The Closing Shift
The Closing Shift has become my new secret weapon for a tidy home and clearer mind. Referencing retail and restaurant life, I've adopted the "closing shift" for my home daily. In the final 20-30 minutes before winding down and going to bed, I focus on tidying my home for the day. This isn't doing a full clean but simply taking care of the daily clutter and messes. The intention is to wake up each day to your home feeling organized, clean and peaceful.
Depending on space, current habits and routine, a closing shift will look different for everyone. Here are some tips for what the routine can include.
Clean Up the Kitchen
I'm big on cleaning up dishes and the kitchen immediately after eating, but if you're not - start here. Load the dishwasher if you have one, or clean whatever dishes remain from your meal. Clear out your drying rack and wipe down surfaces - waking up to empty and clean areas feels great.
Put Away Clothes & Shoes
Whether it's clothes from outfit trials in the morning, the work clothes you've shed or your jacket and shoes from the day, there's probably clothes lying around. Hang your items or put them in the laundry, keeping your space tidy and caring for your clothing.
Tidy the Day's Clutter
We have a tendency to drop items as we go about our day. While I try to put things in their place immediately (such as hanging my jacket as soon as I get home), it's a work in progress. Take 10-15 minutes to gather odds and ends and put them away. If you live in a place with multiple levels, keeping a basket to toss things in to carry them up or down stairs can be helpful.
Prep for Tomorrow
If you're like me, you have just enough time in the morning to get ready and get out the door to work. So, preparing as much as possible the night before is beneficial. I prep the coffee maker, assemble lunch items & travel mugs, reset my work bag and set my electronics to charge. This prep makes leaving for the day infinitely smoother.
This closing shift mindset and routine is surprisingly quick and has fit relatively easily into my evenings. Starting each day in a space that is free of clutter helps me to feel grounded and prepared for the day ahead. Plus, when I get home from work, I am not walking into an untidy and overwhelming environment. Through this habit, I am tapping into my value of order and resetting and caring for my home. But, it's also an act of self-care as it's intentionally caring for my future self and contributing to my well-being.