The Marilyn’s Way Approach to Getting Back on Track

The 9 daily habits are the foundation of Marilyn’s Way Homekeeping System and help you keep your home clean and manageable every day.

There are moments when a home simply feels overwhelming.

Laundry is piled up.
Counters are cluttered.
There are things everywhere that need attention.

When that happens, many people feel stuck because they don’t know where to begin.

At Marilyn’s Way, we believe the solution is simple:

Start small.

Trying to fix everything at once only creates more stress. Instead, begin with a few simple steps that quickly restore order and calm.

Habit 1: Get Dressed

Getting dressed gets you moving and ready for the day. Included is making the bed. It takes only a minute, but it immediately creates a sense of order in the room.

A made bed makes the whole space feel calmer and gives you a quick win to start the day.

Habit 2: Swish & Swipe

You’re already in the bathroom getting dressed. Before you leave, give the toilet a swish and the swipe down the counters.

Habit 3: What’s For Dinner?

Before you put a load of laundry in the wash, ask yourself, “What’s For Dinner?” This gives you the opportunity to get all the ingredients ready and thaw out meat you will use.

Simply taking out the ingredients you need removes one more decision from the evening.

Habit 4: Do a Load of Laundry

Laundry often creates visual clutter.

Starting one load of laundry immediately begins reducing the pile.

Doing one load a day is one of the simplest ways to keep things manageable.

Habit 5: 15 Minute Tidy Reset

Set a timer for 10–15 minutes.

Walk through the main areas of the home and pick up items that are out of place.

Focus on:

• the living room
  • the entryway
  • the kitchen

You will be surprised how much difference a few minutes can make.

Habit 6: Make Dinner Early

If you want free time in the evening, making dinner early helps. 

Before you begin, always fill your sink  with hot soapy water so you can clean as you cook. 

Before ending the day, take a few minutes to reset the kitchen.

Load the dishwasher, wipe counters, and clean the sink.

Waking up to a clean kitchen creates a calm start to the next day.

Habit 7: Shine Sink

Shining your sink will make you smile! 

Before ending the day, take a few minutes to reset the kitchen.

Load the dishwasher, wipe counters, and clean the sink.

Waking up to a clean kitchen creates a calm start to the next day.

Habit 8: Lay Out Clothes 

Laying out clothes the night before offers a handful of practical benefits. 

First, it reduces decision fatigue in the morning—no more standing in the closet wondering what to wear. 

Second, it saves time, allowing you to start your day on a calm note rather than a rushed one. It also helps you feel prepared and confident, since you’ve already chosen something that suits your day’s needs. 

Finally, it’s a great way to ensure your clothes are clean, ironed, and ready—making your mornings just a bit smoother.

Habit 9: Launch Pad Ready

Where are your keys? 

 Create a landing place for your keys, purse, and whatever you are taking when you leave your home.

Makes a smooth transition from leaving your home to your destination.

Why This Works

Most people think they need an entire day to fix their home.

But homes rarely become peaceful through huge bursts of effort.

They become peaceful through small habits practiced consistently.

This idea is the foundation of Marilyn’s Way.

Instead of trying to change everything at once, we focus on habits that naturally work together.

Free 9 Daily Habits Worksheet here!

The Marilyn’s Way Reminder

You don’t need to fix your entire house today.

Start with one small step.

One surface.
One habit.
One small improvement.

Little by little, those small steps create big changes.

Marilyn’s Way Motto

Small Steps. Big Changes.

Don’t know where to start? Pick up your copy today!