“The first hour is the rudder of the day.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Let’s face it. Mornings can be tough. In many homes, they are famous for containing too much to do and too little time.
But mornings set the mood for the rest of our day. They have the potential to energize us or drain us. They have the opportunity to lift our spirits or drag us down. They can start us on the right foot or the wrong foot.
Given the fact that mornings are so important, it’s wise to spend a few minutes each night preparing your house for tomorrow’s sunrise. After all, a clutter-free house in the morning means less stress, less anxiety, and less time getting prepared for the day. And that benefits everyone in the home!
Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t need to spend hours each night cleaning the house to accomplish a clutter-free morning. Instead, simply stay ahead of the clutter by tackling these ten 60-second decluttering projects before you go to bed each night.
1. Return shoes/coats to closets. In the winter, add gloves, hats, and scarves to the routine.
2. Recycle junk mail and newspapers. A new day brings new mail and new news. Keep your table or counter space clutter-free in the morning by removing today’s.
3. Put away articles of clothing. Some go in the laundry. Some go back in the closet. But none should be left on the floor. It helps to have a minimalist wardrobe.
4. Store media out of sight. Put back all dvd’s, cd’s, video games, and remote controls that were used during the day. The first time you walk into that room tomorrow, you’ll be glad you did.
5. Process coins and receipts. I’m sure it was your husband who left the contents of his pockets on your dresser, but either way, it’ll take you only 60 seconds to put those items where they actually belong.
6. Clear all bathroom surfaces. The first place you’ll go in the morning is the bathroom. It’s also a surprisingly easy room to keep clutter free. Invest the 60 seconds every night to make it happen.
7. Clean-up homework. Get your kids into the habit of putting away their schoolwork each night before bed rather than scrambling around each morning to find it.
8. Put kitchen items away. Granted, I’m assuming you’ve done some cleaning up already after dinner. And if you have, it’ll only take you another 60 seconds to tidy up anything that got left out.
9. Put back toys. Realistically, life doesn’t allow a clean toy room every evening. But if you have a toy room apart from your living room, spend 60 seconds returning toys to the room where they belong. Or better yet, get your kids into the practice of doing it themselves.
10. File paperwork. Stay on top of paper and office clutter by handling it the day it arrives.
If you are not in the habit of doing these things, it’ll definitely take longer than 10 minutes the first time. But once you get a handle on each area, the entire project will take you less than 10 minutes… and your morning you will thank you!
Image: BeatPlusMelody
Pam says
When I leave the house for work in the morning, I take a few minutes to walk through each room and put away anything that is out of place and align things neatly on the kitchen counter, neatly fold and hang up the kitchen towel on the stove handle, wipe down the counter in the bathroom, etc. I stand in the entrance doorway of my home which opens directly into the kitchen and look at my house as a stranger would. Is it welcoming in its cleanliness and sense of order? Does it accurately reflect my inner quiet? Is it a place that ‘vibrates’ with a present moment attention to detail? Is it a place that I would feel comfortable offering to a dignitary or someone I hold in great esteem to stay in? Is it a beautiful and comfortable place of sanctuary for ME when I return home after a hard day at work?
Karen says
Pam, that’s beautiful. You articulated exactly how I feel but have been unable to identify as my husband and I have had declutter conversations.
Anne says
I always make sure the kettle is full before I go to bed, that way all I have to is flick the switch to start the coffee process in the morning. For some unknown reason this always makes me feel very organised and starts my day off well.
Des says
I have a thing about kettles…sorry…nickel from stainless steel can leach if sitting or worse if its plastic. Bugs can crawl in over night (have found some). Also its more energy efficient to not boil a full jug each time, unless of course you are serving eight or so people. :)
Anne-Marika says
I too have a thing about kettles, like Des. But what I do in the morning, is after getting out of bed I fill (or put a mugworth in) the kettle with fresh water and set it up, and only go to the toilet once the kettle’s brewing. That way the water for the tea is just done by the time I get out of the toilet and I too feel organised :)
Manda says
Me too Anne ;)
Sinea Pies says
Love this list but 10 minutes? I think I’ll do 10 minutes before bedtime to get the morning list down closer to 10 minutes, too! LOL
Gene says
Well said, Josh. It is VERY important to get the kids involved. When a family starts its day this way, Mom and Dad set a great example for the kids, and the kids are creating a wonderful routine that will serve them throughout their lives.
Annie says
So true. I spent several years working in restaurants and one of the things you did when you were closing up for the night, was to clean and prepare everything for the next mornings opening. I still carry that habit with me now. (That and keeping an 86 chalkboard in the kitchen ;)
MissLilly says
It seems common sense but it’s not. It’s really important to keep it clean and organize by this small steps. the problem is to convince the husband and the kids to follow the same rules. I have this feeling kids are easier to convince and follow.
Thanks for the list, it makes mornings a lot easier. Another rule for the ladies, think about what you want to dress the next day and leave it prepared. I found that this rules saves a lot of time!
lin says
yeah if i got a shower before noon LOL Just going to wear another pair of sweats and another long sleeve shirt. cant really be that hard, can it? common sense really has nothing to do with it when you’re feeding 8 or 9 people a day. it’s more about time in the day to make you think your life is as perfect as you want it to bed. i dont even make my bed so I guess I could care less. haaa
New Age Nomad says
Thanks for the sound advice!
mac says
That is a great Tip, Joshua. Very very simple, but very effektiv to getting a good start in the day!
kind regards
Matthias
Nicole says
Fantastic list. I do most of them already, but need to get a bit more routine on some others.
Emily j says
Great list. I started something like this a few weeks ago to get me from coming home and watching tv “for just a little bit” to accomplishing a few tasks of putting a few things away that usually annoy me and are things I dread doing before bed. Simple things like putting my bike and commuting things away, put work clothes away and any laundry that might be hanging to dry the night before, take care of lunch dishes as well as breakfast dishes, and unload the dishwasher if necessary. I have a few other but haven’t stuck with them, but will keep them on the list and add some you have to see if I can get the nightly routine done under 10min.