Quick Morning Routines: How to Get Your Family Out the Door Faster

After a summer packed with kid-centric activities, the start of the school year can be a welcome relief for parents. But let's be honest—those back-to-school mornings can be a real scramble. To make the transition a bit smoother, we've got some practical tips that’ll help you get your kids out the door and on the bus faster.

1. Create a Bathroom Essentials Kit

Nothing eats up precious morning minutes like frantically hunting for your daughter’s favorite hair clip in your bathroom’s junk drawer. Creating a “bathroom essentials kit” for each member of your family makes it easier for them to find what they need—helping you avoid those last-minute scrambles and start your day on a smoother note.

Here’s how to do it:

• Gather the Essentials: Include items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes (and accessories), deodorants, and any personal care products your family uses daily.
• Choose a Storage Solution: Use a countertop organizer, a hanging caddy, or a clear drawer organizer to keep everything visible and within reach.
• Personalize It: Label each kit with the family member’s name or choose different colors to differentiate between kits so everyone can grab what they need without any mix-ups.

2. Lay Out Items the Night Before
   
   

Even with careful planning, your morning schedule can quickly come undone. Prepping what you can the night before eliminates the morning scramble—setting you up for a more successful start to your day.

Here’s a quick setup routine:

• Countertop Setup: Lay out your bathroom essential kits with toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and other daily essentials (like hair gel) on the counter the night before. This way, your kids can get ready independently while you handle tasks like prepping school lunches or assisting with last-minute homework.
• Towel Prep: Eliminate yet another holler for mom before 8 a.m. by storing your towels and facecloths where your kids can see them using hooks or a towel rack.
• Pre-Fill Supplies: If you (or your kids) use any products like shaving cream or facial cleanser, make sure they’re within reach and ready to go.

By reducing the time everyone spends searching for items, you can (hopefully) minimize those morning fights over bathroom time. 

3. Outfit Planning Made Easy

Picking out a back-to-school outfit while your family is waiting in the car is a recipe for a fashion disaster. To avoid these last-minute wardrobe crises, plan out your kids’ outfits ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Set Up an Outfit Station: Designate a specific area in the bathroom or bedroom where outfits are pre-selected and ready to go. Include accessories like belts or jewelry to complete the look and ensure they have everything they need.
• Coordinate with Kids: If you have younger children, involve them in choosing their outfits the night before. This can help them get dressed more independently and reduce morning stress.

4. Optimize Your Bathroom Layout

An organized bathroom layout can cut down on the time spent searching for items and make daily routines more efficient. Here’s how to optimize your space:

• Prioritize Accessibility: Use refillable soap dispensers to keep soap, shampoo, and facial cleansers within easy reach.
• Clear Storage Bins: Use clear bins or containers for small items like hair accessories, shaving supplies, or first aid items.
• Declutter Regularly: Keep only the essentials in the bathroom and remove anything that’s not used daily. A clutter-free space not only looks better but also makes finding what you need quicker and easier.

5. Embrace Multi-Functional Products

Simplify your morning routine with products that pull double duty. Multi-functional items like a shampoo-conditioner combo or an all-in-one facial cleanser can save you precious time and cut down on clutter.

Consider these options:

• All-in-One Cleaners: Choose a facial cleanser that also removes makeup, or a shampoo-conditioner combo to cut down on your kids’ shower time.
• Quick-Dry Towels: Invest in quick-dry towels that minimize drying time and reduce the need for multiple towels.
• Electric Toothbrushes: Upgrade to an electric toothbrush for a more efficient clean that takes less time than manual brushing, giving you extra minutes to handle those last-minute morning rushes.

While transitioning from summer to back-to-school may never be without a hiccup or two, a bit of planning can make your morning routine run much smoother. So, take a deep breath, get organized, and give yourself a pat on the back—you made it through another summer!