10 Simple Things to Do Tonight to Save You Time Tomorrow

If your mornings feel rushed and stressful, let’s find a way to change that. Here are 10 simple things to do tonight to save you time tomorrow. Hopefully you’ll have more peace of mind and an easier day too!

HOW DOING THINGS TONIGHT CAN HELP SAVE YOU TIME TOMORROW

If your mornings feel rushed, chaotic or just plain stressful, you’re not alone. Getting everyone out the door (or yourself ready to start the day) can often feel like a mini-marathon before 9am.

My mornings used to feel like a whirlwind and it made me feel like I was chasing my tail all day. I lurched from one thing to another, feeling behind and not in the best mood to enjoy a positive and productive day.

But, as I found, a little bit of prep the night before can make a big difference to how smoothly your tomorrow runs.

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TONIGHT TO SAVE TIME IN THE MORNING

Here are 10 simple things you can do tonight to save yourself time, stress and decision-fatigue tomorrow—with plenty of practical tips and examples to help you make them part of your evening routine.

1. Tidy the Kitchen

After dinner, take 10 minutes to tidy the kitchen—clear the counters, wipe down the hob, load (or run) the dishwasher, and put things back where they belong.

Why it helps: A clean kitchen in the morning feels like a fresh start. It also means you’re not tripping over last night’s dishes when all you want is your coffee.

Tip: Set a timer for 10 minutes and do a power-clean. Get the family involved if you can—many hands make light work!

Further Reading: How to Reset Your Home So It Stays Tidy and Clutter-Free

2. Lay Out Tomorrow’s Clothes

Pick your outfit the night before, including shoes and accessories. Do this for the kids too if needed.

Why it helps: Decision-making takes energy. Laying out clothes ahead of time removes one more choice from your already-busy morning brain.

Tip: If you’re prone to indecision, keep a few go-to outfits ready to rotate—your own personal “uniform” for simplicity.

3. Prep Breakfast (and Lunches)

Whether it’s overnight oats, a smoothie, or just knowing where everything is, having breakfast sorted ahead of time gives you one less thing to think about.

Why it helps: You’ll be less likely to skip meals or have to waste time clearing away mess, ingredients and mixing bowls.

Tip: Pack lunchboxes, refill water bottles and prep fruit or snacks in one go while you’re already in the kitchen after dinner.

4. Write a Quick To Do List

Spend a few minutes jotting down your top 3 priorities for tomorrow. Keep it short and realistic.

Why it helps: Offloading your thoughts helps you sleep better and makes it easier to start your day with intention and direction.

Tip: Use a notebook, planner or an app on your phone—whatever works for you. Don’t overthink it.

Further Reading: 10 Great Organisation Habits to Help You Stay Organised in Life

5. Put Things Back Where They Belong

Do a quick reset of your living space—fold blankets, put toys away, stack post neatly, and return shoes to the hallway.

Why it helps: Waking up to a tidy space creates calm and order, setting the tone for your whole day.

Tip: A “10-minute tidy” before bed is a game-changer. Get the kids involved if they’re still up—make it part of their bedtime wind-down.

6. Charge Devices (and Check Bags)

Plug in your phone, tablet or laptop. Check school bags, handbags or work bags for essentials—keys, wallet, homework, chargers, etc.

Why it helps: Scrambling to find your charger or child’s PE kit at 8:07am is not a good time.

Tip: Keep a small basket or tray near the front door for things you need to grab and go.

7. Check the Weather and Plan Accordingly

It sounds simple, but checking the forecast can help you plan clothes, travel time and any weather-related curveballs.

Why it helps: A soggy school run or surprise heatwave won’t catch you out if you’re prepared.

Tip: Build this into your To Do list or evening habit so it becomes automatic.

8. Wind Down Mindfully

Don’t underestimate the power of a calm evening routine. Whether it’s reading, journalling, stretching or just a quiet cup of tea—wind down properly.

Why it helps: A well-rested mind makes better decisions and copes with stress more easily the next day.

Tip: Set a “get ready for bed” alarm on your phone to remind you to start winding down earlier.

Further Reading: 7 Calming Evening Habits for Better Sleep

9. Set Out Anything You Need for the Morning

Whether it’s gym clothes, a reusable coffee cup, permission slips or a birthday card you need to remember to post—lay it out now.

Why it helps: You’re less likely to forget things when they’re visible and ready to go.

Tip: I keep a small filing tray nearby for reminders like this. I have one in the kitchen so it’s one of the first things I see in the morning when I’m making my tea!

10. Go to Bed on Time

It’s not always easy, but giving yourself a realistic bedtime gives you a head start on tomorrow.

Why it helps: All the evening prep in the world won’t help much if you’re running on empty. Prioritise rest.

Tip: Try to set a regular bedtime for yourself—even if it’s 15 minutes earlier than usual. Your future self will thank you.

CONCLUSION

Small, consistent habits in the evening can lead to much calmer, smoother mornings. You don’t need to do all ten of these every single night—start with just one or two and build from there.

Personally, I always tidy the kitchen, pack lunchboxes, and check the weather. It’s become second nature now and makes such a difference to how I feel when I wake up—more prepared, more in control, and a lot less frazzled.

Try choosing just one thing from this list to start doing tonight. You might be surprised how much easier tomorrow feels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SAVING TIME IN THE MORNING

Here are some questions you might be wondering about. I hope these answers help!

1. I’m too tired in the evenings—how can I stay motivated to prep ahead?

Try breaking it into tiny steps. A 5-minute tidy or prepping lunch while the kettle boils can still make a big impact. Also, remind yourself how much better your mornings feel when you’ve taken a few moments the night before.

2. Do I need to do all 10 things every night?

Not at all. These are ideas, not a checklist. Focus on the ones that will give you the biggest return—maybe that’s prepping clothes, or getting to bed earlier. You can always build up over time.

3. How do I make evening routines stick?

Consistency and simplicity are key. Pair your new habits with something you already do—like writing your To Do list before your shower, or tidying the kitchen while listening to a podcast. Small wins lead to lasting habits.

4. What if I’m a night owl and work better late at night?

Great! Use that time to get ahead. Just be mindful not to compromise your sleep too often—rest is just as important as productivity.

HAVE YOU TRIED MY MORNING ROUTINE PLANNER?

If you’d like more detailed help planning your own morning and evening routine, why not check out my Morning Routine Planner. It will walk you through the process of setting up a flexible, supportive routine to bookend your day.

Click here to learn more.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some other articles which you might find helpful:

• Daily Routine Ideas to Simplify Your Life
• 8 Tips for a Daily Decluttering Routine
• 6 Self-Care Habits for Your Daily Routine
• 7 Productive Habits to Help You Get More Done Each Day

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

This article had just a few ideas for you to explore to help you save time in the morning but there are other ways you can create a great evening routine for your home, body and mind.

Pop your details in the box below and I’ll send you a printable list which you can try tonight!