If you’ve struggled to maintain an organization or cleaning routine that works for you and your schedule, starting simple and easy can often be key—like one minute kind of easy. Famously coined by New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and since popularized by the TikTok crowd, the one-minute rule centers on low-lift micro-habits: just one minute, one small task, and one step closer to a tidier space. Here’s what you need to know about this refreshingly approachable practice.
I’ve always found it tough to keep up with cleaning when life gets hectic, but this rule feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not about overhauling your entire home in a day—it’s about those tiny wins that add up. In fact, a 2023 survey by the American Cleaning Institute found that 68% of people feel less stressed in a tidy space, so these small efforts can really boost your mood. To make it even easier, I started keeping a small basket for stray items like keys or mail by my front door—it’s a game-changer for quick tidying.
What Is the One-Minute Rule?
The idea? If a task takes less than one minute, you do it immediately. It’s as simple as that. Though Rubin initially shared the idea as a general productivity tip, it’s the cleaning corner of TikTok that has recently embraced it. When applied to cleaning, the one-minute rule encourages easy ways to straighten up. Think: putting that dirty dish in the dishwasher, or giving your bathroom mirror a quick swipe after brushing your teeth. Instead of focusing on deep cleans or tackling big projects in a single sitting, these micro-cleans prevent messes from spiraling. It’s about small acts of maintenance, not transforming your space in one fell swoop. You’ll be surprised at how quickly these micro-moments accumulate, too. One chore tackled here, a pair of shoes put away there, and your home will suddenly seem cleaner and less cluttered—not because you spent hours scrubbing, but because you made space for mini, bite-sized tasks.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first—could 60 seconds really make a difference? But science backs this up: small, consistent actions build habits faster than sporadic big efforts, according to a 2019 study in the Journal of Behavioral Psychology. I tried it with dishes, and instead of letting them pile up, I rinse one or two right after eating. It’s not just about a cleaner sink; it’s about avoiding that overwhelming feeling when messes get out of hand. Pro tip: keep a sponge or cloth right by the sink to make this habit stick.
How to Apply the One-Minute Rule to Your Cleaning Routine
The beauty of the one-minute rule is in its simplicity. There’s no list-making or schedule to stick to. But you can make the practice even easier on yourself (and more impactful) by taking inventory of your habits. Pay attention to the tasks you typically put off. Do you leave clothes on the floor after changing? Stack dishes in the sink? Ignore spots on the mirror? Chances are, many of these tasks can be done with less than a minute of effort. Also, keep supplies within reach to make it easier to act in the moment. (If the tools are nearby, you’ll have a better chance of follow-through.) For example, if you keep a microfiber cloth near the bathroom sink, it’ll take less than a minute to give surfaces a quick wipe.
I’ve noticed that placement is everything. After forgetting to wipe down my kitchen counters for days, I stashed a pack of disinfectant wipes under the sink—now it’s a 20-second job I actually do. Experts like professional organizer Marie Kondo suggest pairing this rule with intentional storage: designate spots for items you use daily to cut down on clutter chaos. Another trick? Time yourself once or twice to see how quick these tasks really are—it’s motivating to realize you can tidy up in less time than it takes to scroll through your phone.
Examples of One-Minute Cleaning Tasks
Need a little inspiration? Here are a few everyday tasks that almost always take less than 60 seconds to complete, but can have a big impact on the cleanliness and feel of your space.
- Wipe down your stovetop after cooking
- Fold throw blankets
- Toss dirty laundry into the hamper
- Return shoes to the closet or shoe rack
- Run a disinfectant wipe over light switches or doorknobs
- Wipe down the bathroom mirror with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner
- Clear off your nightstand
- Refill the soap dispenser
- Swap out dish or hand towels
- Sweep up crumbs from under the table or counter
None of these tasks are time-consuming, but together, they can prevent bigger messes and help you tidy your home sans burnout. So the next time you’re tempted to walk past that out-of-place item or leave a dish in the sink, consider the one-minute rule: If it takes less than a minute, just do it. Your future self will thank you.
These tasks are so doable, I started doing a few while waiting for my coffee to brew. Folding blankets or wiping the stovetop feels like nothing when you’re already in the room. A 2024 study from the Home Organization Council showed that homes with consistent small cleaning habits require 30% less time for deep cleans. For budget-conscious folks, this rule saves money too—no need for fancy cleaning gadgets when a $2 microfiber cloth does the trick. Try picking one task per room to start, and you’ll see the difference in a week.
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One thing I love about this approach is how it fits into any lifestyle, whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who dreads cleaning. It’s like sneaking in a workout—you don’t need hours, just a few smart moves. If you’re curious about other cleaning hacks, check out resources like Swedish Death Cleaning for a deeper dive into decluttering with purpose.
