Keeping a tidy home when you have kids running around can feel like an impossible task.
The moment you clean one thing, another mess appears, and by the end of the day, you’re too exhausted to deal with it.
I use a simple rule that helps keep things under control without spending hours cleaning. It's called the One-Minute Rule and it's a game-changer for busy mums.
The idea is simple: if something takes less than a minute to do, do it immediately. Instead of letting small tasks pile up and turn into big messes, you tackle them as they come.
Honestly? I'm just too lazy to do bigger tidy ups, and this rule means I rarely have to.
Dropped socks on the floor? Pick them up and put them in the hamper. Empty cereal box on the counter? Toss it in the bin.Shoes kicked off at the door? Pop them back where they belong.
Wiping a quick spill, stacking dishes, fluffing a pillow—it all takes less than a minute, but these tiny actions add up to a home that feels naturally tidy. It's weird how obvious it seems to read that back, but I swear, until I made this a non negotiable in my day I would just leave that stuff for later and it piled up SO fast.
This rule isn’t just for you either. Kids can put their toys in a basket, place their plate in the sink, or hang up their school bag the moment they walk in the door. When everyone gets into the habit of handling little things right away, the house stays tidier without anyone feeling like they’re constantly cleaning.
The One-Minute Rule stops the overwhelm before it starts. Instead of looking at a messy house at the end of the day and wondering where to begin, you’ve already taken care of the small stuff. No need for perfection - you're more making tidiness effortless, one tiny action at a time.
Try it for a few days and see the difference. A tidier home, less stress, and no more feeling buried under mess just by doing the little things, right away.
x Marissa
P.S. Looking for more practical tips? My House & Family Binder is filled with resources to help you manage your home effortlessly.
