1. Charge your cell phone. There’s nothing like waking up and realizing your cell phone is almost out of charge. That panic setting in? It’s normal. Prevent it by plugging in your phone overnight. Make it a habit, and you won’t ever have to worry about your phone.

 

2. Wash the dishes or load and run the dishwasher. Being greeted in the morning by a sink full of dishes will drain your morale in no time. Don’t let that be a problem—instead, load and run the dishwasher overnight or recruit your family to help you wash dishes after dinner.

 

3. Set out everything you need. Choose a good spot where things aren’t going to get knocked down or picked up and lost, and put everything there you’ll need in the morning: keys, clothes, jewelry, money, wallet, watch, belt—everything! If you have children, get them into the habit of doing the same thing in their own bedrooms.

 

4. Make lunches or check lunch money. If you regularly make lunches for you or your children, do these the night before. The morning will be so much easier if you don’t have to worry about putting together lunches. If you or your children buy lunch, double check to make sure everyone has enough money to prevent the sudden realization that you’re out of cash halfway through the door.

 

5. Set your alarm and check it. Twice. Nothing puts you behind schedule like waking up ten or twenty minutes late. Is it excessive to check your alarm two or three times before bed? Maybe, but not being late is worth it!

 

If you set up these habits and tailor them for your family, you’ll find your mornings a lot less hectic—you might even have time to eat breakfast!