When was the last time you said, where did this year go? Or time flew by?
In our busy lives, finding ways to save time at home can be a game-changer. Whether you're a housewife, a woman working from home, or someone looking for some tips to spare some additional free time, this article is for you.
I am aware there are plenty of books on the topic, however we are not here for a long educational course on the topic. The examples given are based on my personal experience and I aim to provide you with practical, easy-to-implement solutions to optimize your time and maybe save some money at the same time!
Let's dive into some super-duper practical tips that can transform your daily routine!
1. Prepare for the Next Day
Preparation is key to saving time. By setting aside a few minutes each evening to prepare for the next day, you can skip any wasted time in trying to recollect where you left off the day prior. In the morning, many essential tasks often have to be done such as preparing breakfast for the family, feeding the pets, doing some cleanups.. This preparation will put your mind at ease when going to sleep, no need to dwell on it as well as start your day smoothly and when it’s time.
👉 I use post-its where I write my 3 - 5 “TO DOs” for the next day. Keep it shorts, cross it off as you go and throw it away at the end of the day to start fresh again.
👉 Start your day with the hardest task you assign yourself. Game changer.
2. Online Grocery Shopping Using Pickup or Doorstep Delivery
One of my favorites: Online Grocery Shopping: Save time by doing your grocery shopping online. Many stores offer pickup or doorstep delivery services. This eliminates the need for a trip to the store and the hassle of navigating crowded aisles, waiting in line at the register or having to carry all the groceries.
As some of you may know, I am not very tech savvy, I started doing my groceries with the scanner at the time and then “upgraded” to online grocery shopping with pick up back in 2018. I was doing my online shopping the day prior, for me it was Thursday night and was picking it up Friday night, on my way back from work. This strategy saved me so much time! Life changing loved it.
Most stores now also offer free delivery at your doorstep… amazing! The best option for you will depend if you’re often home to receive the delivery. Either way, try it out if you haven’t already done so!
👉 Instacart is probably the largest company for grocery delivery and pick-up services, allowing customers to order groceries from participating retailers.
👉 Amazon Prime is a great platform I use for specific products. It offers a wide range of time-saving services, including fast shipping (same day, next day), which can save you numerous trips to the store.
3. Meal Planning
Plan Your Meals: Take some time each week to plan your meals. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress of deciding what to cook every day or even having food that goes bad before it get eaten.
Cook in Bulk: Prepare large batches of food and store them in the freezer. This way, you can simply reheat meals on busy days. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great options for bulk cooking. You can use single use containers to put them in the freezer.
Cooked for you: On particularly busy days, don't hesitate to opt for easy dining out options. Many restaurants offer healthy takeout and delivery options, which can save time without compromising on nutrition.
👉 I keep a white board on my fridge on which I write my meals ideas for the week. In my house, we consume a large amount of fresh produce and this method helps me in maintaining a good rotation.
4. Schedule Your Dishwasher and Laundry Machine to Run at Night
Running your dishwasher and laundry machine at night can save you a lot of time during the day as well as money. Many modern appliances have delay start features, allowing you to set them to run during off-peak hours, which can also save on energy costs. I also love quick cycles if you’re looking to run a load more frequently.
👉Emptying the dishwasher or laundry machine can be one of the first steps of your morning routine.
5. Schedule Autopay on Your Credit Cards
This one may look out of place but I found it was a great time saver, or more specifically “mind saver” when my statement balance was scheduled on auto-pay.
Setting up autopay for your credit cards and other bills will prevent late fees and save you the hassle of remembering due dates. It’s a simple step that can significantly reduce financial stress.
6. Use a Password Manager
Yes, our world is getting more and more digital and almost everything migrated to online accounts. An amazing life saver for me was to start using a password manager.
A password manager is an app on your phone, tablet or computer that stores your passwords, so you don't need to remember them. Once you've logged into the password manager using a 'master' password, it will generate and remember your passwords for all your online accounts.
👉 You can say goodbye to the hassle of having to store all your passwords somewhere secret or going through the process of having to reset your passwords every time. Make sure to select a secured platform.
7. Turn Off Phone Notifications and Unsubscribe from Spam Email
Constant notifications can be distracting. Turn off non-essential notifications on your phone and unsubscribe from emails that clutter your inbox. This simple step can significantly boost your productivity.
👉 On iphones, go to Settings > Notifications (scroll down and under “Notification style, you can see all app for which notifications are enable) > Select your “non-essential” app (let’s say Zillow for me) > and slide OFF “Allow Notifications”.
8. Batch Tasks Together
Group Similar Tasks: Instead of handling tasks piecemeal throughout the day, batch similar tasks together. For example, respond to all your emails or text messages (if not urgent) at once, only once or twice a day. It saves a lot of time from being distracted from your main task. You can do the same with social media and recup a lot of time.
👉 Keep track of time and know that you’re allowed to say no if it distracts you from your priority.
9. Automate What You’re Comfortable With
I am not saying automate everything and anything but some simple automations can go a long way, such as;
- Use of Reminders: Utilize your phone or a digital assistant (Siri or Alexa) to set reminders for important tasks or appointments. This ensures you don’t forget anything and can stay on top of your daily activities.
- I also use the Reminder App to maintain and update a shared grocery list. My husband and I both have access to the same list and we update it as we go.
- Round the house, smart home devices that can control your lights, thermostat, irrigation.
- Use online payments for most bills.
10. Hire a Housekeeper
Outsource Household Chores: If it’s within your budget, hiring a housekeeper can free up a substantial amount of time. Even having someone come in once a week can make a big difference in maintaining a clean and organized home.
For more information and tips on home organization, please read my article: 7 steps to creating a positive environment at home. You will find my tips to maintaining an organized home that can nicely complement this article.
Triangle Moon Phases and Lotus T-Shirt
More Time for What Matters
Implementing these practical tips can help you save time at home, allowing you to enjoy more family time and leisure. By preparing for the next day, streamlining daily activities, and making wise choices about how to spend your time, you can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Remember, the goal is not just to save time but to make more time for the things that truly matter.
Incorporate these strategies into your routine and see how they can transform your daily life. Start with a few changes, and gradually add more as you become more comfortable. Here's to a more efficient and enjoyable home life!