EP 126: Want a Calmer Home? Try These Daily & Quarterly Resets
How Daily & Quarterly Resets Keep Your Home Calm (Even With Little Kids)
Summer is officially here! We’ve been soaking up some lake time during the kids’ short summer break, and it’s been a whirlwind of milestones. Big news: James rode on the inner tube behind the boat—not once, but twice! Eleanor, on the other hand, wasn’t a fan of the tube but loved jumping off the dock into the water. Both kiddos are about to start swim lessons again this week—mixing private sessions with group lessons at our neighborhood YMCA. I’m excited for this new routine!
Speaking of the YMCA, I had a real mom moment recently. I took James to Kid Care there while I planned to squeeze in some treadmill time and a bit of work. Well, after just 20 minutes, I got a message: James had a diaper accident. Now, he’s potty trained, so I was a bit confused. Turns out, it wasn’t just a little accident—it was a full-on poop situation. And I had no wipes in my bag. So, there I was, in the family restroom, cleaning up with only toilet paper and wet paper towels. Mom life, right? Despite the chaos, we made it work and I’m optimistic about giving Kid Care another shot.
What Are Daily and Quarterly Resets — and Why You Need Both
Now, let’s get to the real talk: how I use daily resets and quarterly resets to keep my home calm and manageable, especially with a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old running around.
Daily Resets: Your Secret Weapon Against Clutter
Daily resets are quick 5–10 minute routines that help me prevent clutter from piling up and turning into full-blown chaos. I usually do these either right after dropping the kids at school or immediately after bedtime. Pro tip: if you wait too long after bedtime, you might never get started!
Here’s what I tackle during a daily reset:
Clear and put away things left on counters
Wipe down kitchen counters
Put toys back in bins (yes, even the dog’s toys!)
Fold blankets and fluff sofa pillows
Put away laundry from the dryer
Clear out the sink and empty the dishwasher
When I’m feeling particularly unmotivated, I set a five-minute timer and do as much as I can. Usually, that’s enough to make a noticeable difference.
Quarterly Resets: Tackling the Bigger Stuff
Quarterly resets are all about bigger home projects that don’t need daily attention but can quickly get out of hand if ignored. Think of tasks like:
Rotating toys to keep the playroom fresh
Cleaning out the pantry and fridge
Decluttering drawers and closets
Going through kids’ clothes (usually twice a year, aligned with weather changes)
Deep cleaning projects like ceiling fans or junk drawers
Sorting through papers and kids’ schoolwork
These resets typically take 1–2 hours and can be scheduled as often as quarterly, bi-annually, or as needed depending on your home’s demands.
Seasonal Cues and Your Location Matter
I live in Houston, which doesn’t really have four distinct seasons, so my reset schedule is a bit different than someone living somewhere with true spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons. If you have all four seasons, you might find quarterly resets happen naturally with your seasonal wardrobe changes and home refreshes.
Why Toy Rotation Is a Game-Changer
If the idea of toy rotation sparks your interest, I’ve got something special for you—a free Toy Rotation Guide! This step-by-step resource will help you set up, implement, and maintain a toy rotation system that works for your family.
I swear by toy rotations for reducing clutter and stress. When your kids’ play space is organized and manageable, you actually gain back time, energy, patience, and moments to breathe.
Grab the guide via the link in my show notes or head over to my Instagram at @thinkhappy_co.
Wrapping It Up
Both daily and quarterly resets have transformed how I manage my home and mental load. The daily reset keeps small messes from snowballing, while the quarterly reset tackles the big tasks that keep my home organized and functional long-term. Together, they create a system that feels manageable—even when life with little kids is anything but calm.
If this post gave you a helpful idea or a little encouragement to start your own resets, share it with a mom friend or drop a comment below!