How To Get Rid Of The Morning Chaos

How many of you started your day in total chaos? What were some of the things that kept you from having the type of morning you dream of?

Lost keys and bookbags, oversleeping, too much to do with not enough time – all contribute to morning chaos. Most of the things that kept you from having a great morning were preventable. Consistently stress-free mornings don’t just happen. They must be planned. Let’s go back to the night before.

When the family comes home of an evening, bodies aren’t the only thing that come in the door, a host of stuff follows them – papers, information, questions, belongings. If you don’t have what I call a “Command Center” to house all of that stuff, problems will arise. Morning chaos will result.

Here is a list of the important items to be considered when setting up a command center.

Hooks and cubbies. Set up a central spot, preferably by the door everyone uses to leave the house. Items that are routinely needed each morning must have a specific home. Install hooks and storage cubbies. Think shoes, coats, backpacks, sporting equipment, briefcases, purses, etc.

In basket. A bulletin board, a pocket file, a cute basket, anything will work as long as it is the designated place for items that require your attention.

Calendar.

Writing board. A chalkboard or dry erase board will work well. This is a good place to note any reminders for the day. Does someone need to remember to grab a packed lunch that was, hopefully, prepared the night before? Is there a variation in the afternoon pick-up? You get the idea.

Now that you have the physical aspects set up, here is how you keep the system working.

Action. You have your designated spaces for important items. Now set up the systems to ensure you DO the things that need to be done. Set a habit to check the in basket every evening after supper. Sign any papers that need to be returned to school the next day. Make phone calls, send emails, etc.  Write any upcoming events in the calendar.

Maintenance. As seasons change, so do shoes and coats. Place items that you aren’t using in another area. Otherwise, the hooks will become cluttered and unusable. Aim for an empty in basket every day, if that’s not possible clear it out once a week.

Following these few simple routines will take only minutes each evening but will save you many steps each morning. The main idea is that possessions and information you use daily have a place to rest and everyone knows where that place is.  And remember that setting up systems is only the beginning.  All systems require an action and maintenance plan to truly work.

Good luck.  We’d love to see pictures of your command center and hear about what works for you.