I
love fall, especially in
Chicago. As soon as
the air turns a little
drier and cooler, I start getting texts celebrating my love of hoodie weather (she types, wearing a hoodie). There’s something about the change in seasons that makes me want to declutter and reorganize anything in my home that isn’t working. Did I pause writing this to sort through some papers cluttering my desk? Absolutely.
Over time, I realized the state of my home really impacts my mood and energy. Little changes, like making my bed in the morning, set the tone for the day. I also love laying out my outfits for the next day. It might sound a bit Type A, but planning my outfit the night before makes mornings easier—it’s one less decision to stress over. And honestly, it can even be exciting, especially if I pick a really cute outfit, fun shoes, or a hoodie I haven’t worn in a while.
I resisted this kind of planning for a long time, thinking it was “too much” and restricted spontaneity. What I didn’t realize was how much mental load I was carrying in the mornings—rushing around and working through a tight checklist made me grumpy. I didn’t notice just how grumpy until I tried a few evening routines: meal prepping, laying out clothes, and packing my
work bag. The difference was immediate—I floated out the door
the next morning feeling lighter and more in control.
I didn’t adopt the full checklist overnight. I tested each step to see what truly mattered. Now, I think of my nighttime checklist like a
closing-shift routine: leave the house ready for the “morning shift.” I set up
the coffee, fold blankets, and lay out
outfits—sometimes even the outfit
I’ll change into after work. This process calms my mind both at night and in the morning, making the start of the day smoother.
Is it perfect? No. Do I still leave dishes in the sink, claiming they need soaking? Yes. But I’ve learned that small, intentional routines can transform how you feel at home—and how you start your day. I’m a work in progress, but I’ve never appreciated hoodie weather more.