The picture shows a cluttered desk with both a to-do to-do list and a silent silent to-do list to remind you of all the work that needs to be done

Silent to do list theory

This time, I will introduce a concept that helps to visualise the actual amount of goods work. It is from Fumio Sasaki from the book Goodbye things. The theory is the silent to-do list. This was one of those "Yes!" moments for me, and I've heard my clients have also been inspired by this idea. How to manage the silent to-do list? What is it anyway?

In addition to all the identified activities (e.g. vacuuming, getting the mail), we have a silent to-do list in the "back of our minds", consisting of the attention required by all the stuff we own and the associated peripheral activities.

Who writes here?

The blog is written by a marketing pro-turned-professional-organiser, a mother of three, Henna Paakinaho from Pirkanmaa, Finland. I have strong track record managing both home and demanding career in busy years. Through Ruuhkaton I help my clients to focus on their everyday life instead of unnecessary stuff. Nice to have you here!

Each object and item that comes into your home brings with it a number of additional tasks, or new commitments to your to-do list. For example, when you buy a sweater, you commit to taking care of it. After a while, the sweater and its ruffles will be calling you to "take care of me", "remember to buy the wool detergent", "could you also hold me sometimes", etc..

Even if you've just cleaned and tidied up, there's still plenty to do at home, and it's all the work of this silent list. That list is pretty loud for being quiet. Should, should, should!

The picture asks for a passage from Mary Oliver's text, "Tell me how you are going to live / your only and precious life.
Would you choose all the commitments that goods bring and spend your time on them if they were more obvious?

The silent to-do list is very ruthless. These tasks rarely make it to the visible to-do list, which is why they remain vague, leaving only a strange feeling of inactivity. Now, if you look around your house, what all is there to do that you don't see?

We can start to think of ourselves as failing, because everywhere we look we get a return of "this is another thing I haven't done", "that should be done" or "you're still not using this". It's like juggling ten balls when you've had enough with three.

If you are unaware of the impossibility of the task, you may end up believing lies about yourself or blaming others without reason. In reality, no one can do the trick!

How to manage a quiet to-do list?

Know, filter, group and prioritise

To get your silent to-do list under control: know that every good is a commitment.

Every garment, appliance, vehicle or event has many functions. For example, clothing involves inventorying, comparing, purchasing, washing or servicing and finally recycling.

Avoid unnecessary goods and commitments

The fewer units you own, the fewer commitments you have to them. When you check off an item, you are at best checking off more tasks from your silent list.

Keep only the essentials. You can get them back if your life situation changes and you have time to look after more. You can read here my article, how the decluttering of our dishes went in the end.

Group goods that need the same type of care

This method gives your brain a bit of a rest, because by grouping either the same type of items or items that need the same type of attention, you can tackle several items on your list in one go.

For example, collect all the items that need repairing in one basket. You can repair more than one at a time. In this case, "repair trousers", "add a button" and "patch a hole", become "repair and maintain clothes".

You can put a calendar marker on this, so that it is visible on the to-do list and no longer vague. It also has a clear start and end.

Prioritise where you want to spend your time

When you file the tasks on your silent to-do list, you can prioritise where you spend your time. If an item brings unpleasant tasks that are not getting done and therefore screaming obscenities in your direction, could you get rid of it?

For example, if you want to be a home baker, but can't seem to find the time to bake right now: could you cut out this equipment that keeps reminding you of this disparity?

Or if you're skipping the care of your plants and have to look at sad, wilted plants day after day, could you give them up for a while? Read the experience of Eeva Kolufrom her blog.

Take control of your quiet to-do list today

In five minutes, set the bell to ring and take a good look around your home: what could you cut out to get rid of more tasks? Tick off the most obvious items and enjoy a shorter list.

The next time you're out shopping and bringing more stuff into your home, stop for a moment.

What kind and how many commitments does this object entail? Think about whether you want them all on your list. Also think about how you will eventually recycle responsibly.

In the photo: trained professional organiser Henna Paakinaho from Pirkkala, Finland

If you need tailored organisational help in Pirkanmaa, Finland for your home, I'm happy to help. I am a trained professional organiser Henna Paakinaho and organise homes via my company The Flow of Home .

I offer free consultation and a satisfaction guarantee for my work. Call 044 324 9483 or send me a message henna@ruuhkaton.fi

If you find it hard to change your habits or get your home declutter, don't stay alone. I help with home decluttering in Pirkanmaa, Finland and organise workshops to help you change your mind and skill set. Contact me!

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