Twenty Time-Saving Tips

Your day as a homemaker is coming to an end and judging by the looks of things around the house you have been painting your nails and watching TV all day, neglecting your household duties. The fruit of your daily efforts appears to have vanished, and the illusive hopes of completing the ”to do list“ once again is chalked up to good intentions! Sound familiar?

The following is a collection of some very good management strategies that busy moms from all over have put to the test. They swear that sticking to their guns in this area has given them a sense of order and ease, which can translate to a happier mom… and we all know, that’s a good thing!

Coupon users: keep in separate areas for quick accessibility: manufacturers’ coupons, regular store coupons, dining coupons, and miscellaneous coupons.
Make a few dishes at a time from a chicken or ground beef purchase, then freeze some for later.
As a routine have kids pick up toys/clothes after their last activity, and return them to a designated spot.
Have a functional organizational storage system, so that the kids’ toys are accessible and easy to locate (and locate if recalled).
Spread out household chores throughout the week, as to not have them to do all at once!
Keep tabletops and countertops clean and free of clutter.
Turn cleaning, household chores and conservation practices into a game/challenge and involve kids.
While kids are bathing (and it’s getting late) use this time to review their day or discuss upcoming events, as to ease into the bedtime ritual.
Do dishes twice a day at a specific time, and perhaps have kids help you load the dishwasher.
Encourage young children to gain responsibility designating and alternating age-appropriate chores, such as opening drapes, feeding pets, or making beds, or taking out the trash.
Create a typical grocery list (itemize according to the isle order in grocery store), put it in a sheet protector, and use erasable marker to use over and over.
Laundry isn’t as time consuming if it is done a couple times a week. Schedule the folding stage around the news or your favorite TV programs, and you’ll be accomplishing two things at once! Try having your kids color code the laundry in piles to be cleaned.
Give your kids a water bottle (with soapy water inside only and LABEL it) and a rag, and let them help clean the outdoor patio furniture while you tend to weeding or gardening.
Sneak in a twenty-minute nap, and you’ll feel refreshed and energized!
Exercise regularly (if only twenty minutes a day), making sure to choose type of workout that you love!
Exchange babysitting afternoons or evenings once in awhile with close friends so you can have some personal time.
Sweep and dust while the kids are doing their quiet activities.
Make an extra sandwich if you are already making someone else’s lunch.
Limit your phone conversations when you are pressed for time or running late.
Communicate openly with your spouse as partners as to what your ”division of labor“ plan is, as you each have unique schedules.