The One Minute Rule That Changed How I Tidy (And How You Can Use it Too!)

Have you ever wish you could wave a magic wand and have your home stay tidy effortlessly? Same. While I can’t promise magic, I’ve got the next best thing for you. Today, we’re diving into the world of stress-free home organization with the wonderful Brittnei Gaudio. She’s sharing her tried-and-true tips that make keeping a tidy and decluttered house a breeze. Whether you’re a parent juggling toys or just looking to simplify your space, Brittnei Gaudio’s insights are pure gold. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s unlock the secrets to a clutter-free life!

The One Minute Rule That Changed How I Tidy

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 in good company. I’m a mom of two, a business owner, and a former perfectionist. And I’ve learned the hard way that chasing a “perfect” home is exhausting – especially when you share it 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.

Enter: the one-minute rule. I wish I could take credit for it, but it comes from 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.

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 leaving it cracked open. It’s the tiniest habits, but here’s the magic: these small wins stack up.

And over time, they create a home that’s easier to manage – not just for you, but for everyone who lives there. 

When families I work with try this, they’ve often shocked by how big of a shift they feel. Less visual clutter, less nagging, less “I’ll get to it later” stress. It’s not about being tidy all the time – it’s about creating systems that make tidying feel less like a full-time job. 

Because spoiler alert: kids are messy. Life is messy. But when everything has a home and everyone knows where that home is, tidying becomes a 10-mintue reset instead of a two-hour project eating into your weekend. That’s the kind of tidy I’m into – one that works with your family, not against it. 

So the next time you’re standing in the doorway and wondering where even to start try this: just do the one thing that takes under a minute. Then another. And another. You’ll be amazed what shifts with those tiny bits of effort. 

And if you’re craving more realistic ways to reclaim your space (and your sanity), I put together a free Daily Reset Checklist that shows you how to keep things feeling under control with just a few minutes a day. It’s the exact tool I use at home (and with my clients) to make tidying a whole lot less overwhelming. 

You can grab it here: The Daily Reset Checklist. 

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