Habit Stacking: The Simple Strategy to Build Routines That Stick

If you’ve ever wanted to build better habits but struggled to stay consistent, habit stacking is about to become your new best friend. It’s one of the easiest, least overwhelming ways to create routines that actually last — especially for busy households juggling kids, work, pets, and everything in between.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Habit Stacking?

Habit stacking is a technique where you attach a new habit to an existing one you already do every day — without thinking.
The existing habit becomes your “anchor,” and the new habit simply slots in beside it.

Think of it like building Lego pieces: one habit clicks onto another until you’ve created a solid, reliable routine.

Examples:

• After I make my morning coffee, I will empty the dishwasher.
• When I finish brushing my teeth, I will lay out tomorrow's clothes.
• After I hang up the kids' school bags, I will restock lunchbox snacks for the next day.

Small habits → stacked intentionally → create big, lasting change.

Why Habit Stacking Works

Habit stacking works because your brain loves familiarity. When something is already part of your daily rhythm, pairing a new behaviour with it requires less motivation and less mental effort.

It turns “I need to remember to…” into “I automatically do this when I…” — which is where true consistency comes from.

How to Start Habit Stacking

You don’t need a whole new routine… just one anchor habit and one new action.

1. Identify habits you already do daily

Look for actions that naturally happen at the same time each day:

• Making breakfast
• Putting the kettle on
• Dropping the kids at school
• Starting the dishwasher
• Getting into bed

These are perfect anchors.

2. Choose a tiny habit you want to add

The smaller and more specific, the better:

• Wipe down the kitchen bench
• Tidy one drawer
• Pack tomorrow’s gym bag
• Sort the mail, newsletters etc
• Empty the rubbish bin

Tiny habits are easier to start — and build momentum quickly.

3. Pair them using this simple formula

“After I ___, I will ___.”

Examples:

• After I take my vitamins, I will put away 5 things.
• After I start the shower, I will spray the glass with cleaner.
  

4. Keep it ridiculously easy

The goal is to build the consistency muscle, not perfection.
If the new habit takes more than 1–2 minutes, shrink it until it feels automatic.

5. Repeat daily

Within a few days, the pairing will feel natural.
Within a few weeks, you’ll wonder why you ever did it differently.

Tips for Successful Habit Stacking

Start with habits already well-established

If the “anchor” habit is shaky, the stack won’t stick. Choose something you never forget to do.

Don’t stack too many at once

Begin with one new habit. When that becomes second nature, add another.

Use the environment to support you

• Keep your new habit obvious:
• Keep your vitamins next to the coffee machine
• Store microfibre cloths under every sink
• Place a “return to its home” basket in the living room for quick resets

Celebrate the small wins

A quiet “done!” or tick on your planner reinforces the behaviour and builds motivation.

Choose habits that matter to you

You’re more likely to stick to habits that genuinely reduce stress, save time, or make life easier.

Easy Habit Stacks to Try at Home

Need ideas? Here are some family-friendly, home-organising stacks:

• After cleaning lunchboxes, restock snacks for tomorrow.
• After folding laundry, do a quick 30-second tidy of the laundry area
• After getting the kids into bed, reset the lounge for tomorrow.
• After loading the washing machine, tidy one hotspot (bench, coffee table)
• After starting dinner, empty the recycling.

Small actions add up — and keep your home running smoothly with way less effort.

Final Thoughts

Habit stacking isn’t about doing more — it’s about making the things you already want to do easier.
By anchoring new habits to routines that already exist, you create flow, consistency, and calm — the very things so many households crave.

Start with one small stack today.
Your future self (and your organised home!) will thank you.