It isn’t uncommon for me to put off small tasks to save my ‘spoons’ – a way of describing the finite amount of energy I have as a disabled person living with fatigue and chronic pain.
But that means little chores can pile up and before I know it – the mess makes me feel fed up and overwhelmed, leading to procrastination. That’s why I was intrigued when one of the home experts in a cleaning article I edited here at Home Fix Boutique 30-Second Rule.
This easy and effective cleaning tip simply states never to put off a job around the house that you can complete in 30 seconds or less. Is there a more low-commitment tidying. I gave it a whirl and loved how it banished not just the pockets of clutter and dirt around my home, but did away with my propensity for procrastination.
The 30-second rule for household chores is a simple productivity strategy aimed at keeping your home tidy with minimal effort. The idea is to immediately handle tasks that take 30 seconds or less rather than postponing them. Examples include:
- Putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket instead of leaving them on the floor.
- Washing a single dish right after using it.
- Wiping up a small spill as soon as it happens.
- Returning items to their designated places (e.g., keys, books, or shoes).
Benefits:
- Prevents Clutter Build-Up: Tackling small tasks promptly stops messes from accumulating.
- Reduces Overwhelm: It breaks chores into manageable actions, making them less daunting.
- Encourages Consistency: This habit fosters regular maintenance, leading to a perpetually cleaner space.
The 30-second rule aligns with other cleaning and productivity methods, like the two-minute rule from time management strategies, which encourages completing any task that takes two minutes or less right away.
Incorporating this habit into daily routines can significantly improve household organisation and free up time for bigger tasks or relaxation.