7 'Sunday reset' home tasks for a better week ahead
Carving out time for a 'Sunday reset' can help you start the week on the right foot. As the weekend draws to a close, there's no better feeling than having your home and mind in order.
Sunday reset meaning
A Sunday reset involves taking time out on a Sunday to complete various household jobs, such as laundry, cleaning, food prep, packing work bags, decluttering, and organising. The reset originally came from TikTok, where creators would film videos of themselves restocking pantries and cupboards on a Sunday.
'The idea of giving your home a Sunday reset is to help you remove some of the weekday stresses and start the week off as smoothly as possible. That's why it's good to tick off a few household chores, so you're not juggling too much in the week,' cleaning expert Joyce French at HomeHow.co.uk, tells House Beautiful UK.
'Focus on a few achievable tasks that will bring calm back to your home but won't interrupt your valuable free time. That could be clearing the dishwasher and wiping over work surfaces in the kitchen, or vacuuming carpets and plumping up cushions in the lounge.'
Before you begin, you might find it helpful to:
• Set a timer. Allocate specific time slots for each task to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
• Prioritise. Creating a plan is essential for a successful Sunday reset. 'These might be chores outside your regular cleaning routine, but by crossing one off each week — whether it's cleaning out the fridge, dusting the blinds, or organising your wardrobe — you'll feel more prepared and satisfied,' Mark Carter, director of Shutterstore UK, tells us.
• Ask for help. If you live with others, involve them in the reset to share the workload and create a team effort.
• Don't stress. A Sunday reset is a deliberate practice of setting aside time to refresh and refuel; it shouldn't leave you feeling stressed. Once you have completed your reset, take time for yourself: run a bath, go for a walk, watch your favourite film, or simply get an early night.
On that note, start with this Sunday reset routine for a better week ahead:
1. Clean your bathroom
Bathrooms can get messy throughout the week, making Sunday the perfect day for a reset. If you haven't recently decluttered your bathroom, spend time clearing any non-essentials, restocking empty products, changing towels and bathmats, and scrubbing down your shower and sink.
'A clean bathroom is not only more hygienic but also more inviting, helping you start your day on a positive note. Look to clean the mirrors and surfaces providing an instant uplift to the space,' says Sian Pelleschi, owner of Sorted! and President of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO).
'Consider using a relaxing scent for your hand soap or adding a small plant for a touch of tranquility. Remove empty bottles and organise toiletries to keep the space functional and neat.'
2. Vacuum floors
'Sunday is the perfect day to tackle those jobs you've been putting off and refresh your to-do list for the week ahead. As you work through your list, remember that carpets, rugs, and runners need a little attention too,' says Kirsty Barton, marketing manager at Alternative Flooring. 'They should be vacuumed at least once a week and even more often in high-traffic areas like the living room and hallway, to keep dirt and dust at bay and to extend their longevity.'
If time allows, clean hard floors with a mop. High-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and hallways should be mopped weekly.
3. Change your bedding
Few things are as satisfying as climbing into bed with fresh sheets. Next, strip your bedlinen and launder them alongside throws, cushion covers, and blankets.
'Fresh sheets contribute to better sleep quality, which is essential for a productive week,' says Sian. 'Clean bedding can also reduce allergens and improve overall hygiene.' Once this has been done, declutter your bedside table. 'A tidy bedside space can promote relaxation and make your bedroom a more restful environment,' Sian adds.
4. Clear the kitchen
'The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a clutter-free, clean kitchen can make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable throughout the week,' continues Sian.
To start the week with a fresh, organised fridge, Sian suggests getting rid of expired items and wiping down shelves. Then, wash the dishes – clearing away plates, pots and pans each night gives you clean surfaces to come down to in the morning. You should also take out the rubbish and start the week with an empty, clean bin to help reduce odours and clutter.
5. Prep for the week ahead
Planning for the week ahead means less stress and a lot of time saved. Sian suggests prepping meals, outfits, or your weekly schedule (this is especially helpful if you have children). Even simple tasks like labelling lunches in the fridge can help reduce decision fatigue on Monday morning.
It's also a good idea to have a quick look around the house to see if you have missed any messy spots, such as hallways and entryways. 'A tidy hallway can help reduce clutter as you leave and enter your home. Make sure shoes are organised, and keys and bags have designated spots.'
Top tip: Lay out your shoes and bag for the morning to save time.
6. Refresh the living room
Living rooms can often attract toys, phone chargers, unopened post, coats, and other non-essentials throughout the week.
'Hit the reset button on the living room and give it a quick tidy, plump up the cushions, and put away the toys. Doing this will provide a comfortable space to relax in at the end of the day,' says Sian.
Once you've refreshed your space, light a candle or two and pop a new reed diffuser on your coffee table to give it a scent boost.
7. Tidy away miscellaneous items
And finally, tidy away miscellaneous items without a home. According to Isabel Star, a York-based interior designer, areas to tackle include pinboards (or your fridge door), kitchen bins, paperwork, or piles of toys.
'You may also want to consider planning your wardrobe for the week and checking store cupboard supplies. Sort through dry goods such as pasta, rice, and tinned food but also junk drawers where knick-knacks may have gathered.'
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