The 5% That Never Gets Done
And how to tackle it!
As a homeowner, interior designer, DIY enthusiast, and busy mom, I’ve come to accept that no matter how much I accomplish in a day, there’s always that stubborn 5% that lingers undone. It’s the little things—counters that never seem to stay cleared, toys that mysteriously reappear, nail holes left unfilled, and rugs that never quite stay in place. The things that don’t take much time but always get pushed to “later” (which, let’s be honest, rarely comes). If you, too, have a lingering list of tiny tasks, you’re not alone!
Today, we’re tackling that elusive 5%—those small but annoying home maintenance and DIY tasks that often fall through the cracks. Let’s go over some of the most common ones and practical ways to finally check them off the list!
My biggest piece of advice: pop in your ear buds and listen to a book or podcast. ;)
1. The Never-Ending Clutter (Counters, Toys, & Laundry Piles)
The Issue: Counters collect mail, toys multiply overnight, and laundry stays in baskets instead of closets. The Fix:
Set a 5-Minute Timer: Pick one spot (kitchen counter, toy area, laundry basket) and do a quick tidy-up sprint. You’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish in five focused minutes.
Create a Drop Zone: Designate a basket or tray for mail, keys, and daily clutter to keep counters clear.
End-of-Day Reset: This has helped my mornings go so much smoother. Make it a habit to reset one area before bed—just one! Have you heard the phrase, “put your kitchen to bed”? That is the space I usually choose to reset, and it’s life changing.
2. The Little DIY Projects That Stay Half-Finished
The Issue: Filling in nail holes, adding carpet tape, touching up paint—so simple yet so easy to ignore. The Fix:
Keep a DIY Kit Handy: Gather essentials like a putty knife, spackle, touch-up paint, and carpet tape in one container so it’s ready when you have a few spare minutes.
One Task a Day Approach: Instead of overwhelming yourself with a full project list, commit to just one small fix each day/week.
Leverage Commercial Breaks: We stream TV and we still have ads and “zen” moments given to us while watching. Use those breaks to knock out a tiny task like dabbing on some spackle, securing that rug that keeps slipping, or starting the process of “putting your kitchen to bed”.
3. The Neglected Nooks (Baseboards, Light Switches, & Behind Furniture)
The Issue: These spots get ignored in the daily cleaning routine, but they collect dust and grime over time. The Fix:
Assign a Day: Pick a random weekday and designate it for neglected spots (e.g., “Wipe Down Wednesday”).
Use a Sock Trick: Slip an old sock over your hand and run it along baseboards or blinds—it’s quick and effective!
Tackle One Room at a Time: Instead of feeling like you have to clean the whole house, just focus on one room per week.
4. Kid & Family-Related Tasks That Get Ignored
The Issue: Small but necessary kid-related chores get pushed aside, leading to more chaos later. The Fix:
Updating Kids’ Closets: Have a bin ready for when items no longer fit. Throw them in the bin for another time. This is a quick and effective way to get the process started and when you have more than 10 min you can really get them ready to donate or sell.
Cleaning Out Backpacks & School Folders: Set a weekly reminder to purge unnecessary papers.
Fixing Broken Toys: If it’s been waiting for weeks, either fix it or toss it.
Labeling Bins & Baskets: This takes time, maybe one day you print out the label or picture if your kiddo is younger, and the next day when you have 5-10min you put them on the bins. This helps the kids (and you) know where things belong.
5. Household Maintenance Tasks That Linger
The Issue: Small but essential home maintenance tasks keep getting postponed. The Fix:
Replacing Burnt-Out Light Bulbs: Keep a small stash of bulbs in an easy-to-access spot. When you’ve used your last one, I always reorder in that moment so I have them on hand for next time.
Fixing Squeaky Doors or Misaligned Drawers: A little WD-40 or screwdriver action goes a long way.
Cleaning Out the Junk Drawer: Dump everything out, toss what’s unnecessary, and use small dividers to keep it organized.
Filing Away Important Documents: Have a designated space for those important documents, bills/school lists, for when you have more time to go through and file.
Scheduling Appointments: Set calendar reminders for dentist visits, car maintenance, and other must-do tasks.
6. The To-Do List That Never Ends
The Issue: There’s always one more thing to add to the list, making it feel impossible to finish. The Fix:
Write It Down, But Prioritize: Keep a list, but choose just three things to complete each day so you actually feel accomplished.
The “Two-Minute Rule”: If it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
Involve the Family: Assign simple tasks to kids (wiping baseboards, putting toys away) so you’re not tackling the 5% alone. This may not work everyday, but sometimes it might. ;)
The Takeaway:
That last 5% of lingering tasks might seem small, but over time, they add up and create stress. By being intentional—setting a timer, keeping a DIY kit handy, and tackling one tiny thing at a time—you can finally cross those tasks off your list.
So, what’s one tiny task you’ve been putting off? Pick one and do it today! You’ll be surprised at how much lighter it makes your home (and your mind) feel!
