How to Declutter Your Mornings: Organization Hacks for Busy Families

The school bus is honking outside, someone can’t find their other shoe, and the lunchbox still isn’t packed. Mornings don’t have to feel like a daily marathon. By taking small steps to declutter your morning routine, you can create a stress-free start to the day and leave the chaos behind.


1. Declutter and Prep the Night Before

Pack Ahead: Get backpacks, lunch boxes, and gym bags ready the night before. Keep them in a decluttered space near the door to make mornings smoother.

Lay Out Clothes: Decide on outfits for the next day, right down to socks and shoes. Decluttering clothing choices ahead of time eliminates last-minute outfit debates.

Quick Breakfast Solutions: Prep grab-and-go options like overnight oats or freezer-friendly breakfast burritos. A decluttered fridge and pantry make it easier to find what you need.

2. Declutter and Simplify Morning Routines

✔ Centralize Essentials: Keep daily necessities like toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and sunscreen in one spot. A decluttered bathroom counter prevents wasted time searching.

✔ Use Timers: Set timers for tasks like brushing teeth or eating breakfast to keep everyone on track. A decluttered schedule helps mornings run smoothly.

✔ Morning Checklist: Create a visual chart for kids to follow—make bed, brush teeth, get dressed, and pack up. Decluttering decision-making allows kids to take charge of their routine.


3. Streamline the Send-Off with a Decluttered Entryway

✔ Create a Launch Pad: Designate a space near the door for shoes, jackets, and bags. Keeping this area decluttered ensures a stress-free exit.

✔ Plan the Route: Keep keys and any essentials like coffee travel mugs by the door to avoid frantic searching. Decluttering surfaces reduce morning stress.

4. Build in Buffer Time & Declutter Your Schedule

✔ Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier: Life happens. Giving yourself a little extra time prevents rushing and ensures a decluttered, peaceful morning.

✔ Declutter Unnecessary Steps: Review your morning routine and eliminate anything that isn’t essential. A simplified routine means less stress for the whole family.

Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. By taking steps to declutter your routine, you’ll transform the chaos into calm—and maybe even have time for that second cup of coffee.

Jane Dolan

Jane founded Jane Organizes in 2008 after a 20-year stint at a Design + Build firm in San Francisco. Jane loves working with rebels and dreamers, co-creating homes they will love. The KonMari Method™ is Jane's organizing tool of choice, after drinking the elixir in 2014.

http://www.JaneOrganizes.com
Next
Next

Conquering the Chaos: How a Professional Organizer Can Help Young Families Stay Organized