Regardless of how well you organize and store your belongings, a home that's lived in will inevitably need some tidying at day's end. This is where my nightly 'closing shift' comes into play.
This evening ritual, learned from my dad, helps me reset my living space, maintain order, and ensure everything is secure before bedtime.
The outcome? A home that doesn't greet me with chaos in the morning. I highly recommend you try it!
My Nightly Closing Shift Routine
The idea of a home 'closing shift' isn't new; it's gained popularity on social media, with many people embracing this nightly practice to manage household chores. Pairing it with a morning routine, it stands out as one of the cleaning hacks I swear by.
To enhance the experience, I dim the lights for a cozy ambiance while listening to music or an audiobook. This not only speeds up the quick cleaning tasks before bed but also helps me relax before sleep.
With my headphones on, I dive into my closing shift.
Philips Hue White Ambiance Bulb | Was $44.99, Now $35.26 at Amazon
I appreciate how the Hue bulb can switch from bright task lighting to a soft glow, helping me unwind before sleep.
1. Check All Doors and Windows
Having a military background, my dad instilled in me the importance of home security. Now that I live independently, ensuring every door and window is locked and curtains drawn is crucial as I begin my evening routine.
This not only enhances my sense of safety, especially as I secure my home, but also creates a cozier atmosphere, knowing the outside world is shut out. It's a vital part of my quick evening reset.
2. Complete Any Dishes
Every night, no matter how late it is, my dad made sure to finish the dishes left from dinner. Without a dishwasher, everything is done by hand, which makes audiobooks a great companion during this task.
Cleaning the dishes not only prepares the kitchen for breakfast but also eliminates unpleasant odors, keeping the home smelling fresh – a key habit for those who enjoy a pleasant kitchen ambiance.
3. Wipe Down Kitchen Surfaces
Once the dishes are cleaned and drying, I quickly wipe down the kitchen counters. After cooking, I also clean the stove, using my favorite Method all-purpose cleaner, available at Target.
I have a few daily practices for keeping counters tidy, but this time is for ensuring everything is in its place, leftovers are properly stored for lunch, and my electric kettle is filled for morning use.
4. Tidy Up Any Laundry
This task is sometimes part of my closing shift, depending on whether I have clothes airers cluttering my living room.
If I've been doing laundry, I gather the dry items, file fold them, collapse the airer, and empty my dehumidifier to clear some space for the next day.
This step helps prevent morning overwhelm; I dislike seeing drying clothes as it clutters my area. By at least folding the clothes into my basket and putting them away, I make waking up for breakfast more calming.
Foldable bamboo hamper | $25.99 at Wayfair
These stylish laundry baskets help me keep my home organized and sort my clothes. Their foldable design allows for easy storage when not in use.
5. Clear the Coffee Table
My partner and I enjoy snacking and gaming, so our coffee table often becomes cluttered with snack wrappers and controllers needing to charge. Before bed, we make sure to throw away trash, store food properly, and return controllers to their docks, creating clear surfaces for the morning.
Visual clutter can lead to feelings of overwhelm while cleaning, so starting the day with a clean slate sets a positive tone for what's ahead.
6. Arrange Soft Furnishings
Before I turn off the lights, I straighten any soft furnishings like the sofa and chairs.
This usually means plumping pillows for morning comfort and tossing blankets into my large storage basket. I prefer using a basket to avoid folding and it gives my home a cozy, lived-in feel.
I repurposed a basket from my parents' attic, but you can find similar baskets at McGee & Co.
After completing my nightly tasks, I indulge in some self-care before bed. If a nightly routine seems exhausting, consider switching to a morning shift, allowing you to handle chores from the previous night before starting your day. Completing tasks in the morning can boost your mood and set you up for a successful day – it all comes down to whether you're an early riser or a night owl.
