The 10-Minute Tidy: Small Habits That Keep Your Home Organised
- Linda Pascoe
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Updated: May 1

We all love the feeling of a freshly organised home, but let’s be honest—keeping it that way can feel like a full-time job. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. The secret to a consistently tidy home isn’t spending hours cleaning—it’s small, simple habits that take just 10 minutes or less.
Here are seven easy daily habits to keep your home organised with minimal effort.
1. The 10-Minute Reset Before Bed
Before heading to bed, take 10 minutes to do a quick sweep of high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen. Put things back where they belong, wipe down surfaces, and straighten up the space. Waking up to a tidy home sets a positive, stress-free tone for the day.
💡 Tip: Set a timer for 10 minutes—it’s amazing how much you can get done in a short burst!
2. The 1-Minute Rule: Do It Now
If a task takes less than one minute, do it immediately. This includes:
✔ Hanging up your coat instead of throwing it on a chair
✔ Putting dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher
✔ Sorting the post as soon as it arrives
✔ Wiping down bathroom counters after use
These small actions prevent clutter from building up and keep your home effortlessly neat.
3. The One-Touch Rule
Avoid handling the same item multiple times. Instead of moving a pile of clothes to “deal with later,” put them away right away. The one-touch rule helps prevent surfaces from becoming cluttered and eliminates the need for a big clean-up session later
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4. Tidy As You Go
Instead of leaving messes to clean up all at once, incorporate tidying into your daily routine:
✔ Put ingredients away while cooking
✔ Fold laundry as soon as it’s dry
✔ Make your bed first thing in the morning
Small efforts throughout the day make a huge difference in maintaining an organised home.
5. The 5-Minute Declutter Rule
Pick one small area—your desk, a junk drawer, a kitchen shelf—and spend just 5 minutes decluttering. Set a timer, remove anything that doesn’t belong, and put items back where they do.
Over time, these mini-decluttering sessions prevent mess from taking over.
6. The 1-In, 1-Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one.
✔ Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair.
✔ Getting a new kitchen gadget? Let go of one you don’t use.
This simple habit keeps clutter in check and ensures you only keep what adds value to your home.
7. Create a Drop Zone for Everyday Items
Designate a space near your entryway for keys, bags, shoes, and post. A simple tray, hooks, or a small basket prevents clutter from spreading and keeps everything easily accessible.
💡 Tip: Make sure everything in your home has a “home” of its own—this prevents random clutter from accumulating!
The key to a tidy home isn’t about deep-cleaning every weekend—it’s about small, consistent habits that take just a few minutes a day. By incorporating these simple routines, you’ll keep your space effortlessly organised without feeling overwhelmed.
Want more decluttering and organisation tips? Get in touch with Clutter Reset and let’s create a home that works for you!
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