Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Things to Declutter While Watching TV

While I was watching the Super Bowl earlier this week, I realized I could likely be doing some decluttering at the same time. I decided that night I could sort through coupons and store flyers. I also came up with a list of other ideas one could declutter while watching television:

  • Coupons 
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • A drawer from your desk
  • Recipes
  • Mail
  • Emails
  • Tax documents and receipts
  • Instruction manuals (I wonder how I know this one)
  • A purse or wallet
  • Make up drawer or bag
  • Apps on your phone
  • Paper files and piles of any kind
  • Craft supplies
  • A child's backpack or your backpack
  • Spices (check for expiration dates and toss if expired)
At times I have made an effort to get up during commercials to go do something. Sometimes it is to put away the laundry, turn off lights, fill out a form, get an item ready for shipping or other various small tasks that can be completed in the span of 4-7 minutes. 

We don't actually watch to much TV at our house. We have a maximum of three shows we watch during the span of one week. Otherwise we may put a movie on to watch together once, occasionally twice a week. It doesn't seem like a lot, but when we add it up, there is at least five hours of time that could be used to get a few extra tasks completed. 

Do you use the time you watch television to multitask? What other items could be decluttered watching television? Any other tasks? 




10 comments:

  1. At my house, if you're sitting and watching TV the two tasks are: folding towels and matching socks, things that I could easily do and just don't. We are TV junkies by some standards: Tuesday is Dance Moms and Thurs is Project Runway. The boys will randomly watch the History Channel which doesn't teach much about history ... actually! I like this list! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you mean your children have to match socks and fold towels if they are watching tv? I think that is good to have them help, while at the same time getting the enjoyment of a little television.

      Delete
    2. Obviously not all of the time, but if there is a laundry basket with unfolded towels and the bin of socks, the understanding is while you are watching, you will help. :)

      Delete
    3. I think that is a great way of handling those tasks!

      Delete
  2. Yes I can get a lot done while watching tv, or should I say when the tv's on (There's only so much Curious George and Ben and Holly I can watch) Folding laundry, sorting out mail, paperwork.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I can relate to that Sarah. Barney was a big one that I could not really watch as the repeated over and over again!

      Delete
  3. Oh but I only watch TV when I've given up on the day, ha! Like last night, I was just not feelin' too well (had been jittery all day) and needed a lie down. Didn't last long, of course, and then picked up some crochet while I was over there, but I actually already need to be doing something while watching TV in the first place xD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica, I think if I lived alone I would rarely watch TV! It would be a last resort for me. I would guess crocheting is more relaxing than television if you are jittery. :)

      Delete
    2. Indeed it was! Though I do like having it on for background noise!!

      Delete
  4. Commercials are so repetitive I use TV time for small mends and repairs, sew a button or a hem, take out a zipper to make sure I buy the right size/right colour I take the damaged on to the fabric store. I've sewn the tabs that hold kitchen chair pads in place several times.

    ReplyDelete