Before-Bed Checklist

Check the weather forecast and choose the appropriate clothing. Don’t forget shoes, jewelry, and accessories like stockings and belts.

Prepping breakfast can be as simple as portioning out bags of fruit and nuts or placing pre-baked frozen muffins into the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Make sure lunch—whether it’s a sandwich, homemade salad, or takeout leftovers—is also packed up and ready to be grabbed and stashed in a handbag or briefcase.

If you’re planning to have a sit-down meal with the family instead of a grab-and-go option, lay out all the plates, silverware, and glasses so you’ll have one less thing to do in the morning.

If you plan to hit the gym the next day, round up your sneakers, workout clothes, water bottle, hair elastic, and anything else you’ll need to work up a good sweat. If you’re doing a specialty sport, don’t forget extra equipment like your yoga mat, tennis racket, or boxing gloves.

You’ve checked the weather already—is it going to rain? Grab your umbrella. Bringing a book for the commute or some paperwork to the office? Find all the things you’ll need, pack them, and leave the bag by the door so you won’t forget it in your morning mad dash.

Write down all the must-do errands and tasks you need to accomplish the next day. You’ll sleep better knowing that nothing will slip through the cracks and you’ll feel more prepared for the day ahead.

Always check to make sure it’s set for the right time and programmed to go off.