5 Night Hacks That Make My Mornings Easier

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Soccer season is here, which means practices after school, late dinners, and weekends packed with games. Add in my full-time job, two kids, a husband, a dog, and trying to not let the house look like a landfill—and mornings can get brutal if I don’t set myself up the night before.

I don’t do “balance.” I do efficiency. If something saves me time or sanity tomorrow, I’m doing it tonight.

Here are the 5 simple things I do every evening to make mornings easier:

1. Prep the coffee pot

Coffee is non-negotiable. As soon as I’m done with my last cup, I rinse the pot, dump the grounds, refill the water, and set the timer. When the alarm goes off, hot coffee is already waiting.

• Coffee pot I use, it's simple/easy.

• My favorite sponge for washing dishes, it lasts, doesn't smell easily and works great!

2. Run and empty the dishwasher

After dinner, I load it up and hit start. The next morning, I unload it first thing. Then it’s ready to take the day’s dirty dishes instead of letting them pile in the sink.

• I love these gel cleaning packs for our dishwasher.

3. Pack lunches and water bottles

I wash my husband’s lunch dish and refill it right away. I set the kids’ water bottles in the fridge, and if they need lunches, I pack them while the kitchen is still messy from dinner. That way I only clean once.

• My kids lunch boxes work great, they are the perfect size, too.

• Their bags for carrying them are large enough for any extra snack and beverage.

• My husband uses these bentgo boxes that are compact and easy to pack.

• These water bottles have not failed me, the straws are still holding strong, and they are extremely durable.

4. Lay out workout clothes

No excuses. My alarm goes off at 5am, and my clothes are already waiting in the bathroom. I get dressed before I even leave the room, which makes it harder to back out.

• These are my favorite workout shorts because they hold everything in, I hate loose clothing when I am working out.

• I prefer smaller, light weight sports bras because my chest doesn't require a ton of support.

• Brooks shoes are my choice for running, and even strength training.

5. Set out backpacks and shoes

Homework folders, sports uniforms, and whatever else they need goes in the backpacks the night before. Shoes are lined up by the door. That small step avoids at least one meltdown in the morning.

• These Under Armour backpacks are on year 3, and hold everything my kids need PLUS snowpants on the front.

These hacks aren’t fancy, but they work. The goal isn’t to do it all—it’s to make the next day smoother, with less scrambling and less stress.

If your evenings feel chaotic, try building your own night routine. Start small, pick one or two things, and make them habits. It’s about efficiency, not perfection.

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