We have all heard that expression before, but until we become mothers and wives (hopefully not in that order) is that we realize how important it really is to save time.
Here are some helpful tips on how to save time... which in turn saves us money.
Shopping for groceries:
1-Dont bring your children, even is you have to wait and do the shopping at night when your husband can stay with them, its easier and quicker to go grocery shopping alone.
2- Make a list and stick to it... so many times we have thought we could remember everything we need and then realize we forgot something, besides with a list you wont be roaming around grabbing stuff you dont really need.
3-Group items at check out in the order you will put them away at home. I usually put cold stuff together, things that go in the fridge and stuff that goes in the cupboards separated.
Making dinner.
I know it seams like a hassle to sit every friday and write down what you will be cooking every single day of the week, but by doing this you will save so much time staring into the fridge at 5pm with your husband about to get back from work and the hungry kids asking when is dinner going to be done.
Be flexible when doing your menu (you dont want to have a nervous breakdown if you dont follow every day) and make sure you have all the ingredients for all your recipes (dont want to be running to the grocery store every other day.)
As a bonus.. if you have the space, freeze leftovers and you might not have to cook EVERY single day.
Getting dressed.
I dont work out of the house.. so I dont have to "get dressed" like other moms that have to go to work do.. but for those that do here are some tips. Pick what you are going to wear the night before. When buying clothes always make sure you pair it, meaning if you buy a top make sure you have pants or skirts that go with it. Set things in your closet with what you wear them... do you see how in stores you can find a blouse with the skirt and some necklace on the front hanger? well.. do this at home! There are some aps that help you keep track of what you wore and when.. good for the professionals that have to see clients and dont want to repeat an outfit :)
Managing mornings.
Do as much as you can during the night, even if you are tired.. its best to do it the night before then to have to rush during the morning. Have everything prepared the night before, your clothes, the kids clothes, dishwasher, coffee, lunches, etc.. this way you are not in a bad mood during mornings because of the rush. Also dont allow the kids to watch tv until they are fully dressed and had their breakfast, this will make them do things twice as fast.
Cleaning house.
Set a time limit to what you are doing. Dont we all say "I will do the dishes" and end up deep cleaning the whole kitchen? Time yourself and just do what you where going to. Have a carry on or bucket with all your cleaning supplies in it, carry it with you to make your cleaning faster. If your children are big enough assign them a task every day, this way come weekend your house is clean and you and the kids are free to enjoy other things. Laundry (a subject on its own) is best if done right. Set baskets for different things (whites, lights and dark) and make everyone sort them out when putting their dirty clothes in them. If you have the space, place baskets in your laundry area with the name of the person and while folding place in those baskets, this way each member knows where their clothes is at and they can put it away on their own.
Scheduling our lives.
I now walk around with a notebook and pen in hand... and it does work! Every night sitting in bed and about to fall asleep I pick up my notebook and write down every single thing I want to do the next day, I consult with my husband and check to see if there is anything that i am missing, close it, turn the light off and go to sleep. I have just scheduled my life and time and I am not wasting a minute if I can. Some prefer it electronically I like it the old fashion way.. but which ever way you do it, do it. This is a great time saving thing to do. Also write down things on a calendar in a visible place for the rest of the family to follow.
Hope these tips have helped you and share some more if you have any :)
I like those themed nights that a great idea!
Quoting QuiltLover:I have a friend that does this, If I still had kids at home I would incorporate this idea. she does her meals for each day as Monday..Italian night, Tuesday..mexican, Wednesday..american, etc...She then buys accordingly, once she buys her groceries, she then picks what KIND of dish she is fixing...like mexican could be tacos, or enchilldas, taco salads, etc. It is a choice and not a strict way to cook...I love this, makes for variety.
Cheaper internet
- yvonne37
on Aug. 15, 2012 at 7:53 AM