How to Set Up a Morning Routine Zone for a Calm, Organized Start

There’s no better time than now to evaluate your daily habits, especially when it comes to maintaining an organized home. One of the best places to begin is with your morning routine. The concept of a “morning routine zone,” featured in The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book, provides a simple, effective way to start your day on the right foot.

In their new book, organizing experts Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founders of NEAT Method, introduce a unique “recipe” approach to organizing. This method makes organizing more approachable by offering a step-by-step guide, breaking tasks down into manageable components.

“Organization often feels overwhelming when presented as broad concepts. Our recipe-style format changes that by providing exact ‘ingredients’ lists and step-by-step instructions for each project,” explains Hagmeyer. “When you look at a recipe, you know exactly what you need and what to do next. The same principle works for organizing—no guesswork, just clear direction and achievable results.”

Murphy and Hagmeyer’s method encourages starting with smaller projects to build confidence, making professional organizing techniques accessible to everyone.

How to Create a Morning Routine Zone

A key “recipe” in the book focuses on creating a dedicated “morning routine bar,” which is much like a coffee bar but designed to encompass all the essentials that set the tone for your day.

“Your morning sets the mood for your whole day, but it can easily be derailed by clutter and disorganization,” Murphy explains. “That’s why a morning routine station is so important: It ensures everything you need is in one place, ready to go. Whether it’s your coffee setup or smoothie station, having everything within reach eliminates that early morning scramble.”

The Morning Routine Zone Recipe

• Approximate Time: 1 Hour
• Essentials: Canisters, labels, bins
• Extras: Spring-loaded drawer, dividers, turntable

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Start by gathering all the items you want to include in your morning routine zone—think coffee, creamer, smoothie supplies, vitamins, and the necessary tools like mason jars, straws, and canisters.

Step 2: Decant Loose Items
Organize loose items into labeled canisters to reduce clutter. If you’re using a drawer, dividers will help create order. Items you access frequently can be placed on a turntable for easy reach, while less frequently used items can be stored in a bin on a higher shelf.

Step 3: Choose a Great Spot
Select a space in the kitchen that’s easy to access and offers enough room for all your supplies. Murphy advises observing your natural habits—consider where you instinctively reach for items and arrange the space accordingly.

A morning routine zone is about more than convenience—it transforms your first waking moments into a peaceful ritual. When everything has a designated place, your morning routine becomes seamless, allowing you to start your day with calm rather than stress. “Instead of starting your day with chaos, you can truly enjoy those quiet, peaceful moments,” says Hagmeyer.

Creating a well-organized morning zone not only helps you stay on track but also sets the tone for a productive and stress-free day.