I just never put a name to it.
What Is the “Closing Shift” Method?
Prior to learning that this trend has a name, I used a much clunkier description.
Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce
I would tell my husband and kids that our morning starts the night before.
“Closing shift” is admittedly easier to sayand easier to hashtag.
A lot of people tidy up their common areas, turn off devices, and end the curtains.
Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce
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Phase one starts around the time my work day ends and my kids get home for the evening.
My desk never becomes a disaster zone during a normal workday, but it gets cluttered.
Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce
This means my office “closing shift” is more of a quick tidy than anything else.
Last but not least, I turn off any other lights.
Most nights, the kids eat together first, and then my husband and I later.
Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce
But one thing thats always consistent?
Wenevergo to bed witha dirty kitchen.
Dishes are loaded into the dishwasher and the machine is turned on.
Our cordless vacuum is an absolute must-have for this reason alone.
Once again, the final check is lights out in the kitchen.
Because of this, they’re in charge of their mini “closing shift.”
Were huge advocates of free play and craft timebut they know they always have to tidy up after themselves.
Usually, this means their Closing Shift involves putting away Legos, puzzles, and craft supplies.
While they do that, I tackle the living room.
During the week, its a fairly unused space in the day.
But it certainly has helped calm chaos some mornings, and that’s enough for me.
