Seven Easy Methods to Help Save Time for Busy Moms

Time Saving Hacks for Busy Moms

It is no secret that moms are busy. Between appointments, errands, cleaning and cooking, it’s a full time job and then some. To keep my to-do list from becoming unmanageable, I have learned to use my time wisely. 

I’m so excited to share with you the time saving hacks that keep me sane on the daily. You can also check out my Instagram, where I share tips weekly.

Group Errands

Instead of stopping at the bank while on the way to work or leaving the house any time you need groceries, plan for all of these errands in advance. If you know you need to hit the post office, grocery store and bank, do all three in one planned trip, rather than throughout the week.

Now, sometimes you forget or something comes up and you just need to get stuff done. I get it. But try to avoid making that your norm, and I bet you’ll feel more accomplished. 

Organize Your Days

Unless our schedules are changed due to visitors, travel, or other life events, I try to stick to the same general routine. This gives me a sense of normalcy, and I know when to accomplish certain tasks. I don’t try to do everything in one day (more on that below), but rather break up my days so that everything is continuously getting done. This makes it easier to keep on top of everything. Think about it like taking small bites rather than trying to cram an entire sandwich in your mouth.

I *try* to schedule appointments on Wednesdays, so that my gym schedule is not interrupted. I plan a roast or other big meal on Fridays so that we can eat leftovers on the weekend. This gives me a bit of a break so that I can enjoy down time with my family. 

I go shopping every Monday. This has two purposes: so that we are prepared for the week and don’t spend excess money on takeout. I do laundry once a day on weekdays so that it doesn’t become overwhelming. 

Find a schedule that works for you, and stick to it. 

Limit Activities

I remember growing up that my mom would drive 45 minutes home from work, pick up my brother and I, drive 45 minutes back into town for guitar lessons, and then 45 minutes back home one night each week. Twice a week I had gymnastics, my brother had football and wrestling practice, and then I cheered and ran track in high school. My dad coached football and baseball.  My brother was in band and I was in the drama club. We had church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. With only two kids and both working full time, my parents had at least six school years of nonstop, almost nightly activities. Just the thought is exhausting. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I want to give my son all the opportunities but that is a LOT of work. I read about a woman who had a 1 Activity Per Season rule. If her son did soccer in the fall, her daughter did basketball in the winter. Her third child did a spring sport. They had extra curriculars in the summer. You get the idea. 

If all of the activities seem overwhelming to you, choose less. Especially if your children are really young, wait until they’re a little older to start all the activities, or adopt a less is more stance. 

Mix Work & Pleasure

While it is important to accomplish everything on your list, don’t do so much in one day that you’re burnt out. Hit the gym and the bank before taking your kids to the park. Can you turn your trip to the mechanic into a fun day out afterward? If you need to water the garden, turn the sprinklers on and let the kids run through while the flowers get a drink. 

Personally, if I try to do it all in one day, I’m pretty useless the next. I need time for my batteries to recharge, and that means limiting my output sometimes. 

Stay Consistent

If you slack off on laundry for four days, there is bound to be a pile of it when you get started again. Grocery shop regularly, even if that means giant Costco hauls once a month. Empty the dishwasher daily.

You can check out my weekly cleaning schedule for an easy to follow printable! 

Make a Game Plan

On Sundays, we go to church. My husband literally showers, dresses, and leaves. I need time to do my hair and makeup, which means I take longer. This, he can do our breakfast routine with our son while I get ready. He takes him potty after breakfast. Once I’m done with my hair, we trade. My husband hops in the shower while I go about getting our son dressed.

By making a game plan, we save time and there is less of a chance of tardiness. This can apply to any occasion where You need more time to get ready. 

Prepare in Advance

Pick out clothes for the next day or even a week at a time. Make large batch meals to meal prep for lunches. Pack ahead of schedule so you’re not rushing for a trip. 

With a little forethought, you can save yourself time and headache. 

These time saving hacks have let me be more present with my child and have time for the activities I really enjoy. Let me know which time saving hack is your favorite! PS: I’ve even taken back nap times for myself! Find out how you can get your life under control with my post on not cleaning during nap time.