Small Edits, Big Impact
For us in New Zealand, the New Year lands right in the heart of our golden summer. We aren't just halfway through a term; we are standing at the threshold of a completely fresh start.
While the sun is out and the school gates are locked, there is a natural urge to clear out the old to make room for the new. But let’s be honest: after a long year in the classroom, the last thing any teacher wants to do is spend their precious January holiday on an exhausting house-wide purge. Try the "One-Drawer" technique.
The Power of the Micro-Win
Clutter is often just "delayed decisions" that are rooted in fear or scarcity. We hold onto things because we might need them one day or because we feel guilty letting them go. For teachers, this is especially true, we are notorious for keeping every "just in case" resource and empty ice-cream container for future art projects.
The fix? Don't look at the whole house (or the whole classroom). Pick one tiny "micro-zone", like your sock drawer, your glove box, or the bag you take to the beach, and spend 10 minutes sorting and cleaning it. This small win proves to your brain that you are a person who is organised. That identity shift is far more valuable than the clean drawer itself.
Why "Small" is the Secret to Success
Most of us overestimate how long decluttering takes and underestimate the mental toll of a mess. Most people should be able to transform a cluttered drawer in 10 minutes.
When you simplify a small space, you stop leaking "micro-stress" every time you look at it. Instead of opening a cupboard and feeling a heavy "I should clean that," you open it and feel a sense of calm, like a mini trip to the spa.
The "Current You" Test
When you’re standing over that one drawer this summer, ask yourself these questions instead of "Will I need this someday?":
Does this item support my life right now?
Would I buy this for full price today?
Is this item worth the space it’s taking up in my home?
Focus on who you are becoming for the 2026 school year, not who you were three years ago.
Your Summer Challenge
This week, don't aim for a "perfect" house or a "Pinterest" classroom. Just aim for a little more clarity.
Pick one small spot. A bedside drawer, your kitchen "everything" drawer, or even just your wallet. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Clear it out, wipe it down, and only put back what you truly love or need.
Let’s head into Term 1 feeling lighter, one small drawer at a time. 🥂
