It’s first thing in the morning, you’re running behind. You tap the snooze button on your alarm clock and now you’re scrambling to get ready for the day. Sound familiar? Yep, I’ve been there. Getting ready fast in the morning isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
It’s all about having a plan and being organized!
So, true story, one particular morning I was running late for work. I hit the snooze button too many times and was in a complete panic to get ready. I rushed through my morning shower, threw on my clothes, and put my hair in a messy bun. I felt like a mess. And, I probably looked like a disaster.
I was about to leave for work when I realized I forgot to put on deodorant. Are you kidding me? I applied it extra fast and rushed out the door. I was so frazzled and stressed out. That would have been bad… like really bad. To this day, I keep an extra deodorant in my car.
When I finally go to the office, I realized that I never wanted to stress about getting ready in the morning again. If I had just taken my time and properly prepared myself for the day, I could have avoided a lot of craziness in the morning.
So, here are my best tips for staying organized and getting ready fast!
How To Get Ready Fast In The Morning
Of course, everyone’s routine is a little different. You can modify these tips to align with your personal lifestyle.
1. Put things together the night before
Believe it or not, this is a no-brainer. Put together a list of all the things you need to do in the morning. Set out your clothes the night before so you’re not rushing around looking for them. Taking just a few extra minutes in the evening makes all the difference, seriously.
If you like to take a shower in the morning, mix it up a bit. Try showering and doing your hair the night before. Hello, dry shampoo! I do rinse off in the morning, but it’s super fast and only for the purpose of waking up.
2. Wake up early, even if it’s only a few minutes
Give yourself a little bit of extra time every morning so you’re not rushed and stressed out. For example, if you normally wake up at 7:00 AM, set your alarm for 6:50 AM. You would be surprised what a difference only 10 minutes can make! Even if you’re a snooze-smasher, you’ll have that extra time on your side.
It definitely takes some time to get used to, but you will acclimate quickly.
3. Take your time
It doesn’t make sense to try and do everything all at once. Go through your morning routine with baby steps, and take your time with each individual task. Rushing leads to stress and mistakes. Like forgetting to put on deodorant!
I know, it’s difficult to stay calm when the clock is ticking. But, try and do your best. A 5 minute meditation is a nice way to get out of bed and set a positive tone, as well.
4. Get your beauty products ready beforehand
If you have cosmetics or products you use everyday, separate them from the ones you use only on occasion. This way, you’re not scrambling in the middle of your beauty routine. If you’re anything like me, you have a lot of products.
Make a “everyday” makeup bag that has only the essentials. It’s a great time saver.
5. Use a slow rise alarm or app to wake up
I love my sunrise alarm. These alarm clocks get louder (gradually) over a period of time, which is way more pleasant than being jolted awake. This will help you start your day on a more calm note, and let’s be honest, we could all use that.
I also like alarms that use light to wake you up. It’s so much more relaxing and natural. Some of them even allow you to control them with an app, which is very convenient!
6. Eat a healthy breakfast, and prepare it in advance
Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it! A bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit, or even an apple with some peanut butter is better than nothing. If you have more time, you prepare something substantial the night before.
Overnight oats are an awesome time-saving breakfast! Or, you can make some eggs the night before for something more grab-and-go.
7. Don’t spend time on your phone in the morning
I’ve been there more times than I can count. I grab my phone and start scrolling through social media in the morning. Then, a half an hour has passed before you know it! And, you’re running late.
Resist the urge to check your phone in the morning. Save the screen time for later.
8. Get dressed right away
This is a not-so-obvious tip that I swear by. It’s so easy to get sidetracked and start doing things before you’re dressed. Once you have proper clothes on, it’s a lot easier to get motivated and get going.
9. Don’t forget the essentials you need
Make sure you have what you need before you leave the house. This includes things like your wallet, keys, and phone. It’s wise to keep these items in the same place in your home, like by the door. It’s also good to have some backup plan in case you forget.
If you can’t find your keys, do you know where you spare is? I also keep a spare set of glasses in my car in case I run out without them. Yes, I over-prepare way too much.
10. Make your routine a new habit
The more you do something, the easier it is. This also holds true for any morning routine. If you can make it a habit, it will become second nature and take way less time and effort. That’s why it’s so important to start small.
If you’re not a morning person, don’t try to change your entire routine overnight. That’s not reasonable! Start with one or two things and then gradually add more.
Even waking up a little earlier than usual is a huge accomplishment.
11. Plan for unexpected things to happen
I’m an over-planner, so this tip is especially true for me. No matter how well you plan for something, there is always a day where things don’t go as planned. Maybe you can’t find your keys because you have too much clutter around the home. Or, maybe you overslept.
Whatever it may be, don’t let it throw off your whole day! Take a deep breath. Remember, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll be able to get through the day just fine. Everyone runs late sometimes, traffic jams happen, and sometimes the trash bag breaks and makes a huge mess when you’re halfway out the door. (True story!).
12. Order your coffee ahead (or better, make it at home)
I cannot function without my coffee in the morning. I also have no time to wait in line at the coffee shop. You can save a lot of time by ordering your coffee ahead on a mobile app, or by making it at home.
You can get your caffeine fix and get on with your day. I also like making cold brew the night before, then I just add ice and milk in the morning.
13. Prepare you lunch ahead of time or the night before
Make your lunch the night before so you’re not running around in the morning. You know what makes for great leftovers? A weekday casserole.
If you’re going to eat out, check out the menu ahead of time so you know what you may want to order. You’ll save a bit of time this way, and make healthier choices.
14. Write a morning to-do list
I love my to-do lists! It’s the best way to keep your day organized. Having a simple morning list allows you to prioritize tasks and make sure you get important things done right away.
Plus, there is nothing better or more satisfying than checking things off of a list. Don’t you agree? It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, either.
A simple piece of paper or post-it note will do. However, I personally love shopping at TJ Maxx for their sticky to-do lists that hang right on the fridge.
15. Fuel up your car the day before, even if you don’t feel like it
If you’re on the way home from work and you notice your gas light on, fuel up the night before. It’s so much easier and it will save you a lot of time. You don’t want to be stranded with an empty take because you were running late!
Waking up early is definitely an adjustment. And, getting ready fast in the morning takes some practice. But, it’s important to start your day off on the right foot.
Go at your own pace and practice patience. Routines aren’t created overnight. But, it’s worth it when you can get so much more done during the day and you feel put-together and productive.
Do you have any tips for getting ready fast in the morning? Let me know in the comments how you save time when you’re getting ready for your day!