12 Life-Changing Morning Routine Hacks That'll Get You Out the Door Faster

Drink water as soon as you wake up

Keep a bottle of water next to your bed and drink it down before your feet hit the floor. Everyone is dehydrated when they wake up; replenishing fluids will give you instant energy and improve your overall health, wellness, and focus. You will also feel good knowing that you started your day with an act of self-care.

Don't waste time

Sitting in bed checking your email, social media, and the news is a time-suck. Wait until breakfast to check your phone and multi-task. No one expects a response before business hours unless there is a true emergency. If you can't resist looking, consider switching to a standard alarm clock instead of using your phone.

Choose your outfit the night before

Mom was right: Picking out your clothes the night before is an easy way to simplify your morning routine. Go all the way with it—lay out everything you intend on wearing, from undergarments to accessories and outerwear. Stockpiling nude bras and underwear that go with every outfit can help simplify the process even more.

Prep your meals in advance

Making your lunch the night before to bring to work the next day can be a time-saver in the morning, but prepping your breakfast too is next-level. Consider easy meals you can make in bulk, such as overnight oats or a homemade frittata that's easy to reheat (store each portion in a microwave-safe container). You can even bake some healthy protein muffins. Anything you can eat without prepping or that you can quickly reheat will save you cooking and clean-up time.

If you prefer a healthy breakfast smoothie, prepare all of the ingredients in the blender the night before, leave it in the fridge, and throw in some ice before blending when you wake up. If you aren't a fan of meal prep, try some protein waffles, which can heat up in the toaster while you get ready.

Make coffee speedy

Get a coffee pot with a timer and set it the evening before or pre-load single-serving pods. Bottled or pre-made cold brew is an even faster option.

Sort your medications and supplements

If you take multiple supplements or medications, trying to sort them in the morning and making sure you don't forget anything, especially if you're tired, can add minutes and stress to your routine. The solution is simple: Buy a pill sorter or use a pharmacy that presorts your medications and supplements into individual packets.

Use a timer in the shower

Your morning shower can feel ultra-refreshing, but you are limited on luxuriating time. If you tend to take too long under the water, set a timer on your phone loud enough that you can hear it over the shower (and your singing). There's nothing like an irritating sound to get you moving. Be sure to pick an alarm you won't enjoy hearing such as sirens, ducks, or the ever-infectious Baby Shark. (This alarm trick can also help pace you through every part of your morning routine.)

Use fewer products

Save a few minutes by using multi-tasking products in the shower. Avoid bar soap, which can take a few minutes to lather, and use a shower oil instead. A cleansing oil product can replace your shower gel, shaving cream, and even post-shower body moisturizer.

Next, opt for skincare products that do double duty, like a serum that brightens and hydrates, so you can skip some steps in your routine.

Keep your makeup organized

Morning isn't the time to experiment with makeup. Having a go-to look for work helps keep things simple. Keep all your cosmetics for this look in one container or makeup case, and limit eye makeup to one palette, so you don't have to spend time looking for multiple colors. Leave your lipstick, gloss, and liner in your purse and apply them on the go.

Wash your hair the night before

Washing your hair in the morning can be a process for many people, so if you can skip this step, you should. If you must wash your hair in the morning, opt for a hair-dryer brush that can dry and style at the same time.

Keep your keys in one place

Nothing creates morning chaos quite like a set of missing keys. Install a hook or basket by the door and make sure you hang your house and car keys there every time you enter.

Prepare for minor emergencies

A minor emergency can become a major time-suck, so make sure you have everything you need on hand. For example, if you have a tendency to nick yourself shaving, make sure you always have bandages within easy reach.

The morning is also prime time for wardrobe malfunctions. Keep a fashion emergency kit on hand with helpful tools like a lint remover, safety pins, double-sided tape, adhesive buttons, a stain-removing pen, and more. Beauty tools like makeup remover and nail clippers, are also handy to keep around so that a hangnail or eyeliner mishap won't keep you from getting to work on time.