How to Create a Simple Nightly Routine in 4 Easy Steps

Today, we’re sharing how to create a simple nightly routine in 4 easy steps!

At the beginning of January, it seems like everyone is trying to get organized, create healthy habits, and establish new routines.

I’m definitely one of those people because I love a fresh start.

You can read all about our 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge here and our Yearly Goals List here.

That said, I also understand firsthand how hard it can be to continue trying to form positive habits and settle into routines when you aren’t seeing the results you want right away.

I feel that way about my workout routine all the time!

The Case for a Simple Nightly Routine

The thing I love most about habits and routines though is they help keep our goals, dreams, and productivity on track all year.

I’ve had a morning routine for several years now and while I’m always tweaking it here and there, it definitely helps sets the tone for the entire day.

If you’re still struggling to create a morning routine that really works for you though, I’ll let you in on a little secret…

…the secret to a successful morning routine is a consistent nightly routine.

I know some of you have littles, act as caregivers, work shift work, fight aging hormones and even insomnia. You probably feel like you’re barely getting enough sleep to feel completely functional much less productive.

I hear you. 

Believe me, I do.

As I shared above, the only requirement for a successful nightly routine is consistency no matter if your routine takes 10 minutes or over an hour.

Here’s a look at how to create a simple nightly routine in 4 easy steps and set your morning and your day up for success…

Step 1:

Decide how much time you have for a nightly routine. The length will depend on how much you want to accomplish and if you have help.

Step 2:

Determine the tasks you need to accomplish each day before you go to bed. These are things that will make you rest easier.

For example:

• Making a healthy dinner
• Laying out your clothes for work and your daily workout.
• Reviewing your planner, calendar, or agenda
• Nightly self-care routine (bath, skincare, brush teeth)
• Turning down the bed and using a lavender spray
• Making lunches or breakfast for the following day
• Preparing morning coffee and, setting the timer

Step 3:

Designate time to complete several easy tasks on your daily cleaning schedule before you go to sleep. That way, you’ll feel ready to tackle the day when you wake up.

These tasks include:

• Clean up dinner dishes
• Load and start the dishwasher
• Nightly sink scrub
• Spray down counters
• Sweep/vacuum floors (if needed)
• Take out the trash (if needed)
• Check or sort mail
• 15-minute clutter catcher 
• Complete a load of laundry-wash, dry, fold, put away (if needed)

Depending on how much time you have to devote to your nightly routine, you might also want to do one item or task on your weekly cleaning schedule.

Keep in mind some of these items may be completed as part of your morning routine if you have more time in the morning than in the evening.

You can check out our Modern Day Cleaning Schedule here.

Step 4:

Devote time to doing something that is just for you.

For example:

• Make a cup of tea, warm milk, or golden milk latte
• Enjoy a hot bath
• Devotional, meditation, or quiet time
• Read
• Listen to a podcast
• Nightly yoga routine or stretching exercises
• Write in your gratitude journal

A Peek at My Nightly Routine:

• Check/Sort Mail
• Make dinner
• Prep breakfast, lunch, or healthy snacks for the following day (we usually take leftovers for lunch)
• Clear away dinner dishes
• Load and start the dishwasher
• Make the coffee and set the timer
• Spray down kitchen counters
• Nightly sink scrub 
• Sweep/Vacuum floors (we have to vacuum every day)
• Take out the trash (as needed)
• 15-minute clutter catcher 
• Charge electronic devices
• Lay out clothes & shoes for the next day INCLUDING workout clothes and shoes
• Review the schedule for the next day AND review the menu too
• Prepare bedroom (turn down the bed, lavender linen spray, set out PJs)
• Bath (while I’m in the bath I’ll usually listen to a podcast, read a magazine, catch up on a book, or listen to a devotional)
• Nightly skincare routine and brush teeth
• Write in gratitude journal/planner
• Off to sleepy town!

You can find our favorite budget-friendly sleep essentials here.

Keep in Mind

I know sometimes after a long day at work the last thing you probably want to do is look at a list of things you feel like you have to accomplish before going to bed.

If you feel this way, give yourself some grace and rest.

While this list looks extensive, it really doesn’t take very long to complete it at all.

Keep in mind, establishing a simple nightly routine in 4 easy steps or being tidy and organized in general takes effort.

It takes pushing through the thoughts of, “I’m too tired…too busy… too overwhelmed…too stressed out” to get things done.

But it’s also a gift you can give yourself each night that will help to set you up for a successful day.

And that my friends, is absolutely worth the effort.

Let us know if you have any tips and tricks for creating a simple nightly routine we should try!

A few other posts you might enjoy…

• One Room Challenge Bedroom Makeover Reveal 
• 7 Time-Saving Kitchen Cleaning Tips 
• Indoor Coffee Station Updates 
• DIY Pink Himalyan & Rosemary Salt Scrub 

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo