13 Things That May Not Be Obvious To You

Hi Frum Minimalist's!

As a Time Management Coach and course instructor, I’m always surprised by how many women tell me, “Wow, I never thought of that!” 

So, I thought it would be fun to go through a few of the things I think everyone should know- and I'd love to hear your ideas too! 

Quick Note Before We Start

I’d love for you to join me next Tuesday, the 28th at 4:40 PM Israel time, at The Coaches Convention. I’ll be talking about how Frum Minimalism can jumpstart or hugely grow your career success — and even though it’s called The Coaches Convention, it’s not just for coaches!

It’s for any woman who knows she has unique strengths and wants to use them. The tools and mindsets we’ll be discussing apply to every woman. And the best part? It’s totally free!

(Have trouble signing up? Email info@petalscoaching.com for help.)

SIGN UP FOR FREE →

1. Prepare Everyone’s Clothing the Night Before

Every single person should have their full outfit ready for the next day, head to toe, including shoes.

You can put everything in a little basket so it's neat. It saves the morning chaos!

Also, if you don’t have a “uniform” (I talk about this in Reset Your Home Courseand my book), create one. It makes getting dressed ten times easier.

2. Think About Dinner the Night Before

Please, don’t wait until 5 p.m. to ask, “What’s for dinner?”

Your protein for tomorrow, chicken, fish, meat, whatever it is, should already be bought and defrosted tonight. Missing ingredients? Make sure they’re in your home before bed.

I go much deeper into my meal system in my book and meal planning course (free with Reset Your Home), it’s seriously the best one ever, but even this small habit will change your day completely.

3. Review Your Week Before It Starts

I am huge on this! I do it Motzei Shabbos, and some students do it Sunday or even Friday if they want to go into Shabbos calm and ready.

Go over appointments, see what’s coming up, check your calendar, and make sure it all fits, for you, your kids, and your husband.

4. Write Things Down

So many women “just remember everything in their head.” Please don’t.

That mental load is exhausting. I always say “get it out of your head and onto paper.” And yes, science shows that writing by hand (not typing) helps your brain process better and reduces stress.

5. Clean the Bathrooms. Every Night!

Yes, every night.

Wipe the sink, swish and wipe the toilet, clear and wipe the counter, quick floor clean, done. Do it while your toddler’s in the bath (safely, of course!) or while brushing your teeth.

And yes, your kids should do this in their bathrooms too, from around age three. I cover this in Raising Minimalist Kids (free with Home Reset), teaching them to take care of their own spaces is a really important life skill.

6. Hang Up Clear Lists Around the House

Game changer.

Create lists for everything: how to put food neatly in the fridge, what to check before leaving for school, how to clean up after a shower, how to do laundry. (See more about S.O.P.s, standard operating procedures, on my blog.)

I don’t like being a naggy mommy. I don’t want to sound like a policewoman so I let the lists do the policing and nagging for me.

7. Wash and Replace Things Regularly

• Hand and kitchen towels: at least once daily

• Backpacks: monthly (more often for little kids)

• Linen: weekly minimum

• Sponges: replace weekly

• Strollers and car seats: ideally no eating in them, but if kids do, wash regularly

(see more on my blog.) 

8. Time Blocking

This one changed my life. I give every task a place in my day, cleaning, errands, food prep, work, everything. It keeps my brain calm because I’m not juggling 100 mental tabs.

(Check out my blog and search “Time Blocking” to see exactly how I do it.)

9. Empty and Clean Your Sink Before Bed

You’ve probably heard this one before, but I’ll repeat it.

Waking up to a clean sink = instant calm.

Waking up to a pile of dishes = instant stress.

This is one of my non-negotiables. (Search “Non-Negotiables” on my blog for more.)

10. One Load of Laundry, Start to Finish, Every Day

I don’t believe in “laundry day.” I also don’t keep enough clothes in the house to go a full week without washing! Doing one load daily means no overwhelming piles.

Plus, stains don’t sit. Win-win.

11. Clean Your Fridge Before Putting Groceries In

By the time you shop, your fridge should be almost empty, it’s for short-term use only, not long-term storage. Quickly wipe the shelves, then put the new food in.

12. Set “Reset Times”

I do a morning reset in the kitchen and main areas myself, and a family 10-minute after-dinner reset before bedtime. The kids are responsible for their rooms, beds, and bathroom.

Do this 1-3 times a day, and the house (usually) never fully explodes. (Raising Minimalist Kids covers exactly how to get kids on board- and is free when you sign up to Reset Your Home Course.)

13. Do Not Disturb = Your New Best Friend

Turn it on. Use it daily.

I go into this in depth in my Phone class(free with Home Reset), and check the blog for my phone-use articles too.

These little things might sound small, but once you start doing them, you’ll realize how much calmer, lighter, and more in control your home, and your mind, can feel. 

And that's what Frum Minimalism is all about:)

Till next time!

Warmly,

Ellie

For more resources: Check out  Reset Your Home Course - a comprehensive Frum Minimalism course where you declutter every area of your home and life! My book comes free with the course, plus so many other courses are included too.

For a full list of all courses, click here - scroll two pages.

You can also grab the Frum Minimalism book on Amazon click here.

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