Revamp Routines

Today we’re sharing the answers that some of our favorite designers, authors, and organizers gave when I asked, “What routine are you planning to revamp this fall?” They are proving that even experts take time to reflect and revamp routines. 

These are some of my very favorite accounts to follow on Instagram. I hope you’ll check them out, follow along, and while you’re there, come say “Hi!” to me on instagram too: @tidydad. I’d love to hear from you!

We also have a FREE download available for you: Teaching Kids to Complete Routines Independently. You can use the guide to help coach your kids towards independence with routines!

Tidy Dad Asks: “What routine are you planning to revamp this fall?”

Julia Marcum // @chrislovesjulia

We live in Idaho, and our kids are going back to school this month — for the first time since March! Chris and I work from home, ON our home, so we’re all in need of a new routine. We have big plans to get up early, exercise, get creative on our projects, and eat only healthy meals. But when plans fall through (as they always do), we’re going to give ourselves a break, renew our motivation, and start over the next day. And speaking of breaks, they’re a big part of our routine moving forward. We’re going to stop for lunch, power down on weekends, and have a no-work-after-dinner rule.

– Julia Marcum / Idaho / Home + DIY Design Blogger / www.chrislovesjulia.com

Alison Mazurek // @600sqftandababy

Things all feel a bit of our control right now. In Vancouver it seems like kids are going back to school in the fall but I know things can change in a moment’s notice with Covid-19. I’m trying to go into September without a lot of expectations and with a stocked art supply box. We store their art supplies under the bed in an Ikea box and we have another small drawer box that holds all the felts and pencil crayons. All crafts and school work are done on our dining table, that table works hard for us. I found when things got stressful with the last quarantine, crafts and art were a way for the kids to be occupied and release some creativity. But maybe cases will go down in Vancouver and life return to some normalcy with daycare and school for my 4 and 7 year old.

– Alison Mazurek / Vancouver, Canada / Small Space Design Blogger / www.600sqft.com

Patty Morrissey // @pattymorrissey

I’m a Questioner, which means I need to do things on my own terms (see Gretchen Rubin’s book “The Four Tendencies”). When considering adopting a new habit, I take a “let’s see for myself” perspective before I determine if it’s something for me.

My process is to create 30-day habit experiments. I like to challenge myself and choose habits that feel challenging or that that I have some resistance around.

My 30-day experiment for the month of August is to wake up at 5am. Adopting this habit is more challenging than I thought it would be. So far I’ve only gotten up on time 3 out of 14 days. Every day I’m making little adjustments, doing things like keeping my phone out of my bedroom to help me fall asleep faster, setting alarms to motivating music, not putting pressure on myself to be productive right when I wake up (the win is waking up, not doing specific tasks after I wake up), using accountability partners, and tapping into a deeper why. As a Questioner, if something is arbitrary, I’m not likely to do it.

While 5am seems elusive, every day this month I’ve gotten up earlier than I would have before the challenge and that’s the real win. I’m also developing better sleep/bedtime habits, and simply enjoying the moments of morning solitude. I have two weeks left in the challenge, I feel myself shifting, as if 5am consistency is in sight. The allure of the secrets of dawn, keep me striving.

“The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you, don’t go back to sleep.” – Rumi

– Patty Morrissey / New York / Organizing and Lifestyle Expert / @clearcultivate

Erin Zammett Ruddy // @erinzruddy

One of the most helpful terms I learned while researching my book is “sink zero.” It comes from Rachel Hoffman’s book “UnF*ck Your Habitat” and it’s along the same lines as “inbox zero”—the gist being to clear out your crap so it doesn’t taunt and overwhelm you. Waking up to sink zero means cleaning the kitchen completely—no pots left soaking, no dishes left out to dry, no sticky chairs left un-wiped—before going to bed. No matter what’s going on in the rest of my house/my life, if my kitchen is spotless I feel like I can think straight (conversely, when there are dishes sitting in my sink I cannot). There have been many mornings—especially the past several months—when I come down to a not-quite-clean kitchen and, well, it means I start the day two steps behind with a side of angst and regret that no one needs. Getting to sink zero is about being kind to your future self. And my morning self needs all the kindness she can get. With three kids, a full time job and hybrid learning to navigate this fall, the least I can do is wake up to a blank slate. What happens from there is anyone’s guess.

-Erin Zammett Ruddy / New York / Contributing editor at PARENTS and author of THE LITTLE BOOK OF LIFE SKILLS, available for pre-order now.

Arlene Williams // @bonafideorganizing

I’ve realized there are a number of my belongings stored a little too comfortably that have not been used for at least a year and longer. It’s time for a shakedown. As a Pro Organizer, my number one advice to my clients is to always declutter and purge. Well, I’m getting more ruthless with my purging this fall to only keep what I use often, seasonally or plan on displaying. There will be greater thought given before making new purchases and far less time invested in the purging process. The money saved and time banked will be best used to host more family functions, self-care days and checking off my travel bucket list, post Covid-19 of course.

– Arlene Williams / Toronto, Canada / Professional Organizer

Jasleen Singh // @theketlihome

Spending so much time at home during this pandemic has made me focus a lot on how we use our space. A decluttering and tidying up exercise is one I intend to prioritize. But I cannot spend too much time doing that. I intend to give myself half an hour to an hour during the day focusing on one area of a room. This way I won’t feel overwhelmed that I have to tackle the whole room or even the whole cupboard. I intend to focus on one small space and work on making it more streamlined and organized, giving away things that we do not need or use anymore. I hope this will help me feel better about my space as well as feel more in control.

– Jasleen Singh / New Delhi, India / Interior and Product Stylist

Debra Russo + Drea Montali // @2girls1closetpodcast

Being in the business of organization, closet design and space planning, it’s important for us to maintain a daily routine that ensures we are working as efficiently as possible. Maintaining a balanced work life is always a process that needs to be revamped with the changing times we’re in.

Since the birth of our podcast, “2 Girls 1 Closet”, our listener rate is increasing rapidly and there’s been an influx of people who want to be guests on our show! We’re so happy that people are enjoying the content and look forward to the future. With our new success comes the hurdles or balancing podcast life with our day jobs.

We have a goal to create a new routine and schedule which allots for giving our clients an amazing experience, hosting a successful podcast, creating a social media calendar and strategy all while still having time for our friends, family and traveling! With efficiency, we know this is achievable!

– Debra Russo / New York City / Closet Designer & Podcast Host / @deb._russo

– Drea Montali / New York City / Professional Organizer & Podcast Host / @dreamorganization

Wendy Silberstein // @theaestheticorganizer

Fall is the perfect time to revamp my closet. The seasonal switch prompts me to do a quick wardrobe edit before I store my out of season items. I will keep it simple and make 3 piles – Keep, Sell or Donate. I am quite certain the “Donate” pile will be the most popular. Giving back – especially in our vulnerable times – will feel so appropriate. Once the edit is complete, I will organize my closet by category and color and revel in my pared down collection.

– Wendy Silberstein / New York City / Professional Organizer

Emma Carole Paradis + Kimberly Carole // @impeccablenest

Since the world has turned upside down this year, we’ve been changing up our routines.  What used to be a mad dash to drop the kids off in the mornings, has evolved into mornings spent enjoying coffee outside, while allowing the kids to sleep in a bit.  We also start the morning listening to classical music like Chopin or Dvorak to set us up for a productive day of homeschooling and client work.  The best part will be coming together mid-morning to prepare lunch together as a family…it will be a pleasure to spend the extra time as a family, and take time to be more intentional in our days.

– Emma Carole Paradis + Kimberly Carole / New Hampshire / Mother-Daughter Interior Design Team

Lisa Tselebidis // @lisatselebidis

I’m looking to get back to a better sleep routine this coming fall. My goal is to be in bed before 10pm every day to get in that quality slumber and wake up earlier.

As a productivity and organizing professional, I know how important sleep is for my health and overall productivity. I get much more done if I naturally wake up early in the morning (Matt Walker’s book “Why We Sleep” was an eye-opener for me).

Since in the fall days get shorter, it’s also easier for me to go to bed earlier. Also, I’m counting on daylight saving time to really kick me into gear and get back into a rhythm of “sleep early, wake early.”

– Lisa Tselebidis / New York City / Professional Organizer + KonMari Consultant

Caterina Duggan // @organize_this

As we move into the upcoming season, something that will help organize my mind is creating a non-rigid schedule with 15 minute buffers in between each task for both my organizing business and household management responsibilities. Firm boundaries will be necessary in order to maintain an orderly and harmonious environment. Evaluating my top priorities first will allow me to designate specific productive times for my business, my boy’s remote learning classes and all the household management duties. I’m making it a goal to use my time very intentionally by not busying myself with inconsequential tasks or by taking on more, and instead living contently with less.

– Caterina Duggan / Maryland / Professional Organizer

Joanna Eckman // @joanna_organize

With kids learning from home and parents trying to teach, parent, and work, there are going to be times where you as the parent need uninterrupted time to yourself. To avoid interruptions, make sure you set yourself and your children up for success. Creating “If/Then” charts helps your child know what their options are when they are done with an activity. For example, “if you finish your homework, then you may read a book, play with puzzles, or color.” Be sure to give your child choices, and practice the If/Then chart scenarios. Remember, praise often! The If/Then chart will allow you to work in peace and will help your child work independently.

– Joanna Eckman / Nebraska / Professional Organizer

Lindsey Mayberry // @simplespacenyc

4 kids at home + starting a new organizing business has pushed me to find new routines! One area we’ve grown in as a family is working as a team. There’s so much to do to keep our home thriving + productive, so this fall as my oldest 3 learn virtually, starting a routine of chores & allowance is a must! A detailed daily chore chart + a “Give, Save, Spend” allowance system will be our best fall routine yet.

– Lindsey Mayberry / New York City / Professional Organizer + Interior Designer

DEBBIE BUSH // @basketandbin_tx

I start my fall routine prepping for back-to-school. When my kids were small, I made each of them a file folder and tabs with their ages so I can drop in the most special keepsakes as they come home. My oldest is going to college this year and I’m looking forward to flipping through his keepsakes. Cue up the tissues!

– Debbie Bush / Texas / Professional Organizer

Andrea Kwok // @organized.from.the.start

I often suggest to my clients when families are incorporating changes to give things a test run when possible! This is great to implement when big changes are coming like a new school year, job or when routines shift. I have had to take my own advice as there are some anticipated changes within the Kwok household: my partner and I have decided to homeschool our boys (rising 1st grader and rising Kindergartener) for the upcoming school year. That means that we have had to reimagine how our days are structured from daily routines, responsibilities, self-care and work schedules.

How have I given it a test run? We have been using this summer to try out what flow works best for our family. Our boys have shared their feedback, we’ve cut ourselves some slack and tried new things! With this summer test run, our goal is to hit the ground running in the next month when we kick off school and our adjusted work schedules. Here is to new rhythms and a *hopefully* smooth year ahead!

– Andrea Kwok / New York / Professional Organizer

Sommer Sanderson // @kawarthaorganizing

Having meals prepped in advance can make a big difference in saving time, reducing stress, and helping to provide a smoother day from start to finish. Making larger dinners which will last at least two nights will greatly diminish food prep for the week. Storing additional leftovers in the freezer is also a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand. Prepping lunches from dinner leftovers is also a wonderful option. Regardless of whether or not you’re prepping from scratch, have lunches ready to go the night before to make getting out the door on time more achievable. Breakfasts around here are simple and relaxing. Getting up early in order to enjoy a bite to eat and tea is worth it – I never miss out on the most important meal of the day!

– Sommer Sanderson / Ontario, Canada / Professional Organizer

Johnna Masterson // @inspiredandorganized

Our typical routine has been completely turned upside down! But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It has allowed my family to find more balance, more peace and more connection. We were constantly running around – every day packed with events and activities. Now it’s at a slower more thoughtful pace. Breakfast together, answering questions from “the stack” (TableTopics). Then onto our organized and fully stocked workstations for virtual work and school. I made sure they were all in the same general area to allow enough space for focus and engagement, but close enough to make it easy to reach out for help and avoid feeling isolated. I also started to prioritize easy to grab healthy snack options. Basically our routine has become one that is rooted in intention and overall well being.

– Johnna Masterson / Washington / Virtual Home Organizing + Staging and Design

Diana Horn // @tranquilspacesorganizing

As we head into the next season of the year, try prioritizing sleep hygiene – a funny sounding phrase that is all about the art of putting yourself to bed. We all know (this frazzled new mom especially!!) that babies are “put to bed”: they need dim lighting, soft voices and probably some rocking. But when was the last time you focused on putting yourself to bed? Adults can also benefit from a healthy nightly routine.

My simple routine: I first return all the baby items to their homes. The Boppy lounger, the Baby Bjorn bouncer, the basket of toys and the box containing my mobile diaper changing station all get escorted to their designated spots. I spend a few minutes getting the rest of the house back to square one, then I head to the bathroom for a hot bath with epsom salts. A hot bath or shower slows down your body and begins to put you in a relaxed state that is helpful for falling asleep. I then change into my nighttime clothes. It’s important to wear different clothes at night – if you sleep in your athletic clothes, that signals to your brain that you are about to hit the gym! Finally, I turn on my favorite meditation app, currently Headspace, and meditate in bed, under the covers, ready to sleep. I’m usually on my way to dreamland before the meditation ends. Meditation or breathing exercises cue the thoughts in your busy brain to slow down, a key ingredient to falling asleep.

Getting a good night’s sleep not only feels incredible – it boosts your productivity the next day and it fuels your body’s regeneration process. If it sounds tough, try adding just a few simple ingredients to your nightly routine. Take a hot shower, change into your favorite pjs, take three deep breaths in bed after you close your eyes and welcome in a good night’s sleep.

– Diana Horn / Texas / Professional Organizer + KonMari Consultant

I hope reading through these routines inspires you to revamp routines of your own! Don’t forget to check out the accounts on Instagram and follow along. I’d love to hear about YOUR revamp routines plans too. Tag me or message me @tidydad. I’d love to hear from you!

And don’t forget to check out our FREE download: Teaching Kids to Complete Routines Independently. You can use the guide to help coach your kids towards independence with routines!

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