Balancing home cleaning with work and daily life can be tough. That's why I'm always on the lookout for hacks that streamline the process.
While searching for an efficient cleaning approach, I discovered the 'Today's Top Three' method. The premise is straightforward: choose three important cleaning, organizing, or tidying tasks to complete each day, regardless of their size.
After testing this cleaning approach, I'm convinced it's a winner. The secret lies in tailoring it to your needs and being adaptable with your tasks.
My Experience with the 'Today's Top Three' Cleaning Hack
Throughout my cleaning journey, I've found that the most effective decluttering strategies and cleaning techniques from professionals share a common trait: they're simple, clear, and often quick to execute.
The 'Today's Top Three' challenge fits this bill perfectly. Just think of three tasks you want to accomplish each day and get them done. Cleaning experts, like Sabrina Fierman from New York's Little Elves, endorse this method as a fantastic routine to adopt.
Sabrina emphasizes, 'Cultivating this habit is essential. It's sustainable and even those who struggle with organization can thrive with this approach.'
Her tip? Focus on the three tasks that matter most. These could be challenging ones like organizing your sock drawer or loading the dishwasher nightly, or simpler tasks such as tidying a kitchen cabinet. A quick decluttering of a cabinet might only take 3 to 8 minutes, easily fitting into your coffee brewing time.
Tools You'll Need
Your tools may vary based on the area you plan to clean. Here are some of my go-to cleaning essentials:
- Microfiber towels: Reusable and lint-free, a multi-pack of microfiber cloths from Amazon offer a variety of colors, allowing you to assign a specific shade to each room and prevent cross-contamination.
- Wipes: For surfaces, I recommend the Citron Antibacterial Spray from Method, which I frequently use thanks to its refreshing scent and natural ingredients.
- A notepad: Writing down your chores is a great way to kick off this challenge. This 8-pack of magnetic notepads from Amazon adds a fun twist to your tasks, and their magnetic backing keeps your to-do list visible.
After implementing this cleaning technique over several days, here's what I discovered:
1. You Control the Difficulty Level
After
Before
I've tried numerous cleaning and decluttering methods to keep my home tidy. The 5-second decluttering rule was straightforward, and I've kept up with the Friday 30 cleaning method for years.
What I appreciated about the 'Today's Top Three' challenge is the flexibility it offers; you can adjust the difficulty based on your energy levels.
For instance, on low-energy days, I focused on lighter tasks like fluffing couch cushions, clearing my dining table, and loading the dishwasher.
On days when I felt more energized, I tackled larger jobs like unboxing deliveries, flattening boxes for recycling, and wrapping gifts.
Maia Barnett, CEO of maiorganization, notes, 'The 'Today's Top Three' challenge is a brilliant way to keep your space tidy without feeling swamped. Focusing on three tasks makes it manageable and gives you a sense of achievement. Over time, these small victories lead to significant results, making the practice sustainable.'
I wholeheartedly agree!
2. It Creates Noticeable Change
After
Before
On one occasion, I cleaned my stove with Walmart's Ultra Triple Action Dish Soap, which helped remove stubborn food stains.
I also wiped down my dining table and cleaned my kitchen sink with hot, soapy water, using a soft cloth like Amazon's FIXSMITH Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.
Completing tasks gives me immense satisfaction, especially when I can quickly check them off my list.
3. Daily Challenges Might Not Be for Me
After
Before
While I love a clean space and seek out ways to keep my home smelling fresh, I don't want to feel pressured to complete chores daily.
This includes both light tasks like unloading the dishwasher and more demanding ones like deep cleaning my oven. I prefer not to feel obligated to do these every day.
Punteha van Terheyden, a cleaning expert, states, 'What's great about various challenges and hacks is the flexibility they offer. You're not required to follow any strict guidelines; feel free to modify these methods to suit your preferences.'
Punteha adds that these techniques are meant to help you break out of a cleaning rut and motivate you to tidy up without feeling daunted. 'Adapt them however you like; no one's grading your efforts.'
Explore our Decluttering Library for a wide range of methods we've tried, loved, and organized for easy browsing.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 'Today's Top Three' challenge is an effective way to stay on top of household chores. Many days, the quick results encouraged me to tackle additional tasks, like taking out the trash or returning items to their proper places.
On busier days, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by my to-do list at home, which detracted from more pressing work responsibilities. That's a valuable lesson for me.
The next time I try this challenge, I'll keep Maia's advice in mind: 'Set the right mindset with a 10-minute meditation, prioritize tasks based on their impact on your routine, and reward yourself upon completion, whether it's a coffee break or a moment to relax.'
If this challenge doesn't suit you, consider the 10-10-10 decluttering challenge to help eliminate clutter. Alternatively, discover why the 'one-touch' tidying rule is a surprisingly simple hack that's worth trying.
