The One Minute Rule That Changed How I Tidy

Why a “perfect” home isn’t the goal – and what to aim for instead.

If you’ve ever found yourself cleaning up toys at 10 p.m., or silently fuming about the kitchen counter that just won’t stay clear, you’ve not alone.

I’m a mom of two, a business owner, and a professional organizer - and I’ve learned the hard way that chasing a “perfect” home is a fast track to burnout, especially when you live with small humans.

That’s why I started focusing on something else entirely: making my home easy to tidy. Not magazine-ready. Not Pinterest- perfect. Just livable, functional, and peaceful enough for our real life.

The One Minute Rule (A Total Game Changer)

One of my favourite tools for this mindset shift is the one-minute rule, a concept shared by author and happiness researcher Gretchen Rubin. The rule is simple: if something takes less than a minute to do, do it now.

That’s it. That’s the rule.

Because the reality is, clutter invites clutter. Those socks you stepped over earlier, eventually invite more socks, a change of clothes, maybe some books, oh & some mail.

So put the socks in the hamper. Put the jacket on the hook instead of the chair. Toss the granola bar wrapper into the bin instead of the counter. Close the drawer instead of walking away from it. These micro-actions may not feel like much, but they add up fast.

And over time? You’ll start to notice a real shift – not just in how your space looks, but in how it feels to live in it.

Why “Easy to Tidy” Beats “Always Tidy”

When families I work with try this, they’ve often shocked by how much calmer their home feels. It’s not about being tidy all the time (because – let’s be real- that’s not realistic). It’s about building small systems and habits that make tidying feel less like a full-time job.

Because here’s the thing: kids are messy. Life is messy. But when everything has a home and everyone knows where that home is, the daily chaos becomes so much easier to manage.

That’s the kind of tidy I’m into – one that works with your family, not against it.

Ready to Take It One Step Further?

If this idea resonates and you’re craving a little more structure I’ve created a free Daily Reset Checklist. It’s a simple tool I use in my own home (and with my clients) to stay on top of the day-to-day without getting overwhelmed.

Think of it as a rhythm- not a rigid routine. Just a handful of small things that, when done regularly, help your home feel more peaceful and under control.  

You can grab your free copy here: The Daily Reset Checklist.

Because your home should support your life – not the other way around.