Something you can do when you're in a 25-ish minute holding pattern at home

Just thought I'd share a little something I do from time to time when I'm "ready to leave" and still have 25–30 minutes before it's time to actually head out.

I set a timer for 15 minutes. Then I start cleaning. And clean as much as I can. The timer is near my trash can so every time I throw something out, I can see how much time I have left. My trash can is in my kitchen, so I also see the timer every time I bring a dish to the sink.

The timer is NOT on my phone: it's an actual timer, on my microwave (you need to be able to hear it throughout your home). Anyway, the important thing is it's not on my phone, so that I'm not constantly checking my phone, and every time I see the timer elicits either "holy crap I'm getting so much done" or "oh god only 8 minutes left." This is motivating.

Also, do not set the timer for 25 minutes. You need to be walking out the door in 25 minutes, which is not the same thing as stopping cleaning. I find I can get a whole lot done in 15 minutes this way.