We often leave things on the kitchen counter instead of putting them away. Whether it's due to convenience or habit, this can lead to clutter.
The 'one touch' rule is one of the most effective cleaning strategies I've tried. It encourages you to return items to their rightful place immediately after using them, preventing the creation of messy piles nearby.
Let me share how the one touch rule changed my approach to cleaning and organizing.
Understanding the One Touch Tidying Rule
This method has become a daily practice in my life, thanks to its straightforward principle: 'Don't put it down, put it away.' Originally developed by productivity consultant Ann Gomez, this rule emphasizes putting items away right after use.
For instance, I used to toss my coat on a chair instead of hanging it in the entryway closet. That extra step of moving it later was unnecessary effort. This habit contributed to a cluttered home, and cleaning it each weekend felt daunting.
Ann Gomez is a renowned productivity coach and the founder of Clear Concept Inc., dedicated to helping individuals enhance their work efficiency.
Implementing the One Touch Tidying Rule
Adopting the one touch rule was a challenge for me since forming habits doesn't come easily. However, realizing that I could eliminate the need to declutter my dining room or coffee table every night sparked my motivation for change.
I embraced the rule wholeheartedly, applying it to everything from my keys to laundry. Whenever I was about to set something down, I reminded myself, 'Don't put it down, put it away.'
This rule significantly improved my laundry routine. Previously, I would leave the hamper near the washing machine until later. Now, I load the machine, put the hamper away, and start the wash all at once.
Foldable bamboo hamper | $25.99 at Wayfair
These stylish laundry baskets are great for keeping my home clutter-free. Their foldable design makes storage simple when not in use.
I also made it a point to fold and store dried clothes right after unloading the airer, instead of leaving the basket in my bedroom for days.
As a result, I completed more laundry in less time, avoiding the backlog that once took me a week to clear. Plus, with an empty hamper, starting the next load became hassle-free.
Interestingly, the one touch method also streamlined my digital organization. With numerous emails flooding my inbox daily, I began replying immediately upon opening each email, rather than postponing responses. This shift made me feel more productive and kept my inbox tidy.
I encouraged my colleagues to try it too. One of them, a section editor, shared how the mantra helped her realize how often she placed items in the wrong spots while tidying.
To maximize the effectiveness of the one touch rule, I ensured I had sufficient storage options like bedroom storage and living room storage throughout my home. Designating spaces for various items made it easy to remember where to put everything.
For example, I created a specific spot for my toolkit in my home office to streamline DIY tasks. You might consider setting up a designated area for important mail in your kitchen or establishing hallway shoe storage to tackle clutter.
Creating an Organized Entryway
Allocate a spot for each pair of shoes to simplify putting them away in one motion.
Utilize mesh wall organizers to neatly store magazines, books, and documents without opening drawers.
Having an organizer for keys and mail can be a game-changer in maintaining the one touch rule.
While I generally followed the one touch rule, I allowed myself some flexibility for items that needed to go upstairs. I'd leave them in a stair basket at the bottom of the stairs instead of setting them on a surface.
This adjustment was necessary due to my health condition that makes climbing stairs challenging. The key was to place items directly in the basket for the next trip upstairs.
This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable with tidying strategies to prevent burnout or feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
By repeating 'Don't put it down, put it away' whenever I was about to leave an item in the wrong place, I trained myself to tidy in one motion. This practice not only made cleaning quicker but also integrated seamlessly into my daily routine.
If I overlooked something, I would reset my space using the 'no pile' rule to ensure everything is tidy.
FAQs
Does decluttering enhance productivity?
Decluttering has been shown to significantly improve mental well-being and productivity. This applies not just to your workspace, but your entire home, allowing you to destress and engage in hobbies more effectively.
What are some tips for easier tidying?
Discover tidying methods that suit your style. For quick results, try the five-minute blast method. If you prefer a slower pace, consider the basket method to gather items that belong elsewhere.
How can I avoid feeling overwhelmed by cleaning?
Setting a timer for 20-30 minutes dedicated to cleaning can help prevent overwhelm. Once the time is up, you can pause your task and take a break, making it manageable.
