How to Get in on the ‘Sunday Reset’ Trend Without Getting Overwhelmed

Actually Soothing? Yes. Actually Doable? Also, yes

Author image: Candace Davison, PureWow vice president of editorial content

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Published Apr 3, 2026

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As someone who’s literally studied the art of having more fulfilling downtime for the past decade (I read self-help for fun and don’t even get me started on my planner methodology), I can confidently say: Getting organized can be the best way to combat the Sunday Scaries. Everything is in its place. You know what’s on your calendar for the week ahead. You feel prepared and refreshed—maybe even a little excited for what’s in store.

It sounds lovely, doesn’t it? It’s no wonder that the idea of a ‘Sunday reset’ is trending on Pinterest and TikTok, especially the romanticized versions being shared on both platforms. You’re in a cozy lounge set, headphones on, your vitamin C serum hard at work as you load the dishwasher and flip the laundry, with your smart diffuser blasting Anthropologie’s famous Blue Capri Volcano scent. It’s a mix of self-care and productivity, where chores don’t seem as obnoxious because the environment is just that soothing. (The visual is a big part of the trend right now, with searches for ‘Sunday reset aesthetic’ up 55 percent—nearly as much as the 65 percent jump ‘Sunday reset list’ has seen on Pinterest so far this year.)

IN THIS ARTICLE

The 90-Minute Sunday Reset List
The Ultimate Sunday Reset Cleaning Tools

It’s a beautiful lie, where expectations rarely meet reality, especially if you have kids. (The second you clear a table, an avalanche of LEGO bricks and LOL Dolls are bound to topple from your kid’s room. It’s just a law of the universe.)

But still, that doesn’t mean you can’t strive for some semblance of a Sunday Reset. With the right tools, the process gets a whole lot easier (less scrubbing = more lounging, right?). So even if you’ve got a pair of toddlers hell-bent on undoing every task you tackle—or climbing up your body as you try to—all hope is not lost. Here’s the strategy I use and the tools I’d recommend for getting the job done…without losing your mind in the process.

Sunday Reset Essentials, at a Glance

The 90-Minute Sunday Reset List

First things first: A Sunday Reset shouldn’t take over your whole Sunday. To make it a truly relaxing experience, where you feel a productivity high afterward, stick to a short, focused block of time. If you can get your kids to play outside or do this after they go to bed (bless you, if you’ve mastered the early bedtime!), time your reset to occur then.

Here’s what I do, as a longtime home editor and mom of two:

Start with a Little Self-Care

Earbuds on (one in, one to listen for my kids, set to an energizing playlist or engaging podcast—Aspire by Emma Grede is a current fave) = this makes it feel like “me” time
Solawave red light therapy neck mask on (I’d do the face one too, but it’s too hard to see)
Throw in a load of laundry with a best-smelling detergent
Send my robot vac out

Head to the Kitchen

Unload & load the dishwasherClean the remaining dishesWipe down countertops, cabinets and appliance fronts, and around the burners/grates

Mopvac the floors (it’s fast yet thorough and doesn’t leave floors wet for a while)

Unload & load the dishwasherClean the remaining dishesWipe down countertops, cabinets and appliance fronts, and around the burners/grates

Mopvac the floors (it’s fast yet thorough and doesn’t leave floors wet for a while)

Take out the trash and recycling

Dining Room

- Clear off the table
- Disinfect/clean the counter
- Water the plants

Living Room

Toss kids’ toys in a basket; have them organize/bring to their rooms

Fluff the couch cushions

Dust the blinds

Toss kids’ toys in a basket; have them organize/bring to their rooms

Fluff the couch cushions

Dust the blinds

Clear off and wipe down the coffee table

Quick pause: Flip the laundry

Bathroom

Disinfect/wipe down the counters and faucets

Quick scrub and rinse the tub

Use a flushable toilet scrubber to clean the toilet bowl and seat

Disinfect/wipe down the counters and faucets

Quick scrub and rinse the tub

Use a flushable toilet scrubber to clean the toilet bowl and seat

Trade out the towels

Finish with a Mental Reset

Sit on the couch

Sit on the couch

Grab my gratitude journal (no, really—write three things I’m grateful for and one takeaway/learning from the day)

Grab my gratitude journal (no, really—write three things I’m grateful for and one takeaway/learning from the day)

On a sheet of paper, brain dump everything that’s on my mind; organize the top priorities into a to-do list for the week ahead

On a sheet of paper, brain dump everything that’s on my mind; organize the top priorities into a to-do list for the week ahead

Drink a glass of ice water (…or sauvignon blanc)

The Ultimate Sunday Reset Cleaning Tools

QVC

1. Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Mop

QVC

I have tested all kinds of floor mops, sweepers, brooms and vacuums, and this compact little guy is the one I reach for first when I need a quick clean. I love that it has LED lights to illuminate dark corners and can flatten to squeeze under my bathroom vanity. But arguably, its greatest feature is the combination vacuum and light mop, with disposable pads to make cleanup a breeze. It’s like a superpowered Swiffer, and it’s great for getting to areas my robot vac can’t reach.

$100 at QVC

QVC

2. Hotel Collection ‘Black Velvet’ Laundry Pods

QVC

Our former home editor introduced me to Hotel Collection’s laundry pods, aka one of the best-smelling detergents we’ve ever tested at PureWow. QVC has one of the best deals on the luxury line that I’ve come across, and the Black Velvet scent—a blend of lemon, bergamot, freesia and cedarwood—is reminiscent of Tom Ford’s Oud Wood fragrance.

$34 at QVC

QVC

3. iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop + AutoWash

QVC

Having a robot vac is a luxury and an investment, but oh, how I love having one on a schedule to help maintain a base level clean throughout the week. (And when it fires up automatically, it can be a good signal to race against the machine and tackle that Sunday reset.)

If you’re going to spring for one, I recommend a model with an AutoEmpty dock, so you don’t have to clean out its waste bin as often. I’ve been impressed with iRobot’s ability to avoid sucking up cords and cables, and I prefer the models with scrubbing mopping underneath, as opposed to an arm that comes down, because it seems more efficient at scrubbing glommed-on messes. (Not to mention this model is currently on sale for 37 percent off!)

~~$800~~; $500 at QVC

QVC

4. Better Living Deluxe Squeegee

QVC

Grimy shower walls are no match for a solid squeegee. A simple wipe-down post-shower makes a huge difference in the look of your bathroom. I like the metal handle on this base, because you can maintain good tension without the squeegee bending or bowing.

$28 at QVC

QVC

5. Clean Buddy 2-in-1 Broom & Cordless Blower

QVC

I swear by a broom dustpan that has little teeth to clean the bristles, especially if you deal with a lot of pet hair, for a fuss-free, faster clean. But this broom takes things to the next level with a handle that doubles as a mini leaf blower! That’s great for cleaning patio areas, but it’s also super useful for those little gaps under cabinets that vacuums can’t reach. Simply blow out any crumbs and sweep them up with one handy gadget (which charges via USB).

$66 at QVC

QVC

6. CAMPANELLI ProSeries Washable Duster Set with Extension Pole

QVC

A little routine dusting can go a long way in avoiding buildup and bigger, dread-it-for-weeks cleaning projects. (Take it from me, who avoided dusting her blinds to the point that dust and candle soot glommed on to them, making each blade obnoxious to scrub.) This extender set makes quick work of the project, even if you have floor-to-ceiling windows (you lucky dog, you).

$30 at QVC

Don Aslett's Ultimate Cleaning Combo Kit bathroom supplies

QVC

7. Don Aslett's Ultimate Cleaning Combo Kit

QVC

A collapsible bucket to take up less space! A mop with three interchangeable heads, including angled hard bristle brushes and a scrub pad! An angle grout brush for getting around the tub and faucets! This set basically contains all of the essentials for a sparkling bathroom.

$42 at QVC

QVC

8. Good Housekeeping 4-Piece Kitchen Cleaning Caddy

QVC

You’ll get the job done with a standard sponge and bottle brush, but I like the convenience of this set—and that it keeps everything contained without overtaking your entire counter.

~~$24~~; $12 at QVC

QVC

9. Silk + Sonder Guided Monthly Journals (Set of 3)

QVC

You know how I said the mental reset is crucial? I’ve used Silk + Sonder off and on for years to bring order to my mental clutter, and I’ve never seen the set priced so low. Each journal is designed to last you one month, with a set theme, such as “ambition” or “imagination.” There are guided prompts and places to just brain dump whatever’s on your mind. I’ve found corralling all of those rogue thoughts on paper goes a long way in feeling ready to take on the week ahead.

~~$60~~; $13 at QVC

Candace Davison

VP of editorial content

Oversees home, food and commerce articles
Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business

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