Are you tired of constantly apologizing for the state of your home?

Do you feel the pressure to keep everything tidy and organized at all times?

Well, you’re not alone.

In today’s society, there’s an unrealistic expectation placed on us to have a perfectly clean and organized home 24/7….thank you Instagram!

But let’s be real, life is messy, and it’s time to stop saying “Pardon the mess.”

The 10/10/10/10 rule: Your ticket to a stress-free home

Picture this.…You wake up in the morning, your house is spotless, everything in its place, and you’re ready to conquer the day.

But as the day goes on, life happens. Dishes pile up, toys scatter across the floor, and papers stack up on the kitchen counter.

By the end of the day, you find yourself apologizing for the mess whenever someone comes over.

Well, I have a solution for you. It’s called the 10/10/10/10 rule.

We start the day at a 10/10 for tidiness, but as the day progresses, the mess starts to creep in. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, embrace it as a part of life.

And here’s the kicker – at 10pm, we do a 10 minute tidy to reset the space again.

Embrace imperfection

I used to be guilty of constantly apologizing for the mess in my home. I felt this pressure to always have a picture-perfect house, like the ones you see on social media. But guess what? Real life isn’t always Instagram-worthy. So, I decided to ditch the guilt and embrace imperfection.

Now, my whole house is set up for “resets.” I’ve realized that it’s okay to have a little mess here and there because it means we’re living. Instead of stressing over the clutter, I focus on spending quality time with my family and enjoying life’s moments.

Let’s ditch the apology

So, here’s my call to action for you: Stop saying “pardon the mess.” Embrace the chaos, the toys on the floor, the dishes in the sink. Let go of the guilt and unrealistic expectations. Create your own 10/10/10/10 rule and reclaim your peace of mind.

Remember, life is messy, imperfect, and beautiful. It’s time to celebrate the messiness and let go of the need for constant tidiness. Let’s free ourselves from the burden of perfection and start living a life that’s filled with joy, laughter, and the occasional clutter.

Will you embrace imperfection?

Next time someone walks into your home, instead of apologizing for the mess, proudly tell them about your 10/10/10/10 rule.

Share your own journey of embracing imperfection and invite others to do the same!

Together, let’s stop saying “pardon the mess” and start celebrating the beauty of a life well-lived, mess and all.

Caroline Van Natta