Instead of waking up to instant stress, take a few minutes each evening to set yourself up for success. These simple organization hacks will streamline your mornings and save time every single day. When we started doing them, we started to feel less stress and more joy.
1. Pick Out Your Outfit (and Your Kids' Too!)
Lay out clothes for yourself and your kids the night before, including socks and shoes. No more scrambling to find a matching sock when you're already running late. If your child insists on dressing themselves, give them two options so they still feel in control while avoiding morning outfit meltdowns.
For added convenience, designate a specific spot for outfits—whether it's a labeled drawer, a section of the closet, or even a hanging organizer with each day's outfit prepped for the entire week. If you wear accessories, set those aside too. This extra step ensures a smooth start to the day.
2. Program Your Coffee Pot for Instant Sanity
If your coffee maker has a timer, use it! Nothing says "winning at life" like waking up to fresh coffee already brewed. If you don’t have a programmable coffee maker, prep everything the night before—fill the water reservoir, set up the filter, and get the mug ready so all you have to do is press a button.
Consider setting up a coffee station with all your essentials: coffee pods, sweeteners, and to-go cups. This way, everything is in one place, making mornings even smoother. If you’re a tea drinker, fill the kettle with water and place your tea bag in your mug ahead of time.
3. Meal Prep for Breakfast and Lunch
- Overnight oats, smoothie packs, or pre-made breakfast sandwiches = zero morning effort. Prepping a week’s worth of breakfasts on Sunday can make a huge difference in reducing stress.
- Pack lunches the night before, down to the snack bags and water bottles, so all you have to do is grab and go.
- Use a bento box for easy lunch organization and keep a snack drawer in the fridge for quick grabs.
Planning meals in advance isn’t just about convenience—it also saves money by preventing last-minute takeout orders. If you have kids, consider a rotating meal plan so they know what to expect each day, reducing decision fatigue.
4. Clean the Kitchen Before Bed
Nothing kills morning motivation like waking up to last night’s dirty dishes. Load the dishwasher, wipe the counters, and take out the trash—it makes the morning feel fresh and less overwhelming. Bonus tip: Set up a "kitchen shutdown" routine where the entire family spends 10 minutes tidying up the kitchen together before bed. Read our 10-Minute Kitchen Cleanup Routine for a More Organized Kitchen!
Other quick kitchen prep ideas:
- Run the dishwasher at night and unload it first thing in the morning.
- Set up breakfast items—like plates, utensils, and cereal boxes—so they’re ready to go.
- Wipe down countertops and put away any stray items to keep things looking neat.
5. Prep Backpacks, Coats, and Shoes by the Door
- Install hooks or a cubby system so backpacks, coats, and shoes are always in the same place. Read our article on Entryway Design Ideas!
- Pack everything your kids will need the night before—homework, sports stuff, library books—so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
- Bonus tip: If your kids play sports or have an activity, put their gear in the car the night before!
Designating a "launch pad" near the door for all essential items ensures nothing is forgotten. You can also use a whiteboard or checklist for last-minute reminders.
More Hacks for a Smoother Morning:
- Double Check Your Schedule for Tomorrow – Whether for work, school, or just family planning, it's a good practice to check your schedule and mentally prepare for the next day.
- Charge Devices Overnight – Ensure tablets, laptops, phones, and whatever else you need are charged so no one has a last-minute panic.
- Stock a Grab-and-Go Station – Keep a basket near the door with essentials like keys, sunglasses, and headphones to prevent frantic searches.
- Pre-fill Water Bottles – A simple but time-saving hack, especially if you bring one to work or pack them in lunches.
- Check the Weather & Adjust Plans – Avoid wardrobe or travel surprises by looking at the forecast before bed.
- Go to Sleep and Wake Up Early! – Going to bed an extra half-hour early and waking up a little earlier will not only help you feel more rested but might even give you extra buffer time in the morning. More time to savor that already-made coffee!
- Use an Evening Wind-Down Routine – Try a short reading session, a calming playlist, or even a quick journaling session before bed to help you sleep better and wake up refreshed.
- Set Up a Weekly Sunday Reset – Spend 30 minutes on Sunday prepping for the week ahead. Lay out clothes, plan meals, and do a quick home reset.
- Automate Where You Can – Set up auto-bill payments, subscribe to grocery deliveries, and automate reminders to reduce the number of things to remember.
- Designate a "No Screen" Time Before Bed – Reducing screen time before bed helps with better sleep, making mornings feel less exhausting.
With just a little prep the night before, your mornings can go from hectic to effortless. Try these hacks and take back your time!
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