A well-designed home is more than just a beautiful space; it’s a place where life flows effortlessly. At Staci Edwards Interior Design, we believe your home should support your lifestyle and make daily living more enjoyable. One of the best ways to ensure that your home works for you is by establishing routines that streamline your day and reduce stress. Today, I’m diving into how to create home routines that truly work for you, with actionable steps to help you get started. Let’s get started…. 

Determine Where You Need Change

The first step in creating effective home routines is identifying the areas of your daily life that feel challenging. Ask yourself:

• Where do I feel the most stress in my day?
• What tasks are frequently forgotten or rushed?
• Which spaces in my home tend to feel chaotic or unorganized?

Take some time to jot down your thoughts. Maybe your mornings feel like a whirlwind of trying to get everyone out the door, or perhaps you’re struggling with maintaining a tidy living room by the end of the day. Whatever the challenges are, identifying them is the crucial first step toward creating solutions.

Brainstorm Ways to Make Things Easier

Now that you’ve pinpointed the areas of your home life that need attention, it’s time to brainstorm ideas to address these challenges. Think about:

• Small adjustments: Would adding a catch-all basket by the front door make your mornings less stressful?
• Functional furniture: Could a bench with hidden storage in the entryway help contain clutter?
• Design tweaks: Would reconfiguring your kitchen layout make meal prep more efficient?

When brainstorming, keep your lifestyle and preferences in mind. Every family is unique, and solutions should align with your habits and routines. Don’t hesitate to get creative—sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.

Develop A System

Once you’ve brainstormed potential solutions, it’s time to implement them as part of a system. A system is a repeatable process that helps keep things running smoothly. Here’s how to develop one:

• Start small: Focus on one area at a time to avoid overwhelm.
• Create routines: For example, establish a nightly habit of tidying up shared spaces or prepping breakfast the evening before.
• Use tools: Consider using calendars, timers, or smartphone apps to support your routines.

A well-thought-out system transforms “chores” into easy and manageable tasks, freeing up time and energy for the things you love.

Share Your New Ideas Everyone at Home

A successful home routine requires teamwork. Once you’ve developed a system, share it with everyone in your household. Here’s how to ensure smooth adoption:

• Communicate clearly: Explain the system’s purpose and benefits. For example, “This new laundry routine will help us all save time and keep our clothes organized so we can all find what we need when we need it.”
• Assign roles: Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities, whether it’s emptying the dishwasher before school or placing the dog’s leash in the newly designated drawer in the foyer after walks.
• Use visuals: Charts, schedules, or labelled storage bins can help keep everyone on the same page.

Remember, collaboration is key. When everyone is involved, the system becomes a shared effort rather than a solo burden.

Tweak as Needed

No system is perfect from the start. After implementing your routines, observe how they’re working and make adjustments as needed. Here are some tips to help you tweak effectively:

• Evaluate regularly: Take time to assess whether the routine is solving the original challenge.
• Seek feedback: Ask everyone involved if they find the system helpful or if they’re encountering any issues.
• Adjust for life changes: Adapt the routine as needed to accommodate new schedules, seasons, or household dynamics.
• Stay flexible: Remember that routines should work for you, not the other way around. Don’t hesitate to make small changes to improve the process.

Life changes, and so do your needs. Seasonal shifts, growing children, or new work schedules might require you to revisit and update your routines periodically. I typically review my household routines and systems each season, and it’s actually something I look forward to – I grab a big cup of tea, light a candle, and play my favourite playlist to make it all more enjoyable.

Let’s Design a Home That Works for You

At Staci Edwards Interior Design, we’re passionate about creating homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. By thoughtfully integrating design and organization, we help our clients establish spaces that truly support their lives.

If you’re feeling inspired to create routines but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. From designing custom storage solutions to optimizing your whole home’s layout, we’ll work with you to transform your space into a sanctuary that works seamlessly for you and your family.

Schedule a complimentary call with us today to discuss your project and learn how we can help bring your vision to life. Together, we’ll create a beautiful home where routines flourish and stress diminishes.

Chat Soon,

Staci