Clutterfree is more than a project, it is also a process.
It is one thing to declutter your home one time. But keeping it clutterfree requires healthy habits going forward.
One of the most simple and effective rules for getting your life under control and keeping your home clutterfree is the “one-minute rule” introduced by Gretchen Rubin.
Complete any task that can be finished in one minute immediately.
Followed consistently, this rule will make an amazing difference in your home and life. It has for me. Here’s a list of places where you can begin implementing this rule right away—I call them one-minute clutterfree habits.
21 One-Minute Clutterfree Habits
These micro-habits will definitely help keep your home clutterfree.
1. Make Your Bed
First thing, right away, as soon as you get up.
2. Put away your coat and shoes.
Also scarves and gloves and hats. In the coat closet where they belong.
3. Recycle the junk mail.
In fact, I throw it into the recycle bin in the garage and don’t even let it enter my home.
4. Put clean dishes away.
Don’t leave them out—on the counter, in the sink, or the dishwasher.
5. Don’t leave clothes on the floor or furniture.
Dirty clothes in the laundry pile. Clean clothes back in the closet/drawer.
6. Put away your keys and change.
Wherever your drop-zone is (ours is a drawer), use it always. Bonus: You’ll always know where your keys are. :)
7. Don’t leave out your bathroom toiletries.
In the morning after getting ready and at night before going to bed. Twice/day. Keep your bathroom counter clear.
8. Put kids’ school items away.
Teach/Show your kids where their backpacks belong and get them trained early.
9. Empty the car entirely when you arrive home.
Whatever you brought into the car that day, take out when you return home. You’ll love driving a clutterfree vehicle!
10. Wash your snack dishes/cups immediately.
Pots and pans can take longer than one minute. But the bowl you used for ice cream won’t. Wash snack dishes quickly with a dishwand.
11. Store those kitchen appliances.
Toaster, coffee pot, blender… store them all out of sight (even if you use them every day). Trust me, you’ll love it.
12. Pick up toys.
There is no age too early to teach your children how to clean up after themselves.
13. Tear down cardboard boxes.
Even if you’re going to keep them, flatten and free up space.
14. Put away the remote controls.
Don’t leave remote controls scattered all over the living room. Put them back where they belong after each use.
15. Return chargers and cords to drawers.
Especially if you charge electronics in shared spaces.
16. Fold your blanket after use.
Wadded up on the couch or folded nicely? Choose folded every time.
17. Empty full trash cans/bins.
Someone has to take out the trash. If the bin is full, remember the “one-minute” rule and get it done.
18. Return reading materials to their designated home.
Magazines, newspapers, books, Sudoku, whatever.
19. Throw out any expired leftovers/food.
Clear up the space in your fridge or pantry.
20. Put away your tools.
You know who you are…
21. File those papers.
Few things clutter a room quicker than piles of paper.
Followed consistently, these micro-habits will make an amazing difference in your home. And who doesn’t love a clutterfree home?
Luan McQuown says
It’s hard to start all of these at once, so I keep this post in my Notes, pin it, and listen to it regularly: once/week or once/ month, as needed, to remind myself off ALL suggestions listed here. It helps me develop and improve new, good clutter free habits a little at a time.
Elaine Costello says
We have a dishwasher and use it and we run it daily ; it’s the slave in our home and it earns its keep .
I agree with ( and follow ) these 1 minute habits , but we put our snack dishes in the dishwasher after use.
Great list !
Sonia says
You do as you see fit. Is just a guide, and a great one by the way.😉
Shar says
Great list, thank you!
Celina Grace says
Good list, except beds need to be aired for a while (bedrooms too) in the morning. Humans emit a lot of moisture overnight!
Also, there’s no way I’m putting away my toaster and kettle away every day. I’m British, and that kettle is used almost hourly ;)
Neil says
Agree with you, Celina. I air my bed while I’m getting ready for work (I’ll leave the window open to air the room too). The kettle is the hardest worker in a British household, so that’s staying on the counter.
Cynthia White says
I agree with you Celina! Air out the bed and leave out the kettle. I’m not British but use the kettle several times a day. :-)
Sonia says
You do as you see fit. Is just a guide, and a great one by the way.😉
Elaine Costello says
We air it out too and make the bed after breakfast when we come back to the bedroom / ensuite area to brush our teeth and get ready for the day .
Olga Hammock says
My thoughts exactly. I like the list but I do air my bed and need the toaster every day. Putting things away if great for those who have plenty of storage but I live in a small apartment.
Barbara Bovaird says
Agree — putting away my coffee pot and my toaster, which is create a lot more work for me. Start neatly and keep it clean the counter if you have the space.
Madeleine Lord says
Well said! I totally agree on airing the bed before remaking it and also at the same time – however cold it is outside – I open the window even if it is just for a few minutes. Too cold here to sleep with window open! Also – I always leave kettle toaster etc on kitchen counter – I’m British too!
Cathy says
Hi Celina,
I pull my duvet back and air my bed when I get out of bed and go for a shower. I make the bed after I have had my shower.
And yes, the kettle always stays out as we are British, but the toaster goes away as it takes up too muck space if it is out!