I know all too well how managing a home can feel like a constant juggling act – school runs, housework, kids’ activities, and somewhere in there, trying to carve out a little “me-time.”
But over the years, I’ve found a routine that helps me keep things (mostly!) in order and makes my home feel calm and collected.
I thought I’d share my daily schedule with you, step by step, and explain why I do each part of it. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful or even be inspired to try out some of these habits in your own day!
Morning Routine: Starting the Day Calm and Fresh
Folding Back the Duvet
I’m a firm believer that the way you start your day sets the tone for everything else. That’s why, as soon as I wake up, I do one simple thing that feels like an act of calm – folding back the duvet.
Now, I know some people swear by making their bed as the first task of the day, but instead of tucking in sheets and fluffing pillows right away, I let my bed breathe.
Folding the duvet down allows the sheets to air out, which is great for keeping everything fresh. Plus, it’s a little visual cue that the day has begun, and I’m already in “get things done” mode without feeling rushed.
Why it’s important: Letting your bed air helps reduce moisture that can build up overnight, keeping your bed fresher and cleaner. It’s a quick and simple step, but it sets a productive tone for the rest of the day.
Unloading the Dishwasher
Next, I head downstairs and put the kettle on and make breakfast. While the kettle’s boiling, I get a head start on housework by unloading the dishwasher, which I ran the night before.
This step is crucial for me because it clears space for all the dirty dishes we’re about to create during breakfast. Plus, it means I don’t have to stare at a counter full of dirty dishes throughout the day—it’s all about keeping the kitchen calm and functional.
Why it’s important: By unloading the dishwasher early, you set yourself up for an easier day. Dirty dishes can be loaded as you go, so there’s less mess to deal with, and your kitchen remains a calm space instead of a chaotic one. And let’s be honest, no one likes a pile of dirty dishes at the end of the day.
Breakfast & Laundry Prep
After breakfast, I get dressed and ready for the day, and then it’s straight into laundry mode. I bring down any dirty clothes and toss them into the washing machine.
This is a daily habit for me, and I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to stay on top of the never-ending pile of laundry that comes with kids! Doing a load every day means I never have a mountain of clothes waiting to be washed—it’s always manageable.
Why it’s important: Doing laundry daily prevents it from piling up into an overwhelming task. Plus, it helps me ensure that everyone always has clean clothes, and I’m not left scrambling to wash school uniforms at the last minute!
Getting the Kids Ready for School
By now, the kids are awake and getting ready for school. I make sure they have everything they need for the day (PE kits, water bottles, homework), and then we’re out the door for the school run. It’s always a bit of a whirlwind, but by sticking to a routine, it’s a lot less stressful.
Why it’s important: Having a consistent morning routine helps the kids know what to expect, and it gives me peace of mind knowing we’re all prepared for the day ahead. Plus, it helps me feel more in control of the morning chaos.
Mid-Morning: Tidying and a Bit of Deep Cleaning
Hand-Washing Breakfast Dishes
Once I’m back from the school run, it’s time to tidy up from breakfast. Any dishes that can’t go into the dishwasher get hand-washed straight away. This is key for me because I know if I leave them, they’ll sit there all day and make the kitchen feel messy. Taking the few extra minutes to wash and dry them immediately keeps the kitchen calm and functional for the rest of the day.
Why it’s important: Hand-washing dishes right after breakfast ensures your kitchen stays tidy and ready for the next meal. A cluttered kitchen can feel overwhelming, so this small step is a game-changer for maintaining a calm space.
Clutter Clear-Up
Once the breakfast dishes are sorted, I take 5-10 minutes to do a quick clutter clear-up. This involves walking around the house with a basket, picking up anything that isn’t in its rightful place—random toys, books, shoes, you name it. I pop everything into the basket to be sorted later. This simple habit keeps clutter from taking over and gives me a sense of control over the house.
Why it’s important: Clutter can make a house feel chaotic. A quick, daily clutter pick-up prevents things from building up and ensures that your home feels organized and calm. Plus, when everything has a place, it’s easier to find things when you need them!
15-Minute Focus on One Room
After my clutter clear-up, I like to spend 15 minutes focusing on a particular room in the house. I choose a task that often gets neglected in the general day-to-day cleaning – something like decluttering a drawer, wiping down windows, or tidying a cupboard. Each week I focus on a different room, and each day a different task.
Why it’s important: These short bursts of focused cleaning help you keep on top of the jobs that might otherwise get left for months. Breaking down bigger tasks into 15-minute chunks makes them much more manageable, and over time, it adds up to a cleaner, more organized home.
Laundry Time
By the time I’ve finished my 15-minute focus, the washing machine has usually finished its cycle. I then hang the clothes outside to dry or, if the weather isn’t great, I use the tumble dryer or indoor airer. Getting the laundry done early in the day means I can fold and put it away before the evening, and I avoid the panic of needing clean clothes at the last minute.
Why it’s important: Staying on top of laundry by doing a load a day keeps it from piling up, and getting it out to dry early means it’s done and dusted before the day ends.
After-School: Teaching Responsibility
Kids Put Away Their Clutter and Laundry
Once the kids are home from school, I direct them to the basket of clutter I collected earlier. I have them take their things and put them away. I also give them any clean laundry to put away in their rooms. This small routine not only helps keep the house tidy but also teaches the kids responsibility for their own belongings.
Why it’s important: Having the kids put away their own things teaches them accountability and helps them understand that tidiness is a team effort. Plus, it lightens your load as a mum!
Evening: Wrapping Up the Day
Filling and Running the Dishwasher
After dinner, I fill the dishwasher with the day’s dirty dishes and turn it on. This little ritual is so satisfying because it means I wake up to a clean kitchen and a dishwasher full of clean dishes, ready to be unloaded first thing in the morning. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the day and feel like I’m ending it on a productive note.
Why it’s important: Running the dishwasher at night means you start the next day with a clean slate. It’s one less thing to worry about in the morning rush, and it helps maintain a sense of order in the kitchen.
Quick tidy up – putting the house to bed
The very last thing I do is make sure there is nothing out of place. This might mean tucking chairs in, plumping sofa cushions, putting a book back on a shelf – resetting the home so that it is ready for the next day.
I can then sit down and relax to watch something on the tv, knowing the house is tidy and calm. It isn’t something I’ve always enjoyed doing but I have come to realise that as much as I may not enjoy tidying, I enjoy a tidy home more.
So if I have to sacrifice some of my free time to ensure I live in a home that brings me peace, it is totally worth it.
At the end of the day, my routine isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space that feels calm and manageable. By sticking to a few simple daily habits, I can keep on top of the housework without feeling overwhelmed.
And remember, the key is consistency. These small tasks might seem insignificant on their own, but over time, they add up to a tidy, organised home where everyone knows where things belong.
I hope sharing my routine has given you some ideas to try out in your own home. It’s all about finding what works for you and sticking to it. Here’s to a calmer, more organized life—one day at a time!