How to Get Ready in the Morning in 10 Minutes

Co-authored by Rachel Clissold

Last Updated: November 18, 2023 Fact Checked

Are you the sort of person who gets up ten minutes before you have to catch the train or bus to work or other commitments? If so, you might benefit from having a plan and morning routine that allows you to get ready really fast and hit the sidewalk not long after leaping out of bed. The following suggestions are general ideas for organizing yourself the night before and in the morning, so that you can sleep a bit more and get yourself out the door in ten minutes, give or take a few minutes here and there.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

The Night Before

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1
Choose your outfit the night before. Ensure it is pressed if needed and do any repairs that might need fixing. Always check the weather forecast to be sure you've chosen correctly and have included a coat, scarf, hat or whatever else might be needed as well.^{[1]
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2
Put all items needed the next day into your handbag, backpack or courier tote. This includes all work files, snack items, usual hygiene products, etc. Don't forget to check that your train or bus tickets are there and are in date, if needed. Or, ensure you have any relevant travel app downloaded and updated as required. Put the packed bag by the door, for easy grabbing as you run out the door.^{[2]
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3
Prepare as much of your lunch as you can. If it can be packed, do so. If it needs refrigerating, set aside an area in the refrigerator that is front and center, for easy reach when needed.^{[3]
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Shower. Use the night before to wash so that this is already taken care of. You'll also need to wash your hair at night too, so do this early enough for it to dry in time.
- If you have long, thick hair, an afternoon wash can be good or perhaps braid it and let it dry more in the morning.
- Hair can be styled the night before for those who go to this extent of trouble. For example, braids leave waves in the hair next morning.
5
Set the alarm clock. It would be a wise idea to set it five minutes before the ten minutes you've allowed yourself, just so you have at least five minutes to wake up and stretch before getting out of bed. If you are fond of ignoring the alarm clock, put it out of arm's reach so that you have to get up to stop it making noise.^{[4]
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Get sufficient sleep. This is achieved by going to bed at a good time to allow you to get plenty of rest. Leaving everything to the last ten minutes will allow for more sleep time!^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Making Reminder Lists

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1
Write lists. Use lists to remind you what routine to follow in the morning to make sure you don't forget anything (without constantly thinking about it). These lists can be prepared each week or prepared once and followed for a long time, depending on what works for you. Tailor the list to suit the needs of your personal morning routine. Basic things for the list might include:^{[6]
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- Reminder to clean teeth, brush hair, do makeup, fix other personal grooming and hygiene
- Reminder to collect up house keys, phone, cash, etc.
- Reminder to take out garbage, feed cat, lock certain windows or doors, etc.
- Reminder to water plants, knock on a door to wake up someone else, and so on.
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Stick the list where you can find it. The list is best placed somewhere you can see it for quick reminders should the rushing throw you off track and cause you to forget what to do next.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

In The Morning

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1
Turn on the lights, if needed. It is vital to get sufficient light to see what you're doing, to move quickly without bumping into things. If music helps you, have it blaring. (Unless you have family, partners, or roommates in the house with you).
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Get dressed. Put on the clothes already selected the night before, doing so in full light so that you don't make any mistakes.
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Visit the bathroom.^{[7]
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- Do your business as needed, as quickly as you can.
- Wash your face. Use a face washer to clean your face and eyes, remembering that you have already showered the night before. This will clean and freshen.
- Do basic hygiene and grooming as needed. Add the deodorant, perfume, cologne, etc.
- Brush your hair. If you style it, that will add time, so consider haircuts and styles that don't chew up your precious time.
- Do your makeup if you wear it. However, this could be left to do later if you are content to do it while traveling or at work in the office bathroom. It's usually better if you get the routine down to a minute or two, to allow you to add it at home and get going already made up. Make it fast and light. Try some mascara and lip gloss, and a little cover-up.
- Finish by brushing your teeth. Floss as well.
This could consist of fruit, breakfast bars/biscuits, energy/granola bar, a protein shake, milk drink, etc. These should be prepared the night before and can be packed in your bag along with lunch. Choose anything that can be eaten and drunk as you go. Another option is to forsake breakfast and have it at a cafe near your workplace, or purchase breakfast-to-go and eat it at your work desk. Trying to have breakfast at home will just chew up too much time and isn't feasible if you're getting ready in 10 minutes.^{[8]
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5
Check your list. Forgotten anything before you leave? Do it now! Grab your bag, breakfast/lunch, the house keys/car keys, your phone and wallet and get going. Don't forget your shoes and coat.

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Tips

Do the dishes and other chores the afternoon or night before the next day. There is no time for these when you only have 10 minutes to get ready in the morning.

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Have someone else in your household help out, if possible. For example, they could feed the cat and dog, put the garbage out, water plants, etc., to save you precious time. They could even knock on your door to help you wake up if they're an early morning person and you're not.

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Don't check your phone messages until you've left the house. You can do that while traveling or at work.

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