Time-Saving Hacks for the Busy Mom
After children, it seems as though time speeds up. There are never enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to get done. Here are 6 time-saving hacks to help you maximize your time and keep you sane.
MEAL PREP & PLANNING
Choose a day, or two, each week that you take 30 minutes to plan the meals for the week. I often scroll through Pinterest to find delicious healthy recipes to try. Then write down all the ingredients you need so you know what to buy. Try to find recipes with similar items, or choose recipes that coincide with the season, doing this will help you save money.
When cooking dinners, cook enough to roll over for lunch the next day. Or if you are super dedicated and want to have the simplest routine possible, choose a day to meal prep for the whole week. This is a great way to stay healthy, keep portion sizes under control, and lose weight.
There are also meal services like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. Both provide you with options for the number of meals you would like. Everything comes packaged to your door and there is no fuss thinking about what to cook because it's already decided for you. If you are looking to stay on a budget, this may not be the route for you.
GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE
As a new mom, Instacart has become my best friend. With multiple options for places to shop (Safeway, Sprouts, and Costco are a few) you do not even need to leave the house to get groceries anymore.
I no longer have to plan my day around when my daughter is napping or hungry. You order what you need, can still use coupons, and decide what time you want the order to arrive. If you are a busy mama, definitely check this out.
Walmart also has a similar option. You can download the app and "shop" for whatever you need. Everything will be ready for you during the timeslot of your choice. This does not have the added ease of them bringing it directly to your house, but it is still a huge time saver.
MAKE COFFEE AT HOME OR ORDER VIA APPS
Buy an old fashioned coffee pot that you can put the grounds and water in the night before and set to a timer. You will wake up to the fresh smell of coffee and no longer have to stop at the local coffee shop to get your buzz. This option saves you loads of money if you think about the $5+ you spend every day on that latte.
If you have to have your special latte, order it beforehand with an app. Both Starbucks and Peets have apps where you can order ahead. This will save you loads of time; you can simply walk in, grab your drink, and head out.
AMAZON
Amazon Prime is wonderful. You receive items you purchased within two days. If time isn't of the immediate essence, two-day free shipping is an amazing deal.
Amazon has also launched Amazon Now. You can purchase an item from Amazon and receive it within an hour or two.
CLEANING
Are you spending hours a week cleaning your house? Hire someone. If you are a busy mama, who can afford to pay someone to clean the house, just do it. It will save you time, and provide you peace of mind that it is getting done. One less thing to think about or worry about, and you can put those precious hours towards something that only you can do.
If you are on a budget, clean up before you go to bed. Don't leave dishes in the sink for tomorrow. Get it done and start tomorrow fresh. The last thing you want is to wake up and already feel set back.
Teach your kids to clean up after themselves. You only have so many hands and so much time. It's a valuable lesson for a child to learn to help around the house. Work together to make it a game. Picking up after your kid should not be something you have to do forever. This includes folding and putting away their laundry.
"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." - Chinese Proverb
ROUTINE
Have a routine set. Are you a morning person? Or a night person? Take this into account when planning. I am a morning person, so I wake up a little earlier than my daughter so I can shower, have a little "me" time, and drink my coffee.
When you know when everything ideally will happen, it will help you plan your day and make the most of the time you have.