I’m gonna tell you a secret…

Something I learned and that I want to share with you. 

The key to a less chaotic morning happens the night before. 

When my kids first moved in, I wanted to do it all—make them the best breakfasts, pack the best lunches and handle everything myself. But after their first school year with us, I realized I couldn’t keep going at that pace. I was constantly on the go, overwhelmed and exhausted. That’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks—I needed better routines and I needed help. By tweaking my evening routine and getting the kids involved, I found a way to make mornings manageable again.

If your mornings feel rushed and stressful, chances are your evenings could use a little refining. A well-planned evening sets the tone for a peaceful and productive next day. Here’s what I did to reclaim my mornings and start my days with less stress.

1. Pack Lunches the Night Before

Nothing slows down a morning more than scrambling to pack lunches at the last minute. Once I started packing everyone’s lunches at night, I gained about 30 minutes back each morning. Even now that we homeschool, I still pack my husband’s lunch and dinner the night before. If we’ll be out for lunch, we pack it the night before.

Getting the kids involved is key—when I ask one of them to pack my husband’s lunch, they usually do. Meal prepping on Sundays also helps me put together lunches for the week.

Key Takeaways:

• Pack lunches for the next day and store them in the fridge for a grab-and-go morning.
• Prep snacks and water bottles ahead of time.
• Have kids help to build responsibility and save time.

2. Lay Out Clothes for Everyone

I’ve laid out my workout clothes for years—it motivates me to get up and exercise and it saves time in the morning. Now, I also lay out my outfit for the day and I have my kids do the same. It prevents morning outfit battles and ensures they look put together (and that their clothes actually match!).

Key Takeaways:

• Set out clothes for yourself and your kids, including socks and accessories.
• Let younger kids pick their outfits the night before to avoid arguments.
• Check the weather so there are no surprises.

3. Create a “Drop Zone”

When my kids were in school, having a designated spot for backpacks, shoes and jackets was a game-changer. Even though we homeschool now, we still maintain a drop zone with shoes, sweatshirts and backpacks to keep things organized. My husband and I also have a place for our shoes, keys and bags, making getting out the door easier.

Key Takeaways:

• Set up a space near the door for backpacks, coats/sweatshirts and shoes.
• Ensure homework, permission slips or work items are ready to go. In our case it’s library books.
• Charge devices in a set location overnight so they’re ready in the morning.

4. Set Intentions for the Next Day

Going to bed with a plan eases mental clutter and allows you to wake up with purpose. I go through my planner and our family calendar every night, making sure I know what’s on the agenda and preparing anything I need in advance. I also prepare myself mentally, like go through my day and what is going on. This helps me to make sure I’m not missing anything.

Key Takeaways:

• Take five minutes to review your schedule and list your top three priorities.
• Prep anything needed for appointments, errands, or work projects.
• Mentally walk through your morning and see if anything can be prepped ahead.

5. Close Down the Kitchen

I’ve done this for over 10 years, but it’s something I learned from my mom. I never understood why she insisted on a clean kitchen at night—until I started doing it myself. Waking up to a clean kitchen makes the morning feel instantly calmer.

Every night, we wipe down counters, put dishes in the dishwasher and start it. We also vacuum after dinner. The goal? No dishes or messes waiting for me in the morning.

Key Takeaways:

• Wash and put away dishes so you’re not greeted by a mess in the morning.
• Wipe down counters and sweep the floor.
• Set up coffee or breakfast items so they’re ready to go when you wake up.
• 

6. Establish a Calming Wind-Down Routine

One of the best things I learned from working with a health coach was how important it is to wind down at night. Having a consistent bedtime and taking time to relax before bed has improved my sleep immensely.

I put my phone away at least 30 minutes before bed, do devotions and pray and sometimes journal. I try to be in bed by 9:30 PM, but it’s usually closer to 10. Your routine might look different, but I can promise that scrolling Instagram before bed won’t help you unwind!

Key Takeaways:

• Set a consistent bedtime and avoid screens at least 30 minutes before sleep.
• Do something relaxing like reading, stretching or journaling.
• Try a gratitude practice—reflect on three things you’re grateful for before bed.

Final Thoughts

The real secret to easier mornings is taking control of your evenings. By making small, intentional changes to your night routine, you’ll wake up feeling less rushed and more in control. Which of these tips will you try first? Let me know how your days change when you start planning ahead!

Love,
Billie-Jo
The Simplified Mom