I Just Discovered These 30-Year-Old “House Rules,” and Can’t Wait to Start Using Them
I’m a rule-follower by nature. I went to a very strict all-girls Catholic high school where after-school detention slips flew like a ticker-tape parade. Surprisingly, I managed to receive only two detentions during my four years for breaking the most minor of rules — but they were still the school rules.
While I no longer have to worry about living by those strict guidelines, I still prefer to stay out of trouble and live my life on an even keel. So it was with great interest that I read on Apartment Therapy about the “house rules” passed down with love to a fellow writer Annita Katee from her Grandma Gigi. The vintage poster is a list of nine “commandments” as decreed by, of all things, an Australia-based real estate agency called LJ Hooker.
Without further ado, here are Grandma Gigi’s nine house rules and what I think about them as a self-professed rule follower.
House rule number 1: If you open it, close it.
This one isn’t really an issue because I wouldn’t return anything to a cabinet or closet open unless it’s supposed to be. I am overzealous about the refrigerator and freezer doors, though. Just the other day, my husband had to banish me from the kitchen; he was only trying to stock the fridge with the groceries he just brought home, and I kept closing the door.
House rule number 2: If you turn it on, turn it off.
I’ll take this a step further and say unplug it too — at least when it comes to the coffee maker and my curling iron. Even though both have an auto-off function, I don’t like leaving hot things on for longer than they need to be. I also unplug the toaster oven.
House rule number 3: If you unlock it, lock it.
No question here; if there’s a lock on it, I’m using it. I am militant in keeping the front and back doors of my home locked, and I also secure the car by pressing the button up to four times to ensure it’s locked and the alarm is engaged.
House rule number 4: If you break it, mend it.
This one is tricky because it depends on what’s broken. I’m all about a make-do attitude, but only if the repair is easy and/or much cheaper than replacing the item.
House rule number 5: If you borrow it, return it.
Absolutely. Your storage container is safe with me. In fact, it’ll likely be waiting in a reusable grocery bag tucked into a corner for the next time I see you.
House rule number 6: If you use it, take care of it.
My stand mixer is the pride and joy of my kitchen. I polish it more than the rest of my furniture. I also take care of the other appliances in my kitchen, including regularly cleaning the inside of the microwave. I’ll admit that I’m more inclined to take care of something if it’s pricey, but I should really spread that love to every object in my house.
House rule number 7: If you make a mess, clean it up.
Yes, but give yourself a bit of grace if the mess happens during cooking or baking. I do try to clean as I go so there’s not as much to do later, but I won’t sweat some spilled flour or a splash of sauce in the meantime.
House rule number 8: If you move it, put it back.
Oof, here’s where I deserve detention. I don’t always return everything I take out right away (see: pile of books on my desk that need to be reshelved). Following this rule more closely would ensure my house stays tidier for longer, so this is one I will be working on!
House rule number 9: If it doesn’t concern you, leave the bloody thing alone!
I think this one goes beyond household matters, but I do agree. I didn’t think I was one to poke my nose in other people’s business, but then again, I do give in to doom scrolling, which is just the digital version of indulging in things that don’t concern me.
There you have it! Some of these “house rules” are actually masquerading as good habits, and I’ll be working on a few of them myself.
Do any of these house rules speak to you? Tell us in the comments.