In an ideal world, everyone can get all their household chores done daily or at the very least, once a week, and things never get out of control. But the world is rarely ideal, and often people find themselves drowning in their “To Do” lists, even the routine tasks like cooking laundry, and keeping the room semi-tidy.
That’s where the 3-30 Rule comes in, a hack originally from Rylie Jasmine on Instagram that’s making the rounds on social media to help people well, just get ‘er done.
What Is the 3-30 Rule?
As Rylie tells it, “the 30-3 rule basically means 30 minutes, 3 times a day. This means you only need a hour and a half per day dedicated to your home to keep things not only tidy, but very clean.”
The key to this system is prioritization and pre-planning as to make sure you are not cleaning something that is already clean or will be cleaned shortly.
This is the system:
- Morning: 30 minutes
- Afternoon: 30 minutes
- Night: 30 minutes
Thirty-minute blocks ensure both that the time pressure makes you efficient and that you aren’t compelled to let household tasks bleed into time that should be spent on what matters most. The core idea is to divide your daily housework into three 30-minute sessions. This could involve tackling different areas of your home, or focusing on specific types of chores (e.g., one session for cleaning, one for laundry, and one for organizing).
It can be tempting to push a weekly chore to the next day or to not do a load of laundry, but if you can stay consistent with the little jobs, it will never get overwhelming.
Unlike the 5×5 method, which is super effective when you need to wrest order back into a house that’s gotten out of hand, the 3-30 rule calls for three distinct times every day dedicated to housework. However, the amount of time spent on chores is finite.
Should you do it?
Pros:
- Reduced Overwhelm: By breaking down tasks into smaller chunks, the 3-30 rule can make housework feel less daunting and more manageable.
- Improved Consistency: It encourages regular, daily attention to household chores, potentially preventing them from piling up.
- Time Management: The structured approach can help you be more efficient with your time, ensuring that chores are completed without taking over your entire day.
Cons:
- Not Suitable for All: Some people may prefer to tackle chores in longer stretches or find it difficult to fit three 30-minute slots into their schedule.
- Can Still Feel Tedious: While broken down, housework can still be tedious for some, and the 30-minute blocks may not be enough to complete everything.
Alternatives:
- 5×5 Method: This involves dedicating five 5-minute intervals throughout the day to specific tasks.
- Focus on Deep Cleaning: Some people prefer to dedicate one day a week to more intensive cleaning sessions.
- Outsource Chores: Consider delegating some tasks to others or hiring professional help.
The Bottom Line
The 3-30 rule can be a helpful strategy for staying on top of household tasks, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your own preferences, schedule, and the type of chores you need to complete when deciding if this rule is right for you.
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Photo Credit: perfectlab / Shutterstock.com