My LO is 2.5yrs.
First, I turn the lamp on (which is dimmer than the main light - less stimulation) and turn her fan on. Then I lay her down to change her diaper. She gets to pick a book to read and then we sit in the rocking chair and read the book while she snuggles her blankies. After reading, I turn out the light and she climbs into her toddler bed. I cover her up and give her a kiss and tell her I will come get her when it's time to get up.
It seems that every day she wants to bring some random toy or other item, today it was a pair of sunglasses, with her to her bedroom. I used to tell her she couldn't and it was a battle. I realized it wasn't a big deal as long as it didn't go into the bed with her so I placed a short stool next to her bed and now she just puts it there so it can "wait there" until she wakes up:)
I should add that 2 days per week when I'm at work my husband, mom or MIL puts her down and they do things about the same but don't read a book. She seems to always wind down better with them for some reason:)
Are there any specific issues you are having?