If you’ve ever worked in retail, restaurants, manufacturing etc. you’re probably familiar with the term “closing shift” aka the essential end-of-day tasks that ensure everything is clean, organized and ready for the next day. But what if you applied that same concept to your personal life? A routine that is to wrap up the operation (your life!!) and set up the next day for success.
Instead of waking up in a state of chaos, you start the next day feeling organized, refreshed and ahead of the game. A closing shift routine is different from a normal night routine because the primary focus is logistical tasks that wrap up your day and set your next day up better.
And don’t let that sound overwhelming because I am going to really break it down: what exactly is a closing shift, what should it include, and how can you make it a transformative part of your life?
Let’s get into it!
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“Closing Shifts”: The Routine That Transforms You
What is a closing shift?
A closing shift is your end-of-day routine which consists of the small habits and tasks you do before bed that set up a smoother and hopefully more productive tomorrow. Think of it like a reset button for your life, helping you transition from today’s busy reality to tomorrow’s fresh start.
The goal is simple: wind down, tie up loose ends, and make tomorrow easier. That way, when you wake up, you’re not scrambling to find your keys, staring at a mess, or realizing you forgot to pack your lunch. Instead, you start the day calm, focused, and ahead of schedule.
What does an example look like?
Of course this is going to be deeply personal BUT I do find it helpful to hear about others closing shifts so I want to share my own as an example!
And I do want to emphasize before getting into my closing shift is that good closing shift doesn’t have to be long or complicated!! Don’t make a giant list just to make it because, lets be real guys, it just needs to be consistent and effective. Here’s an example of what my 30-ish minute closing shift might looks like:
- Cleaning up (15 mins)
- Put away anything that is clearly not in its “home” within the common areas of my house.
- Wipe down counters!! This makes it feel clean immediately when waking up.
- Load and start the dishwasher.
- Prep for Tomorrow (10 minutes):
- Lay out your outfit – even if it’s just your workout outfit for the morning.
- Pack your bag or lunch for the work day or school.
- Review your schedule or to-do list. I am a daily to do list person and it is life changing to make the list the night before during my closing shift and have it ready to be started immediately when waking up.
- Wind Down (10-15 minutes):
- Dim the lights! We are obsessed with the hue lights BTW. You can also set them to gradually use light in the morning when waking up, so much more pleasant than an alarm going off!
- Stretch, skincare routine and brush teeth.
- Turn off screens and read!
This small shift in your evening routine can have a huge impact on your mornings, making them less stressful and more productive. Which I feel like is all of our goals right?!
What could I include in my closing shift?
Visualize what your best mornings would look like? That is the best place to start. Work backwards and think about what you could do the night before that would help that dream morning actually come to life.
Your closing shift should fit your lifestyle and goals, but here are some powerful habits that I recommend you seriously consider:
- Tidy Up Your Living Space – Nothing major, just a quick reset (clean counters, put things back in place, etc.). Waking up to a clean space makes mornings feel more peaceful.
- Plan Your Outfit – Saves time and prevents the morning “I have nothing to wear” struggle.
- Check Your Calendar – Review any appointments, deadlines, or commitments for the next day.
- Prepare Meals or Snacks – Whether it’s packing lunch, prepping breakfast, or setting up the coffee machine, a future version of you will thank you.
- Set Up a “Landing Zone” – Put your keys, wallet, work bag, and anything else you’ll need tomorrow in a designated spot to avoid scrambling in the morning. This has been the best thing in our house because my sweet husband tends to lose everything which makes mornings more stressful than they need to be!
- Wind Down Properly – Swap screens for reading, stretching, journaling or even meditation to help your brain shift into relaxation mode.
- Unplug & Disconnect – Reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. If you need to use your phone, switch to night mode to reduce blue light exposure.
The key is to keep it simple. Your closing shift isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing just enough to make tomorrow easier.
How can I really implement this?
Creating a closing shift habit takes a little practice, but here’s how to make it stick and remember- it is so worth it!!
- Start Small – Don’t try to overhaul your whole evening routine at once. Pick one or two tasks to focus on first (like tidying up or prepping your outfit) and build from there.
- Set a Reminder – Whether it’s an alarm, phone notification, or sticky note you can help yourself by setting a reminder until your closing shift becomes second nature.
- Make It Enjoyable – Play music, light a candle, or listen to a podcast while you do your closing shift. The more enjoyable it feels, the more likely you’ll stick with it.
- Keep It Realistic – Your closing shift should be doable and not overwhelming. It’s about making things easier, not adding stress.
- Track Your Progress – Keep a simple habit tracker or journal about how your mornings feel before and after implementing a closing shift. Seeing the benefits will motivate you to keep going.
Now let’s wrap this up so you can get to creating your closing shift routine!
A closing shift for your life is a simple but powerful way to feel more organized, less stressed, and ready to take on each day. It’s not about perfection!! Guys don’t forget that it’s about making life easier, one small habit at a time.
So tonight, instead of just crashing into bed, take a few minutes to reset your space, prepare for tomorrow, and wind down intentionally. Your future self will thank you every single morning 🙂
Korra-Shay
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