Shopping·11 min read

Here’s How to Sunday Reset the Right Way

Sunday reset products
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Baggu, Amazon
April 3, 2024

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Recently, my “For You” page on Instagram has been filled with tons of aesthetically pleasing “Sunday Reset” videos. And while I do think the trend is a great way to conquer Sunday Scaries, I find that sometimes doing the reset itself feels intimidating — and is not something I’m consistently excited to accomplish week over week.

If you’re like me and find that these videos have you feeling down and seem a bit unrealistic, here are some tips and products to get you feeling motivated and that make the routine more manageable. Because if the products are functional and actually make my life easier, I’m going to want to reach for them to get the chores done every weekend.

Some tips…or words of affirmation to start:

  • You don’t have to do every single chore on Sunday. You might find that you have random pockets in your days during the week in which you can conquer a “passive” chore like laundry, running the dishwasher, etc. If the mood strikes, and it works for your schedule, just do it. It’ll lessen the mental load come Sunday.

  • You don’t need anything fancy to complete basic chores. It’s easy to be sucked into videos you see online and think “if I don’t have this, I won’t be productive.” When it comes to building any kind of routine, do what works best for you. If you have products you love that you’ve had for years, use them!

Planners and Stationery:

Joycreativeshop via Etsy

A blank notepad…

I use this to dump out anything I want to accomplish on Sunday, along with big personal to-dos (outside of work) for the week. While any piece of paper will do, this one from Etsy has graphic detailing and bright colors that make me smile. ($23.50+, Joycreativeshop via Etsy)

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PlanTheThingsCo, via Etsy

A wall calendar for appointments…

I love an appointment calendar instead of a planner because it keeps everything organized, yet concise. On Sundays, I check in with my friends and my calendar, and make any plans for the week. That way, I can assess what groceries I need (especially if I have a lot of dinner plans). This calendar lets you see your plans for the entire year at once. It’s made on a heavyweight matte paper and there are focus-themed boxes so you can get really specific about your monthly goals. Plus, there’s space in the notes section to jot down any extra thoughts. If you want to feel even more organized, there’s a key box for color-coding. ($28+, PlanTheThingsCo, via Etsy)

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Rifle Paper Co.

My journal…

I’ve made it loud and clear that journaling is an important part of my self-care practice — and Sundays are the most important day of the week for me to do it. I can dump all my feelings on the page, mitigate Sunday Scaries, and set any goals. It’s also a great way to decrease my screen time. ($30, Rifle Paper Co.)

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Amazon

The gel pens I rave about…

I’ve gone through countless of these Muji pens. They’re gel pens with the perfect ink flow. Plus, they dry quickly and never smudge. I use them for all the endless planning, list-making, and writing. Need I say more? ($7.19/3-pack, Amazon)

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Meal Prep Tools:

Amazon

A meal planner notepad with a tear-off grocery list…

This one has been a bestseller for Skimm’rs, and I particularly love it because you don’t have to think about how to lay anything out. It’s all done for you. You can plan ahead and prep meals for each day of the week. I also find that a prompted pad like this can guide me in a way that ends up minimizing food waste. Plus, this one has strong magnets so it’ll actually stay put on your fridge ($9.99, Amazon)

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Amazon

A set of glass meal prep containers…

If I’m being honest, I’m not super consistent with how often I utilize my meal prep containers. When I do use them, I’m always noting how good it makes me feel. I like them for pre-cutting and storing fruits and veggies, so when it’s time to cook, the hard work is behind me. Psst…this set is microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. ($39.99/set of 10, Amazon)

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Amazon

Stasher bags as a swap for plastic ones…

I will die on my Stasher hill. These bags are so good and worth the heftier price tag. I use them anytime I’d reach for a plastic bag — and I love them for when I’m bringing cookies to the office. They’re great for at-home storage, or transporting food on the go. They’re dishwasher-safe, easy to clean, and come in a variety of styles and sizes. I’ve had my original set for three years and they’re still going strong. ($45.96/4-pack, Amazon)

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Baggu

Reusable bags from Baggu…

Once my meals are planned and my grocery list is written, I’m ready to go to the grocery store. I always show up with my belt bag to carry my essentials and these giant versions of Baggu’s foldable, reusable bags. These are insanely spacious, wipe clean, and I can carry a ton of groceries. Living in New York, I’m walking to and from the grocery store, so I need dependable bags. ($18, Baggu)

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The Container Store

A rolling grocery bag that’s on my wish list…

I’ve been seeing Hulken bags everywhere. They’re durable, spacious totes with long handles — all on wheels. They can lay flat, carry up to 66 pounds, and even have a zippered top. If you live in a city or tend to walk a lot when running errands, this bag is a must. People also love to use it for laundry. ($105, The Container Store)

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Amazon

The approachable cookbook I reach for…

Baked by Melissa is my everything when it comes to cooking inspiration, and her debut cookbook has been an essential for me ever since it came out. Her recipes are elevated yet easy — this cookbook collects many of her popular TikTok recipes into one place for quick access. She covers everything from rainbow salads and thrown-together healthy dinners to decadent desserts and so much more. ($21.52, Amazon)

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Dishwashing Must-Haves:

Amazon

The tiny dish squeegee with a huge impact…

This dish squeegee has been a game changer when washing dishes and even cleaning out my fridge going into the week. It allows you to quickly remove leftovers from plates, collect crumbs off countertops, push food into garbage disposals, and even clear excess water in your kitchen or bathroom — without having to use your bare hands. It has a sturdy grip and a slightly flexible edge to really get into dish crevices. Plus, the curved edge makes it easy to clean pots and pans. Psst…peep my full review of this product and more kitchen gadgets from OXO. ($7.99, Amazon)

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Amazon

A dishwashing detergent that keeps my glassware streak-free…

I’ve raved about Dirty Labs’ dishwashing detergent before. I keep repurchasing it for its fresh lemon-y scent, how much it makes my dishes sparkle, and its thoughtful, plastic-free packaging. It’s a highly concentrated detergent and booster for your dishes that doesn’t require a prewash. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, free of all California Prop 65 chemicals, parabens, dyes, preservatives, and so much more. The best part? One container lasts me about six months. ($18, Amazon)

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Other Cleaning Essentials:

Truly Free

A laundry detergent sans toxic chemicals…

I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin, so I have to be really careful about which detergents I use. This one from Truly Free is cruelty-free, plant-based, and is without 1,4-dioxane – a chemical linked to skin irritation and allergies. This detergent is great for everything, but I love it for washing my sheets. ($17.96, Truly Free)

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Amazon

An all-purpose cleaner I use for all my surfaces…

You know you’re an adult when you’re influenced to buy a surface cleaner. I saw one of my favorite beauty bloggers talk about this grapefruit surface cleaner from Method and knew I needed to give it a try. It’s citrusy, sweet, and fresh without being overpowering. You can use it on tile, wood, glass, stone, and wood. I use this to clean all my surfaces in my home (including my bathroom) and everything comes out sparkling without the use of harsh chemicals. ($4.18, Amazon)

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Amazon

Swedish dishcloths…

Swap out your single-use paper towels for these. I use cellulose cloths all around the house since they’re incredibly absorbent and fast-drying. One can last up to 100 washes before being composted. To wash them, you can throw them on the top wrack of your dishwasher. ($16.95/10-pack, Amazon)

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Amazon

A cordless vacuum that’ll help get to hard-to-reach places…

I hate vacuuming, but what makes the chore easier is utilizing a cordless one. This one from Shark is currently on sale and makes a noteworthy alternative to the infamous Dyson. It has sensors that’ll detect the debris you can’t see, powerful suction, and can turn into a handheld dustbuster. It’ll last up to 40 minutes on a single charge, and has an LED display. The best part? It has HEPA filtration to snag any allergens too. ($299.99, Amazon)

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Apotheke

A diffuser to keep your bathroom smelling fresh…

I keep this in my bathroom and the fragrance power is unmatched. This Charcoal Rouge fragrance from Apotheke is my latest obsession with notes of rose, geranium, lemon, and burning birch for that smoky yet clean scent. It’ll provide a continuous scent for up to four months. Once the four months have passed, you can flip the reeds to the other side for a refresh. ($60, Apotheke)

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