Life-Changing Tricks to Make Morning Routines Easier
We asked you what product or strategy helps streamline your mornings and get you out the door on time. These ideas are serious game changers.
I wait until I’m at work to have my coffee. It motivates me to get ready and keeps me from lingering.
— Libby Cutler, Richmond, Virginia
I keep the kids’ socks, shoes, and hair stuff next to the garage door so we don’t have to run around for the last few things we need to leave the house.
—Valerie Thompson, Houston
I shower and wash my hair in the evening, then sleep on a silk pillowcase. In the a.m., I just fluff out my hair with a light styling product. It saves me up to half an hour.
— Susan Katz, Henderson, Nevada
I set my alarm to an upbeat song to stop myself from pressing snooze. There’s no better way to get moving in the morning.
— @DARTHCAKEINATOR
Twenty years ago, I decided to wear only dresses to work. They’re easy and comfortable, and they require less outfit coordination.
— Kimberly Gremillion, Alexandria, Louisiana
While preparing for bed, my husband and I talk through the next day. It helps us get on the same page in case we forgot about something. And knowing we’re ready for the day ahead helps us sleep better.
— Mayhew Lester, Dallas
I taught my five children to make their own lunches. From the age of about four, they started learning what should be included in a healthy(ish) lunch and being given a budget at the grocery store to use on their favorite snacks. This also helps keep them from complaining about not liking what I packed or not having an extra snack after school.
— Ashley Gaines, Jacksonville, Florida
The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker is a game changer in the mornings. I’m able to serve my 5-year-old a hot breakfast while tending to my newborn at the same time. Talk about a win!
— Molly Woodsum, Tallahassee, Florida
One of our young daughters used to require 45 minutes to get dressed in her winter gear. Amazon’s Alexa helped us implement our pediatrician’s advice to set a timer. The kids jump to get their shoes, coats, and backpacks every time she rings.
— Amanda Dreyer, Madison, Wisconsin
A keypad lock on my front door. Because I mostly walk, bike, and take public transportation, I rarely need car keys; the keypad lets me forgo carrying a house key, too. No more search-and-destroy missions or fumbling around before leaving the house, which translates into less stress getting to my destination.
— Kate Schwarz, Washington D.C.
When my children were younger and in school, I made a breakfast menu with pictures of their favorite food and drinks, such as cereal, bagels, OJ, and chocolate milk. Before they went to bed, they circled what they wanted. It made morning time easy, with no complaints!
— Debi Muller, Plantation, Florida
Binder clips. My hands chafe and get cold easily, so I’m always wearing gloves during the winter. I keep my gloves together using the clips and put them in a clear plastic bin in the closet. It makes it easy to grab a pair of gloves and go.
— Marge Laskowski, Miller Place, New York
Setting the coffee maker on a timer the night before. The scent helps me move faster.
— @ANJUBSM
A hatchback car. I work in forestry, so I leave the house with my arms full of backpacks, binders, tools, and equipment. When I bought my most recent car, I insisted on a hatchback so I could just shove everything in quickly and not dirty the passenger seats.
— Camille Stephens, Logan, Utah
Every single clock is set 10 minutes ahead.
— Ann-Marie Lyons, Frankfort, Illinois
I spend a few minutes cuddling with my children. It makes them much more willing to do what needs to be done to get out the door.
— Tiffiny Wolf, Atlanta
