Do you struggle to stay focused and organized amidst the chaos of your busy schedule? If so, you’re not alone! Many of us juggle multiple responsibilities and obligations, making it difficult to keep everything on track. So, what’s the secret to having a productive and organized day?
The key is in your habits the night before.
With a few simple additions to your nighttime routine, you can prepare for an efficient tomorrow (as well as an easy, no-rush morning. Sounds amazing, right?)
These tips may seem like a lot to do in one night, but keep in mind that many of them can be completed in a matter of minutes. Pick and choose what you think will work best for you and try to turn them into nightly habits so they become a natural part of your routine.
Here are 10 things to do before bed for an organized tomorrow!
Make a to-do list for the following day
We’ve all had those days where we feel like we’re constantly running around, yet never getting anything accomplished. Super frustrating, right? That’s why making a to-do list for the following day is crucial for staying organized and focused.
By taking a few minutes each night to write down your tasks and priorities, you’ll be able to tackle them with ease the next day. Not only will it help you stay on track and productive, but it’ll also reduce mental clutter and decision fatigue that often comes with a busy schedule.
If you need somewhere to write down your to-do list, I’ve got just the thing for you. Check out my printable/digital daily planner where you can write your day’s schedule, priorities, to do list and notes all in one page!
Pack your bag
Ever rush out the door only to realize you’ve forgotten something important? Yeah… Definitely not fun on a busy morning. Don’t let yourself feel that level of stress again. Instead, take the time to pack your bag the night before. It’s an absolute game-changer when it comes to staying organized and on top of things.
Whether it’s a purse, briefcase, backpack or gym bag, make sure it’s packed with everything you need for the next day. Not only will this save you precious time (you know how quickly the minutes seem to pass in the morning), but it’ll also give you peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need to tackle the day ahead.
Set out your clothes
Picture this: you’re standing in front of your closet, tossing clothes around while frantically trying to put together the right outfit for the day. Now the room’s a mess and you don’t feel very confident with what you’ve chosen. Not the prettiest image, right?
Save yourself from this stressful scenario by taking a few minutes before bed to plan your outfit for the next day. Check the whether forecast to pick appropriate pieces and make sure you have the little things like socks and accessories ready as well.
You’ll save yourself time, energy and maybe even some decision-making stress in the morning. Plus, it’ll give you the opportunity to iron/steam away any wrinkles in your clothes, adding to a put-together look!
Prep your meals
We all know the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, but finding the time to prepare nutritious meals in the morning can be challenging! Prepping your meals the night before can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your health in check and your day organized.
There’s no need to be extravagant when it comes to meal prepping. A few simple ideas could be overnight oats, chia seed pudding or boiled eggs for breakfast and mason jar salads or cooked grains with protein and veggies for lunch.
Taking the time to plan meals in advance can save you time, money and stress. And since your healthy options will be ready, you’ll be able to easily resist the temptation of getting fast food or unhealthy snacks during the day.
Tidy up
Spend a few minutes tidying up your workspace, kitchen or any other areas of your home to create a clean slate for the next day. By taking the time to put things away and clear any clutter, you’ll feel more relaxed and organized when you wake up in the morning.
If you have trouble motivating yourself to do a little cleaning, try setting a short timer (just 5 minutes will do!). Then, tidy up non-stop until the timer goes off. This is a great way to stay on top of household chores and prevent them from piling.
You may be thinking that a few minutes isn’t enough to clean the mess you’ve been avoiding. Sure, that may be true. But a few minutes over the course of a few days will have a big impact! So, pick up a few cute baskets or storage containers and start putting things away in their designated spots every night!
Check your calendar
Checking your calendar the night before a new day is an essential step in ensuring you don’t miss any important appointments or events. By taking a second to review your schedule for the next day, you’ll have a clear idea of what’s on your plate and you can plan accordingly. That includes packing any necessary materials or supplies, setting reminders or simply mentally preparing for the day ahead so nothing catches you by surprise.
If you want a nice and simple calendar to keep track of your events, I recommend using my printable/digital monthly planner! It’s undated, so it can be used in any month of any year. I also have dated 2023 calendars that are perfect for monthly planning!
Charge your devices
In today’s digital age, our devices have become an essential part of our daily routine. Whether it’s our phone, tablet or laptop, many of us rely on them to stay connected, productive and prepared for our days.
Remember to plug in the devices you need the night before so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery in the middle of the day. It can also be handy to have an extra set of chargers specifically to keep in your bag.
Set reminders
With so many tasks and responsibilities to juggle, it can be easy to forget important deadlines or appointments. Make it a habit to set any necessary reminders at night for the day ahead so you can stay organized and on top of your to do list.
It’s a great way to free up mental space and avoid the stress of constantly trying to remember everything, so grab your phone or planner and get those reminders set. Your future self will thank you for it!
Review your goals
Take a minute every night to review both your short-term and long-term goals and make sure your daily activities align with them.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and forget about bigger goals and aspirations, so taking a moment to remind yourself of what you want will help you keep your eyes on the prize!
P.S. If you’re having trouble with setting goals, I have a great goal setting worksheet that can help you come up with an action plan to achieve what you want!
Relax and unwind
It’s night time, so of course you need to relax and unwind! Take some time to do something calming that you enjoy such as reading, taking a nice bath or meditating. This will help you feel refreshed and energized for the next day.
While it’s important to be productive, it’s equally important to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being. By giving yourself permission to unwind and recharge, you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever challenges come your way. So go ahead and indulge in a well-deserved break before going to bed. You deserve it!
Need more help?
I have some great printables that can help you stay organized, productive and on top of your game (I hope you love printables as much as I do!). Here are the printables I mentioned in this post, plus a couple more you’ll love:
All of my printables are PDFs that can be opened in digital planner apps as well. Let me know what you think!
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