Buzz
Photo: Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)Reevaluating your daily habits and routines is always a good idea, especially when it comes to maintaining a tidy home. A great starting point is the beginning of your day, and the morning routine zone—a concept highlighted in The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book—is designed to help you achieve just that.
In their latest book, Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founders of The NEAT Method, offer a unique “recipe” approach to organizing, making it far more accessible and manageable for everyone.
“Organization can seem daunting when approached as vague ideas. Our recipe-style method simplifies this by offering precise ‘ingredients’ and detailed steps for every task,” Hagmeyer notes. “Just like following a recipe, you know exactly what’s required and what to do next. This approach removes uncertainty, providing clear guidance and tangible results.”
Similar to cooking, you can begin with straightforward tasks and gradually take on more complex projects, making professional organizing methods approachable for all. Brilliant!
Steps to Design a Morning Routine Zone
A standout concept in the book is the ‘morning routine bar,’ which goes beyond a simple coffee station. It’s crafted to ensure your day starts on the right foot, setting you up for productivity and success.
“Your morning routine shapes the tone for the entire day, but clutter and disarray can easily disrupt it,” Murphy explains. “That’s why a dedicated morning zone is so effective: all your essentials are in one place, ready to use. Whether it’s your coffee maker or smoothie blender, having everything within arm’s reach eliminates the morning rush, especially when time is tight.”
The Morning Routine Zone Recipe
- Estimated Time: 1 Hour
- Must-Haves: Canisters, labels, storage bin
- Optional Additions: Spring-loaded drawer, dividers, turntable
Step 1: Collect Your Materials
Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)Collect all the items you want to incorporate into your morning routine zone, along with organizational tools. This could include coffee, creamer, smoothie ingredients, protein powder, vitamins, as well as glasses, straws, mason jars, canisters, turntables, and more.
Step 2: Transfer Loose Items
Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)Transfer all loose items into labeled canisters. For drawers, use dividers to create sections. If you have numerous small jars or containers used daily, place them on a turntable for easy access. Store overflow or less frequently used items in a bin and keep it on a higher shelf.
Step 3: Select an Ideal Location
Martin Vecchio; from The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book by Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer (Artisan Books)Pick a convenient area in your kitchen that’s easily accessible and has enough room to accommodate your morning routine.
“Step back and analyze your natural habits and routines,” Murphy advises. “Notice how you navigate your space—where do you instinctively reach for items? What’s your natural workflow? Your ideal setup should complement these tendencies, not contradict them.”
A morning station goes beyond mere convenience—it’s about turning your early hours into a serene and intentional ritual. “When every item has its own spot, your morning routine flows seamlessly,” Hagmeyer explains. “Rather than beginning your day with chaos, you can truly savor those calm, early moments.”
