How To Start a Sunday Reset Routine (and Why You'll Want To)

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A simple Sunday reset routine can set the tone for a smooth and productive week. In this post, I’ll guide you through building a light, easy, and manageable Sunday reset so you can enjoy the week ahead. Future You is so excited!

Woman standing at a kitchen sink during a Sunday reset routine, with fresh flowers and a tidy countertop in a bright, modern kitchen.

Table of Contents

Picture this: It’s Monday morning.

You can’t find your car keys. But it hardly matters because you forgot to get gas in the car, and it’s on empty. The sink is full of dishes. There is nothing to pack for your kids’ lunch. And you’re completely out of coffee.

Sound familiar? No judgment! I’ve been there.

Now, picture this instead: It’s Monday morning.

You spent a few hours the day before meal prepping, tidying up, and getting your ducks (or laundry piles) in a row. Your keys are in your purse, gas is in the car, the kids’ lunches are packed, and you finish your coffee while it is still hot.

That’s the magic of a simple Sunday reset. It’s like hitting a refresh button so life can run more smoothly.

Not only does it save you a ton of time during the busy week, but it can help you stay grounded and kick decision fatigue to the curb because you have planned and prepped in advance.

You’ll feel like you’ve got it together—even if your kids are wearing mismatched socks again (kids like funky socks, so don’t sweat it).

With a Sunday reset, you will feel better and run the show—not just survive it.

Woman reaching into a kitchen cabinet during a Sunday reset routine, with text overlay that reads "How To Start a Sunday Reset Routine

What Is a Sunday Reset?

A Sunday reset is a quick, intentional routine where you tackle the must-dos for the week ahead.

There are many ways to plan and structure a Sunday reset (I’ll share more about that below).

But you can think of it as setting the stage for an easier week ahead: less stress, more free time, and fewer “what’s-for-dinner?!” moments.

Why Do You Need a Sunday Reset Routine?

Let’s be real: the daily grind is no joke, and curveballs aren’t just possible—they’re practically guaranteed.

That’s why setting aside time on Sunday to tackle what needs to get done can make all the difference.

When your home is tidy, dinner plans are set, and clean clothes are folded and ready for the week, it’s like a weight is lifted.

Often, when I feel overwhelmed, I tend to forgo a Sunday reset because it feels like just one more thing to do, and I’m willfully plowing through each day.

However, every time, I come back to the same realization: I feel better when I reset for the week and get my house in order.

The weight and worry of getting the tasks done is often worse than the task itself.

Handling those tedious tasks beforehand frees you up to be more focused and productive during the week.

Sunday Reset Routine Meal Prep

In this video, I share how I prep a few meals for the week ahead. Check it out to see how I create a productive Sunday routine.

Benefits of a Sunday Reset Routine

Mental Clarity

A clean and tidy space feels better. And by prepping meals or ticking off tasks in advance, you’ll have less to think about during the week.

Less Stress

Start the week prepared instead of feeling behind before you even get going.

Improved Productivity

You can focus on other, more important parts of a productive week when the tedious tasks are done.

Self-Care

You can build self-care into your Sunday reset. And by getting ahead of the game, there is more free time for self-care throughout the week.

Ideas for a Sunday Reset Routine

One of the most important things I’ve learned about planning a Sunday reset is that every single one is different.

Some weeks, like during back-to-school, I focus on meal prep. Other weeks, I focus more on cleaning and tidying.

Really, it just depends on what is scheduled and planned for the week. So, most importantly, tailor your Sunday reset to the week ahead and your basic needs.

Here are a few ideas to help you plan:

Declutter

Clean off any surfaces you need, such as the kitchen table and desk.
Clean out your purse.
Take any trash out of the car.
Put toys and clutter back in their designated spaces.

Clean

For a Sunday reset, don’t worry about deep cleaning.
Get the dishes done.
Wipe down the counters.
Sweep the floor.
Empty all of the trashcans.

Woman washing a large glass bowl under a black kitchen faucet

Organize

Organize your calendar. I use an Echo Show for this, and I can’t live without it!
Clean off your desk.
Review the week’s to-dos.
Set goals.

Meal Prep

Make a double batch of your favorite dinners (sloppy joes and homemade Cheeseburger Helper are my go-to’s)
Chop fruits and veggies.
Make a big pot of millet, rice, or grains.
Prep snacks in individual containers or bags.

A pot of colorful vegetable stew with green beans, tomatoes, and leafy greens, served in a white enamel Dutch oven

Bake Bread

Make a week’s worth of bread at one time. No-knead sourdough, fresh-milled sourdough, and sandwich bread are great options.
You can freeze bread, so make extra for the following week (or even enough for the whole month!).
Freeze sourdough pizza dough so you can have homemade pizza without the fuss.

Freshly baked loaf of sourdough sandwich bread in a pan resting on a striped kitchen towel

Laundry

Get enough laundry done for the week.
Fold it and put it away (digging through unfolded laundry is so stressful for me).
Put any unwashed clothes in the hamper.

A stack of folded peach-colored waffle-knit towels next to a white pitcher filled with dried flowers, placed on a bathroom countertop

How To Build Your Sunday Reset Routine

Sunday reset routines will look different for everyone. And they will probably look different from week to week.

These steps can help you craft a manageable routine:

Step 1: Identify what really needs to be done. Stick with the basics here. This isn’t the time to finally deep clean the basement.

Step 2: Set a realistic timeframe. Decide how much time you have to devote to a Sunday reset and do only what can fit in that time frame. Even one hour can make a difference.

Step 3: You don’t have to do it alone. Delegate age-appropriate tasks to kids or a partner.

Step 4: Stick with it. Make it a weekly ritual to stay consistent.

Relaxing Sunday Reset Video

Not every Sunday has to be packed full of meal prep for the week ahead.

Sometimes, the best plan is to finish a few easy tasks and focus on enjoying the day.

Check out this vlog on my YouTube channel for ideas. Don’t forget to subscribe. New videos come out weekly.

Common Challenges with a Sunday Reset (and How to Overcome Them)

Sure, a Sunday reset makes life easier. But sometimes, they can come with their own challenges.

Luckily, there are simple solutions to managing and sticking with your Sunday reset:

Feeling overwhelmed: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Start with a 30-minute routine. Then, incrementally increase the time to meet your needs.

Procrastination: Start with the task you dread the most so you can just get it done. Everything after that will be easier and more enjoyable.

Not enough time: If you are short on time, identify just one task with the most significant impact. Don’t worry about the rest.

Unsure of what to do: Start with meal prep. Sure, there might be other things to do. But without a doubt, you and everyone in your house will need to eat. So you can never go wrong with prepping food in advance.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Sunday Reset

Think about Future You: If you are already meal prepping, make extra and freeze it. What can you do this week to help Future You in a few weeks?

Set a timer: Set a timer for each task so you don’t get stuck on one thing for too long. And don’t go over the total allotted time for your reset routine.

Use tools: Use apps and technology to help you get it done. I use the Notion app for organizing.

Create a vibe: Turn on music. Open the windows. Make it an enjoyable experience. Oh, and dance your heart out!

Evaluate weekly: Adjust your routine based on what worked well last week and what you need for the week ahead. It’s okay (and normal) if it changes.

More Simple Living Inspiration

As you continue to cultivate a simple life at home, these posts can offer a little inspo:

13 Ways To Prep Your Kitchen for Holiday Cooking

Rebecca in greenhouse looking at basket of hanging flowers

5 Practical Ways to Manage Your Energy as a Homemaker

My Sunday Reset Routine

I mentioned earlier that my Sunday resets vary. But they almost always consist of some of the following:

grocery shop
prep food for the week
wash all of my daughter’s clothes and what I can of mine
bake bread for the week
wash all of the dishes
restock the kitchen towels
review my calendar and to-do list
tidy up the living areas and bedrooms

Woman preparing food on a wooden cutting board in a bright kitchen with text overlay that reads "Sunday Reset Routine"

FAQs

How much time should a Sunday reset take?

That’s totally up to you! Some folks set aside a few hours, while others dedicate an entire afternoon. But most importantly, you should stick with what is manageable.

When should I do all the other stuff I can’t fit into my Sunday reset?

Throughout the week. The purpose of a Sunday reset is to get the small stuff done so you have space for everything else.

Do I really have to schedule a routine for Sunday?

Nope! The best day is the day before your workweek starts. So if you go to work or get the week started on Tuesdays, schedule your routine for Mondays.

Let’s Connect!

How do you structure your Sunday reset? Share your Sunday reset routine and tips in the comments.

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