1) The first time you use a timer it is a good experiment to start by setting your timer for 15 minutes. Now work steadily at the job before you and don't stop till the 15 minutes are up. Let the timer do the thinking for you and just keep moving to meet the deadline and you will see that fifteen minutes of cleaning brings so much more result than you would have expected.

Now that you are convinced try these other ideas.

2) Are you the type to get stuck deep cleaning when what really needs to be accomplished is a once over ? Or do you hate the deep cleaning and never get to it. Either way the timer can set you free. Set it for fifteen minutes and make an agreement with yourself that when the timer rings you will leave the closet you have become obsessed with taking apart and putting back together again and instead go into the kitchen and clean up the dishes that have been on the counter since yesterday.

If you are dreading the reorganization of the closet set the timer to light up your motivation and pace, then make an agreement with yourself that you will work hard and steady till the time is up. You can use these strategies each day till the project is completed.

3) I never found anything that helped kids with their chores better than a timer. Break their chores into 5-15 minute segments, let them put on their favorite music, set their timers (buy them their own if possible) and let the race begin. They can even keep a record of how their time compares from day to day or week to week. If dad is around and part of the chores let him try it too.

4) If you work at home like many of us do these days you may struggle with structuring your home duties. Set your timer every 2-3 hours and accomplish a task around the house so you can keep ahead of your daily housework. If you like, you can use your timer while you're doing the chores too.  Your body is also getting the benefit of getting out of the chair and moving throughout the day.

5) One of the best ways to appreciate the helpfulness of your timer is to use it for jobs that you are likely to procrastinate doing. Do you groan a little when you think of emptying the dishwasher? Are the clothes that just came out of the dryer likely to sit on the top of the washer for a day before getting folded? Do you dread dragging out the vacuum cleaner to do the carpets? See how painless these jobs can become when you use your timer. String a few of your least favorite jobs together, set the timer and GO!

When you prove to yourself what a little amount of time these chores really take it helps to ease the awful sense of drudgery and your timer will become your friend for life.

6) Give your whole house a 1 hour once over using your timer in 15 minute segments. If you come up a little short on time in a room? It's okay, just finish as fast as you can and adjust the time you give yourself by a minute or two the next time you do that room. ;

15 minutes to empty and refill dishwasher, wipe down kitchen counter, empty garbage and sweep the floor

15 minutes to change sheets and pick up clutter in bedrooms

15 minutes to quickly sweep and/or vacuum main living area floors

15 minutes to clear papers and clutter from main living area and by entrance doorways

If you try this strategy I promise you will be amazed at how much you can get done in just a few minutes and with what feels like so much less effort. About the time I forget I ever used a timer, I realize how much I'm missing it!