is excellent. It hit on several things I have hanging over my head lately. This Saturday is Life Laundry Day. Great post, Leo.
Mischa Says:
August 2nd, 2008, 21:50 pm
I LOVE this idea! I definitely don’t have the time to finish all the errands everyday…It’s like a “catch-up” day. Brilliant idea!
Leslie Says:
August 14th, 2008, 16:38 pm
This is so great! It’s funny, because I’ve been thinking for the last couple of weeks as things have been piling on top of each other at work, that I really need to set aside a day each week and just take care of the piles on my desk - you know, all the little stuff that gets shoved aside because I was in the middle of something else, or things that needed a little more attention than I had time to give them at the time. And then this post comes along! (Obviously, I’m a little behind in my blog reading, as well.) What a brilliant idea!
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