An Evening Security Ritual: How Nightly Checks Bring Peace of Mind

COme on, Pops, it’s time for checks!

Every night when ready to head to bed, I invite my cat to start our evening routine. She follows me down the hall to the guest bedroom where we begin.

I perform the same set of tasks every night — and unless I’m extremely sick, I cannot go to sleep until this checklist is complete. My “checks”, as I call them, started many years ago — and though they change based on where I’m living — they are always present. Let’s dive into what checks are, my specific routine, and why you may want to try this practice.


What are checks?

I was always scared as a kid. I spent most nights sleeping on the floor of my sister’s bedroom, hoping she’d protect me in the event of a break-in.

As I’ve matured, I am less worried about physical harm, and more anxious about finances and protecting my home. What if the gas stove was left on? What if the wind pushes open an unlocked door and rain water damages the wood floors? And yes — what if someone is hiding under the bed — I’ll never NOT think that :)

Checks are a way of — you guessed it — checking various aspects of my living space to ensure everything is in it’s proper state before the day ends. I walk through the house in a systematic manner — from the farthest point, ending in my bedroom - and perform a variety of turn-down actions.


My Routine

Over the years I’ve adapted a method for efficiency that I rinse & repeat every night. In no particular order, here are the activities I complete during my checks:

  • Turn off all lights and fans

  • Make sure sinks aren’t dripping, the fridge is shut and the stove + oven are off

  • Put away any kitchen knives that were air drying (lest someone break in, see them + use them against me!)

  • Check exterior doors to ensure they are locked

  • Check windows to make sure they are properly in their “locked” position

  • Check that the garage door is closed

  • Close doors to rooms that I don’t want my cat exploring overnight

  • Check closets, showers + under beds for…whatever may be lurking

  • Close all curtains and shudders

  • Make sure there is no water leaking in the basement

  • Flush toilets + close lids so my cat cannot jump in

  • Confirm TV and fireplace are off

  • Make sure any candles that were lit are fully extinguished

  • Unplug phone, tablet + computer chargers from the wall (plus any other things that may have been plugged in, like a treadmill)


Purpose + Benefits

This set of activities gives me peace of mind that everything is as it should be before I retire for the night.

  • I can safely close my eyes without fear that someone will be hovering over me if I wake in the middle of the night :) I keep my phone by my bed to hear Nest + Ring motion detection alerts.

  • As I move through rooms, I sometimes spot tasks to tackle later, like cleaning my yoga mat, deadheading a plant, or lotioning the couch. It makes me feel proud and responsible, knowing I’m actively finding ways to keep my home tidy, clean, and well-maintained.

  • Performing these actions mitigates some of the thoughts that will inevitably start to swirl just as my head hits the pillow.

  • The routine signals my brain that it is “bedtime” which helps me fall asleep more quickly.

Your checks may vary based on where you live and your priorities, but I invite you to establish a nightly security routine + explore the many benefits.

 
 
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