I'd be the first to admit that, historically, I'm simply not a morning person. But, since starting my 9 to 5 job almost two years ago, I've managed to (sort of) become one, even on weekends. And there's one very simple trick that has played a crucial part in that shift – what I'm calling 'My 10-Minute Evening Reset.'
The idea is simple. Taking the time before I go to bed to tidy up from the day and get ready for the morning means I never wake up feeling disorganized and unprepared, which makes my routine so much smoother.
Here's my take on my closing shift routine, and why it's the key to stress-free mornings.
My 10-Minute Evening Reset is the Key to Stress-Free Mornings
It's no surprise that I, along with the majority of other people, simply want to collapse on the couch when I get home from work. And, after dinner and watching some TV, that feeling is well and truly amplified.
But my evening reset takes only ten minutes – if that – and makes such a huge difference to organizing my morning routine and ultimately becoming a morning person. Here's what it entails:
- I put my clothes, coat, and accessories away from the day, and sort any clothes for laundry straight into my laundry hamper. This makes doing laundry so much easier, and keeps dirty clothes from piling up on my chair or floor. I then choose my outfit and get my clothes out ready for work the next morning, which is one of the most important steps in my opinion. When I'm tired in the morning, I just don't want to think about what to wear, and this quickly and easily cuts out that step. In fact, I'm convinced it's one of the things organized people do every day, and now it's one that I do, too.
- I get my work bag ready to go, checking it has everything I need for the next day, like my laptop, charger, wallet, and headphones, to avoid any last-minute stress searching. I use the same bag for work every day, but if you don't, I strongly recommend organizing your purses properly so you can find what you need every day. The Interesse Dust Bags available at Amazon are perfect for this.
- Finally, the power of a micro-reset in the bathroom truly cannot be disputed. It's so simple – all I do before bed is straighten up my countertops, give any surfaces a quick dust or wipe-down depending on what they need, and ensure I have everything I'll need ready for the morning. At least once a week, usually on a Monday, I also spend a little longer in there, ticking off my 15-minute bathroom cleaning and organizing routine. The Joseph Joseph CleanTech 6-Piece Cleaning Set with Extension Handle available at Amazon is an essential for this, particularly when paired with the Method Bathroom Cleaner available at Walmart, which effectively removes mold and mildew stains with a biodegradable, bleach-free formula. You can also organize your bathroom for a better morning routine, to streamline your early mornings that little bit more.
Why a 10-Minute Evening Reset Works
I already know the benefits of an evening reset, but it is assuring to know that it's also approved by Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless.
'A short nightly reset is one of the simplest ways to create calmer, more predictable mornings,' she advises. 'After a full day, mental fatigue is high, which makes it easy to underestimate how much time small tasks take in the morning. A quick evening reset removes those friction points.
'When your space is tidy, and your essentials are set out, you start your day with clarity, not clutter. It also reduces decision fatigue – choosing outfits, packing bags, and prepping your environment the night before cuts down the number of decisions your tired, morning self needs to make.'
So, if your morning shift routine needs a shake-up, particularly if you're looking ahead to making positive changes in the new year, spending just ten minutes getting organized in the evening really can make a difference.
Mine, admittedly, might not be quite on par with King Charles' extraordinary 15-minute morning routine, but it does work just as perfectly for me.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Make doing laundry even easier by instantly sorting your clothes ready for the washing machine in the evenings. I've seen this hamper in action, and it looks just as gorgeous as it is convenient, with two sections for light and dark items.
I don't have this yet, but I will be adding it straight to my basket. It has 13 compartments in five different sizes, and will ensure I never forget or lose something in my work bag again.
If you don't want to buy the full CleanTech set, these are my two most-used brushes. They're great for scrubbing away mold and stains, and getting right into awkward cracks and crevices.
This high-capacity storage caddy features multiple storage compartments, and dismantles quickly for easy cleaning. It's also conveniently ventilated for quick drying.
Keeping a tray like this by my front door has been such a game-changer for me. Now, when I come home, I pop my keys straight on it, and then they're right there where I need them when it comes to the morning rush.
Velvet hangers are essential in my wardrobe, and I always use them to hang out my clothes ready for the morning. These ones feature built-in notches to stop items slipping off, and a strong frame to support heavy items like coats.
Meet Our Expert
There are plenty of other quick cleaning tasks to do before bed to make mornings that little bit more manageable, like dealing with your dishes and sweeping the kitchen floor.
