If you’ve never worked retail or restaurants, this post might not make a lot of sense but everyone else BUCKLE UP for the memories.

I recently heard the term “closing shift” in relation to our homes and decided to adopt it immediately. If you’ve ever worked the opening shift you know how hard it sucks when no one on the closing shift has done their work.

You walk into the restaurant and floors are a mess, dishes aren’t done, silverware isn’t rolled, nothing is prepped… makes you want to cry and scream. Maybe the evening was super busy, maybe they were tired, but shifting all that work to the folks the next day is not just inconsiderate and rude, it puts the whole team behind.

So for me, who absolutely woke up this morning to dirty dishes in the sink and stuff on the floor (#lifewithcats), I am simultaneously the lazy closing shift and the angry opening shift.

The idea of a Closing Shift is that you give yourself regular chores or tasks to complete, just like your home were a business, to make the next day easier for everyone.

Here are 3 ways I’m incorporating the Closing Shift mentality into my housework:

1. Closing Shift begins at 8pm
2. Have compassion for Opening Shift
3. Remember we’re on the same team

Closing Shift begins at 8pm

Just like a restaurant, it’s helpful to know when closing time actually begins so that those chores can get done. I chose 8pm because my aim is to be in bed by 10pm and this gives me 2 hours to tidy up before bed.

General tasks might include washing the dishes, wiping down the countertops, picking up debris which has happened during the day, refilling the water fountains and cat food (if their bowl goes empty they knock it off the dresser), and sweeping up cat hair. Almost every night will also include using the Brita filter to refill my water bottles in the fridge.

On some night the closing shift might be starting laundry or putting it away, taking out the trash, watering plants or completing one of my monthly cleaning tasks. No two nights are likely to be the same.

Just because the shift starts at 8pm, doesn’t mean it will last 2 hours. I’m estimating most days I can get the majority done in 30-40 minutes.

Have compassion for the opening shift

Instead of pushing off a task to tomorrow, get it done tonight. Let myself wake up tomorrow and be pleased with the state of things instead of angry (at myself) due to lack of help.

Mornings are naturally harder for me so knowing I have a clean sink, dirty clothes in the wash, nothing left out on the table for the cats to destroy, may just make my mornings better. I can eat breakfast without having to clean dishes out of the way and get a cold drink of water without refilling the water bottles.

You might have heard this phrased as your “Future Self” but often that feels way far out. You save for retirement now so your 70 yo self has an easier life but… that feels far, far away. In this context, Future Me is tomorrow. If the task gets done tonight I’ll have more spaciousness tomorrow. If Closing Shift Me gets everything done then Opening Shift Me will have an easier morning. It’s not about some future version of myself I can’t imagine so the consequence is much more immediate.

Remember we’re on the same team

Even when I worked a restaurant with a stellar closing shift team, there were always things undone. It’s just the way things go some nights. Instead of beating myself up about not having the time or energy at night, I’ll make a short list for the morning me.

In the same vein, it’s silly to wait until 8pm and let Closing Shift do all the work. Throughout the day I can wash dishes, switch over laundry, pick something up when I notice it on the floor, take out recycling and manage trash.

This gives grace to the Closing Shift and space to wrap things up without feeling overwhelmed.

Remembering that the moment I identify what needs to be done is often the best time to take action on it is key to this working.

I’ll incorporate my Productive app habits as part of closing shift where I manage my space and myself. If I can scoop the cat’s litter box before bed I won’t be smelling waste in the morning. Flossing before bed makes sure my gums are healthy and the dentist won’t yell at me. Taking vitamins keeps me energized and doing the dishes helps me avoid the kitchen sink stink of doom.