We’re all time poor let’s face it; here are 10 time saving tips to help you get through the week a little more calmly.

1) Paying bills

Get organised! Keep all of your bills, envelopes and stamps in one place.

Purchase an inexpensive wall caddy to stick to a wall in the kitchen.

That way, your bills won’t be cluttering up the kitchen table and everything will be in one place when you need it. Many companies now offer online payment options or automatic, recurring payments deducted from your checking account.

2) Let’s eat

The key to saving time and money when preparing the family meals is planning.

If you plan your menu for the entire week, your grocery shopping time will be significantly reduced and, you never have to wonder, “What’s for dinner?”

On the weekends, consider preparing some soups or stews to freeze. Then, you are prepared for a night when there is a school play, a soccer game or a late night at the office.

Just pop out your ready-made dinner and heat it up for a quick home cooked meal.

3) Clean it up

Keeping the house clean can be a daunting task, especially with the children running around (or, your husband!). Ask for help, they live here too!

If the children are old enough, enlist their help with the household chores. Keep a chart on the fridge with the days of the week listed, what chores need done on each day and who is responsible for completing the task. Include your partner on the list as well. Just make sure each person’s to-do list is reasonable.

Give out rewards every now and then to keep your crew feeling motivated and appreciated (a small toy, a favourite dinner, a treat out to the movies).

To make chores easier, keep the supplies you need close at hand.

Keep the cleaning supplies for the bathroom under the sink. If you have a couple of extra minutes, you can wipe out the sink or clean the toilet. Keep supplies together under the kitchen sink too like soap, sponges, gloves, etc. You may avoid the “Where do we keep the…?” question. Of course, if you have younger children bustling about, be sure to kid proof your cabinets.

4) Happy birthday, get well, congratulations and all that

It never fails that when you have the least amount of time, you have forgotten one of these momentous occasions. The kids always seem to have a birthday party to attend.

To save time and money here, stock up a “gift” drawer ahead of time. Take advantage of your local dollar store or discount shops to stock up on cards, gift wrap, small toys, candles, and gift certificates. Now, you are ready for any festive event.

• Time poor? Like an extra 10 hours a week?
• Want more time without feeling guilty?
• Chores you can wipe off during commercials

5) Be prepared

Set out not only the kids’ clothes the night before but also your clothes as well. It really will save time.

Make lunches the night before, prepare snacks and have everyone’s work stuff together.

Have a family bag always ready and in the car. Include extra clothes, toiletries, toys, sunscreen, etc. You will always be ready to go and can embark on an impromptu trip every now and then.

6) A place for everything

Ok not everything. But, locating all of those daily essentials is a necessity and, you will save time by ending the search.

Invest in baskets and storage bins to keep you organised. Hang a hook in the kitchen that the keys are always hung on. Have a designated spot for your purse. Set up a tote in the closet to keep the kids’ backpacks, hats and gloves. Put up a bulletin board in the kitchen that homework and important notes are to be hung on.

7) Cut the primp time

We all want to look good. But, who has the time? Consider some short cuts to your beauty regime.

Go for a cut/hairstyle that takes less time to conquer in the mornings.

For your makeup, look for products that combine several steps. For instance, a foundation that is also a moisturizer and a sunscreen.

8) Limit online time

We all love our Internet time or, you wouldn’t be here!

Stick to the sites you love (like this one) and limit the amount of time you will spend browsing each day.

Check and answer emails only once a day. The Internet can be a great resource but it can also be a big time waster. Before you know it, 45 minutes has passed.

9) Use reminders and lists: If you’re like me, you can’t remember anything. Some days, I struggle remembering what day of the week it is. Use an alarm on your phone or a handy app. Make lists and use post-it notes for those appointments and deadlines that you can’t miss.

10) Lower your standards

Not everything is going to get done. But, if you have enjoyed some time with your family, that’s what counts.

When the hubby or kids do help you with the chores, it won’t be up to your standards. That’s ok, let it go.

You don’t have to accomplish everything today. And, if your friend stops by and the sink is full of dishes, I am sure she will understand. Go easy on yourself.

Do you have any handy organisation tips to share? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

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