Start your day off on the right foot by waking up to a fresh and tidy home.

Before our heads hit the pillow each evening, most of us indulge in nightly routines to wind down. Reading a book, sipping a mug of herbal tea—these habits evoke a sense of relaxation that promotes better sleep and helps quiet your mind.

By throwing in a few extra closing tasks before you turn the lights out, you'll ensure your mental to-do is completely checked off. Not only are these cleaning tasks quick and easy, they’ll help you start the next day off on a high note. 

1. Clear the sink

Whether you’re throwing dirty dishes in the dishwasher or giving them a quick hand wash, a clean sink is a must for a tidy morning. It also eliminates unwanted smells and bacteria from your kitchen.

Don’t forget to run the dishwasher if it’s full!

2. Wipe down counters

From dinner crumbs to stacks of mail to wet patches on the bathroom counter, the surfaces in your home see a lot of action every day. Give them a quick wipe-down with a multipurpose spray before you hit the hay. If you’re short on time, stick to high-traffic kitchen and dining surfaces.

3. Tidy the family room

If you spend your evenings lounging in the family room, chances are that your decorative pillows and cozy throw blankets will be used for snuggling purposes. Neatly fold blankets, fluff pillows, and put away any junk (hello, kids toys!) to keep this room looking fresh for the A.M.

4. Empty the garbage

If you notice that your garbage, recycling, or green bin have hit their max capacity by the end of the night, swap them out for fresh bags.

5. Pick up discarded clothing 

Your bedroom is your sanctuary and part of that means keeping it tidy. Spend a few minutes picking up strewn clothing from your morning wardrobe dash and put them back where they belong.

6. Sweep

Gritty floors? Giving them a once-over with your broom or vacuum will help keep your feet crumb-free come morning.

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