5 Routines That Make Life Easier
Life is crazy! A few years ago I tried to stop saying “when these next 2 weeks, events, etc. are over life will slow down. It’s just not. Today I’m sharing with you 5 routines that simplify my life. I don’t have time for complicated routines. And while ADDING a routine might seem counterproductive, a well thought out routine can actually save you a lot of time and make life easier!
In no particular order, here are my top 5 routines to make life easier:
Weekly cleaning - By having a simple routine for keeping my house clean, I ensure a tidy home without planning an entire day for this. When life is particularly crazy I can simplify it down to 10 minute tasks.
Bathrooms - I clean my bathroom in 10 minutes are less each Monday.
Bedrooms - A quick dusting and vacuum of a bedroom can take less than 10 minutes. If you don’t have the time, skip the rooms that no one uses and space those out to every 2 weeks.
Main living area - Again, if you’re really pressed for time, just do the bare minimum. Vacuuming, dusting, and a quick mopping will go a long way to refreshing your space!
Regular donations - this is a very simple routine. We keep a donation drop spot in a closet that is central to everyone in the house. Everyone can drop off the things that they are ready to pass on. Once this box is full I can either drop it at my local donation center or schedule a pickup from a local charity. By having a consistent pattern of getting rid of things, you are making life easy!
Evening routine - This is a non negotiable in our home. It changes everything about the next morning if these things are done. You can find my complete evening routine HERE. But here is a simplified version:
Clean up - grab a basket and pick up everything that doesn’t belong in your main living areas. Load the dishwasher and start it. Wipe up your counters. Run the vacuum. Your tomorrow morning self will thank you!
Planner - By taking 5 minutes to look at the next day and making a plan, I am setting tomorrow up for success!
Tomorrow prep - What can I do tonight to prepare for tomorrow? Lay out my clothes. Pull the meat from the freezer to the fridge for dinner. Pack lunches. Anything I do tonight to prepare for tomorrow is a big win!
Weekend routine - I developed this routine because I hated starting the week with such a big list. By doing these simple things, I am making great strides towards a great week before it’s even began. HERE is the full version of this routine, but if you’re pressed for time, here are some highlights that pack a punch!
Fridge - cleaning out my fridge is huge! Removing old food and wiping up spills keeps bad smells away!
Meal Plan - what are we eating for dinner next week?
Clothes - is laundry caught up? During different seasons of life I have planned out my wardrobe (or a kids’) for the week.
My weekly list - I created this list of things I have to do each week. Occasionally one of these things can be skipped. But we all have things we do week after week. By having it all on one list, I’m saving time and brain space.
What are some things you do that make your life easier? I encourage you to try at least one of these routines! I believe that in them you will find margin for the good things.