It’s a new day. You have just had your morning coffee and feel ready to begin. You leave the mug on the counter, making a mental note to get back to it later. It’s just one cup, no big deal. But in the next few minutes, more dishes gather. A spoon, a plate, a pan. And before you know it, you have a sink full of dirty dishes first thing in the morning.  

We’ve all been there. Somehow, clutter attracts clutter. And it disturbs not just your physical space, but your mental space too. The picture of the dirty sink hangs like a cloud over your head throughout the day. 

But what if you had washed that cup?  

It might have taken less than a minute. Maybe five, if you had washed the dishes from the breakfast table too. There would be no dirty pile haunting you, no dreading an extra chore at the end of a long day. 

A lot of our disorganization stems from procrastination – our tendency to leave a cup unwashed even though we know it wouldn’t take us more than a minute. Fighting that tendency takes effort, but the rewards are worth it. A completed task gives you a sense of accomplishment and control. You’re saved from the stress and anxiety of letting it hang over your head. And what’s more, it can even be the push you need to keep going. Small, prompt actions can save you big time (quite literally!).  

And that’s where the One-Touch rule comes into play. First suggested by Ann Gomez of Clear Concept Inc, the One Touch rule offers a simple mantra: “Don’t put it down, put it away.” It’s simple – you touch it, you deal with it. Then and there. So, instead of putting down that coffee mug on the counter, you wash it and put it away. In one single process. Instead of tossing your coat onto the sofa, you hang it up the first time. Or, you fold the laundry and put it away instead of letting it pile up on your bedroom chair (yes, we all have one). All it takes is a small mindset shift. And a system. 

The One-Touch rule works best when all your items have a designated home. Without a system, putting something away becomes a decision. And having to make decisions steals the ease. So, make sure you set up a system that works for you. And from there, rest assured, the One-Touch rule will have your back!  

So, the next time you are holding unopened mail in your hand, ask yourself if you have a few minutes to go through it. If yes, then deal with it.  

And if not, that’s okay too. It’s all about looking out for yourself and making things easier for the future you, one less task at a time!