There’s never a wrong time to re-think your daily habits and routines—and that’s certainly true when it comes to keeping your home tidy. We argue that one of the best places to start is the tip-top of the day, and the morning routine zone—a concept featured in The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book—aims to do exactly that.
In their new book, organizing professionals and NEAT Method co-founders Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer put a “recipe” spin on organizing to make the whole thing way more approachable.
“Organization often feels overwhelming when presented as broad concepts. Our recipe-style format changes that by providing exact ‘ingredients’ lists and step-by-step instructions for each project,” Hagmeyer explains. “When you look at a recipe, you know exactly what you need and what to do next. The same principle works for organizing—no guesswork, just clear direction and achievable results.”
Like cooking, you can start with simple projects and build your confidence to tackle bigger spaces as you go, making professional organizing techniques accessible to everyone. Genius!
How to Create a Morning Routine Zone
One of our favorite recipes in the book focuses on creating a ‘morning routine bar,’ which is similar to a coffee bar but way more encompassing. Basically, it’s designed to set your day up for success.
“Your morning sets the mood for your whole day, but it can easily be derailed by clutter and disorganization,” says Murphy. “That’s why a dedicated morning station is so powerful: Everything you need is in one spot, ready to go. Whether it’s your coffee setup or smoothie station, having essentials within reach eliminates that early morning scramble when you’re already pressed for time.”
The Morning Routine Zone Recipe
- Approximate Time: 1 Hour
- Essentials: Canisters, labels, bin
- Extras: Spring-loaded drawer, dividers, turntable
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)
Gather all the supplies you want to include in your morning routine zone along with organizational items. This might include coffee and creamer, smoothie supplies, protein powder, vitamins, and then glasses, straws, mason jars, canisters, turntables, etc.
Step 2: Decant Loose Items
Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)
Decant all your loose items into labeled canisters. If you’re using a drawer, add dividers to create boundaries. If you have many small jars or other containers you reach for on a daily basis, consider placing them on a turntable for ease of access. You can arrange overflow and occasionally used items in a bin and place it on an upper shelf.
Step 3: Choose a Great Spot
Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)
Choose a spot in the kitchen that’s easy to access and provides enough space for you to complete your routine.
“Take a step back and observe your natural patterns and habits,” Murphy says. “Watch how you actually move through your space—where do you naturally reach for things? What’s your instinctive workflow? Your perfect system should enhance these natural tendencies, not work against them.”
A morning station is about more than just convenience though—it’s about transforming your first waking hours into a peaceful ritual. “When everything has its designated place, your morning routine becomes effortless and automatic,” Hagmeyer says. “Instead of starting your day with stress, you can actually enjoy those quiet morning moments.”
