The Opening Shift: A Simple Way to Start the Day at Home
Keeping a home in order can feel like a never-ending job. No matter how tidy it is the night before, it often feels like it resets overnight. Cushions move, benches collect things, the energy drops. And when life is busy, it can feel like you’re already behind before the day has even started.
That’s why I always recommend having what I call an opening shift.
What an Opening Shift Taught Me
I grew up in a family restaurant, and the opening shift was everything. Before a single customer walked in, there was a rhythm to preparing the space. Blinds went up. Lights came on. Chairs were straightened. Cushions shifted back into place. Coffee was made. Music was turned on.
Nothing fancy. Nothing performative. Just getting the space ready.
Those small actions took a place that had been closed overnight and made it feel open again. Like it was ready to be used.
Over time, I realised that home works exactly the same way.
Opening the House, Not Styling It
An opening shift at home isn’t about deep cleaning or making things look perfect. It’s a practical reset that makes the day run smoother.
Opening the blinds. Letting some fresh air in. Turning on the lights. Straightening the bed. Putting furniture back where it belongs. Making a coffee.
These actions signal that the house is open for the day.
Just like you instinctively know a café is open when you walk past, an opening routine tells you that your home is ready for you to move through it properly.
Why It Makes Life Easier
When you stick to a simple opening shift, it takes pressure off later. You’re not constantly fixing things as you go or feeling like the house is slightly out of control. The tone is already set.
The goal isn’t to make the house look good.
It’s to make it usable.
Once the house is open, everything else feels easier to manage.
Home as an Extension of You
Your home is an extension of you. And for me, it’s also a reminder of where I’m going.
When I moved interstate, away from family, I learnt very quickly that it was up to me to create a space that felt like home. A place that reminded me why I moved, what I was working towards, and the life I was building.
Tending to my space became a way of tending to myself and my wellbeing.
Being a Virgo, it probably comes as no surprise that I like order. But earth signs aren’t big on talking things out. We show up through our actions.
This opening shift is that for me. A quiet reminder that I’ve got this. That I know where I’m at. And that no matter what the day throws at me, I’m clear on who I am, what I’m doing, and where I’m going.
A Simple Opening Shift You Can Follow
This isn’t a ritual. It’s not about aesthetics. It’s just a functional reset.
My Opening Shift (10 minutes):
Make your way through each room and open the curtains and blinds to let some fresh air.
Make the bed and straighten the bedroom
Put books, clothes and furniture back where they belong
Turn on the coffee machine or boil the kettle whilst you clear kitchen benches and wipe them down
change out the water of your vases/cut the stems of your fresh flowers or water your plants
set the robo-vac to do a quick clean of the whole house (alternatively you can stick vacc the place quickly)
Make a coffee or tea
Light a candle to set the tone for the day
Put some music or a podcast on
That’s it.
You’re not trying to finish the house. You’re just opening it.
And once the house is open, the day tends to follow.