This post shares a realistic Sunday reset routine as a mom (late summer edition).
Let’s be real—Sundays aren’t relaxing spa days when you’re a mom. They’re more like “let me try to prepare for the week while a small human is asking me for a snack every 15 minutes.”
But a solid Sunday reset can seriously save your sanity, especially during the late summer chaos of back-to-school, random heat waves, and the weird “is it fall yet?” mood.
Here’s my realistic Sunday reset routine that helps me feel a little more pulled together come Monday.
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Tidy Up the Chaos (AKA, Surface-Level Sanity)
I’m not deep cleaning every Sunday. Not happening. But I do run through a quick 20–30 minute surface clean of the main areas:
- Clear off kitchen counters and disinfect
- Throw away/put away (use mom judgement here) the mysterious stickers/toys/random socks scattered around
- Quick vacuum or Swiffer (bonus points if you mop—but I don’t always)
Make sure to use a disinfectant and not just “cleaner” to ensure the area is clear of germs.
If the house feels semi-clean, I’m more likely to not spiral on Monday. I’ll also note that I try to do a little each day to where I don’t have a full list of chores to do on Sunday.
Wash the Laundry You Actually Need
Late summer = kids coming home sweaty and covered in sunscreen stains. I don’t wash everything on Sunday. I just make sure we’ve got:
- School clothes ready to go
- My go-to “mom uniform” pieces clean (matching sets, easy throw on dress, oversized tee, clean bra—you know)
- Towels, because they multiply and smell weird if you don’t stay on top of them
Plan Outfits for the Week (Sort Of)
I like to pick 3–4 outfits for the week and hang them in a section of my closet. Think:
- Preschool drop-off ‘fits that are cute and realistic (matching sets are my favorite!)
- An outfit for errands or a Target trip
- Something nice-ish in case we do something social (or I pretend we will)
I even check the weather app because late summer is sneaky—it looks breezy until it’s 104°F by noon.
These are a couple of sets I can wear for all of the above:
Meal Plan for the Week (But Keep It Chill)
I’m not doing full-on Pinterest meal prep here. I just jot down:
- 3 dinner ideas I know we’ll eat
- What night we might pick up some Chick-fil-a
- One snack or lunchbox item to prep (usually muffins, cut fruit, or mini charcuterie cups for my toddler’s entire personality)
Then I check the fridge, write a super short grocery list, and pat myself on the back.
These are a couple of easy-ish & delicious family dinner meals:
Clean Out the Fridge (If I’m Feeling Brave)
This one’s optional. But if I have the energy, I do a 5-minute fridge purge:
- Toss the expired yogurt and mystery leftovers
- Wipe any sticky spots
- Reorganize snacks so the kids don’t tear through everything looking for yogurt
Sync Calendars + To-Do List
A big one! I take 10–15 minutes to:
- Check what appointments or events are happening
- Add reminders for things like “sign field trip form” or “buy more sunscreen”
- Make a realistic to-do list (emphasis on realistic)
Bonus points if I check my husband’s schedule too, so we’re not playing “who’s on pickup duty?” at 3pm Monday.
Self-Care That’s Actually Doable
I like to do one small thing that makes me feel like myself:
- Shave my legs and moisturize (fancy)
- Do a 5-minute facial (a.k.a. slather on a mask while I clean up toys)
- Paint my nails if I’m feeling ambitious
- Lay in bed and scroll in silence for 20 minutes (valid)
Set the Vibe
I end the night with something to reset my brain. It might be:
- A cozy show (New Girl reruns or something I can half-watch)
- A good book I’ll probably read 5 pages of
- Diffusing a fall-scented oil to manifest the cooler weather
Sunday Reset Doesn’t Mean Perfection
This isn’t about having your whole life together. It’s about setting the tone so Monday doesn’t slap you in the face.
Even doing 3 or 4 of these things helps me feel a little more in control—and way less like I’m winging it all week.
If you’ve got any non-chaotic Sunday reset rituals of your own, I’d love to hear them (and probably copy them).
