Getting out of the house on time in the mornings is an absolute necessity for many of us. Whether we have to get to work or school, being late is not an option. Yet, with clothing needs and things such as lunches and paperwork to remember to take along, getting out of the house on time can be a real challenge. However, with a little planning, designated places in the home for the things we need in the morning and an organized area by the front door, it is possible to get out of the house on time!
- Planning Center — Whether you decide to keep your planning center inside a kitchen cupboard, inside the front hall closet, or somewhere else, a simple white board and a small bulletin board are all you need. You can use the bulletin board to display train schedules, important memos and reminders. The white board will give you space to jot down things you must remember to do or to take with you in the morning. Whenever possible, pack items you need to take with you in your bag the night before.
- Designated Storage Places — Choose a part of your bedroom closet to put your entire outfit for the next day so it's all there and ready for you in the morning. This is a popular strategy for getting out of the house on time as it saves time trying to find matching pieces of clothing and realizing too late that you forgot to iron or wash something. If you always make a point to put together your outfit the night before, you'll always have it all ready when you need it in the morning. Another time saving storage idea is to have a dish on your dresser top or bathroom countertop to hold the jewelry you'll be wearing in the morning. You should also have your lunch bag already in the fridge the night before to grab quickly on your way out the door in the morning.
- Front Door Zone — Have your coat, shoes and umbrella ready to go. It's a good idea to have the bag you take with you to school or work near the front door as well. Always put as much of what you'll need in the bag the night before to help you get out of the house on time in the morning. You can keep everything together inside the closet so that you don't have a big mess near the door. Keys and train fare can stay neat in a decorative dish on a hall table so they're easy to find in the morning on your way out the door on time!
