Free 5-Minute Task List

One of my secrets to being more productive is redeeming the small snatches of time that usually come up between other commitments. That’s why I created this Free 5-Minute Task List.

Having such a list of odd jobs I can knock off in 5 minutes or less helps me use my time wisely whenever such opportunities present themselves. Download and print a copy for your own use.

Make the Most of Your Time

On it you’ll find quick cleaning chores and organizational tasks, all of which can be done in a few minutes. Things like making your bed, emptying a dishwasher, dusting a room of furniture, starting a load of laundry, or cleaning out from under sofa cushions.

Need some fresh air and sunshine? Then head outside to sweep the porch, water your plants, or pull a few weeds.

Is the paperwork piling up on your desk? Set a timer for 5 minutes and sort through the mail, pay a few bills, review your to-do list, or organize a single drawer.

You’ll also find self-care reminders our free 5-minute task list. Use some of those small segments of time to take care of yourself or nurture your relationships with family and friends. Spend five minutes reading your Bible, saying a prayer, fueling your body with a healthy snack, or getting in a little exercise.

Or you can invest those same five minutes in somebody you love. Read a picture book to your child. Send a note to a friend. Make a cup of coffee or tea for your spouse.

Go for a Few Quick, 5-Minute Wins

Many of the daily tasks that demand our attention (like the ones listed below) can be completed quickly, in only 5 minutes or less. So stop waiting for a huge block of time to tend to household responsibilities or nurture your relationships, and do what you can in the small snatches of time that present themselves throughout the day.

In the Bedroom:

• Make the bed
• Hang up clothes
• Clear off nightstand

In the Kitchen:

• Empty dishwasher
• Load dishwasher
• Clean countertops
• Clean microwave
• Take stock of leftovers
• Toss anything expired
• Plan tomorrow’s menu
• Wipe down appliances

In Your Living Areas:

• Dust furniture
• Tidy room
• Vacuum rugs
• Clean under sofa cushions

In the Utility Room:

• Start a load of laundry
• Fold a load of laundry
• Sew on a button
• Mend a seam
• Clean lint traps
• Match socks

Outdoors:

• Sweep porch
• Put away abandoned shoes
• Water plants

Paperwork:

• Sort through mail
• Clear off your desk
• File papers
• Pay bills
• Review your to-do list
• Organize a drawer

Relationships:

• Read to your child
• Play a card game together
• Text encouragement to spouse
• Pen a letter to a loved one
• Share a cup of tea

Self-Care:

• Read your Bible
• Say a prayer
• Drink some water
• Do sit-ups/ jumping jacks
• Take a quick shower
• Eat a healthful snack
• File/paint your nails

Teach Your Family to Use Their Time Wisely, Too

Want to multiply your time and efficiency even further? Then recruit the rest of your family to help. Check out or age-appropriate chore chart for children. It will provide plenty of ideas for enlisting them to work right alongside you.

And for a task list that is organized room-by-room, check out our spring cleaning checklist.

Finally, I know multi-tasking has gotten a bad rap these days. But there are smart ways to multi-task that can improve your productivity even further. For suggestions on making multi-tasking work for you, check out this post.