5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Fix My Home Routines

Mar 12, 2025

I Thought Routines Had to Be Rigid—Here’s What Actually Works

I used to believe that routines needed to be structured and strict to be effective. I wasted so much time forcing myself to stick to systems that didn’t actually fit my life.

If I could go back, here are five things I wish I had known before I started trying to “fix” my home routines.

1. Perfect Routines Don’t Exist

I used to think that if I just found the perfect routine, everything would fall into place. But here’s the truth: no routine will work 100% of the time, and that’s okay.

✨ Flexibility is the key to making a system sustainable. If a routine can’t bend when life throws curveballs, it’s not going to last. Instead of trying to make life fit a routine, I started building routines that fit my real life.

2. Your First Version Won’t Be Your Final Version

The first attempt at a routine is just a draft—not the final version. I used to think tweaking a system meant I had failed, but in reality, adjusting is part of the process.

I created Cue Systems when my kids were little, and I had to revamp them again as they became adults. The key is not giving up too soon—if something isn’t working, it probably just needs a small shift.

🚀 Think of routines as evolving, not failing.

3. Verbal Reminders Are the Least Effective Cue

I spent way too much time trying to get my kids (and myself!) to follow routines by just saying them out loud. But the reality?

Words fade. Visuals stick.

Verbal reminders get lost in the noise, but physical and visual cues work consistently. Some of the best strategies I’ve found:
✅ Labels on bins or drawers so items have a clear home
✅ Phone alarms for daily tasks like switching laundry
✅ Setting up the environment (e.g., placing a glass of water by your coffee machine to hydrate first thing in the morning)

💡 If you’re constantly repeating yourself, try swapping verbal reminders for visual and physical cues.

4. The Smallest Changes Make the Biggest Impact

I used to think I had to overhaul everything to get my home running smoothly. But big, dramatic changes rarely stick.

The biggest wins came from tiny adjustments, like:

Unloading the dishwasher while the coffee brews instead of setting aside a separate time
Folding and putting away each load of laundry before starting a new one
Putting a basket by the door for shoes instead of trying to get everyone to take them to their rooms

✨ Small shifts, done consistently, matter more than big, unsustainable changes.

5. Systems Should Work for You—Not the Other Way Around

If a system feels impossible to follow, the problem isn’t you—it’s the system.

I used to blame myself when a routine fell apart. But now I know: good systems support your natural habits, not fight against them.

💡 Ask yourself:

Does this routine fit my real life?
Am I fighting against my natural habits to make it work?
What small tweak would make this feel easier?

🚀 Your routines should adjust to your life—not the other way around.

You’re Allowed to Tweak, Adapt, and Restart

If you’re struggling with home routines, remember: it’s okay to adapt. It’s okay to tweak, restart, and experiment until you find what truly works for you.

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