Life can be hectic when you’re a mum. Being the chauffer, playmate, teacher, chef, translator, referee, nurse, story teller and monster catcher is no easy feat, especially when it’s on top of being a housewife, worker and in some cases business owner.

Busy rushing here and there, managing multiple schedules and remembering numerous dates and appointments can get a little tiring, stressful and even overwhelming.

So to help you manage your life and family a little easier, here are six sanity savers for busy mums that will help take some of the pressure off.

1. Clean as you go

Cleaning as you go and dealing with mess straight away can save you a lot of time and cut back on those big, overwhelming house clean ups. Clean off spills and splatters before they have a chance to harden, stack the dishes in the dishwasher as soon as you are done with them, clean up toys as you walk through the house, fold the washing as you get it off the line and clean the shower while you have one.

2. Set up direct debits for your regular bills

With so many things to do and so many people to organise, it can be easy to lose track of the dates and forget to pay a bill (or two) on time. By scheduling direct debits for your regular important bills like your mortgage, rent, credit card and personal loans repayments, insurances, electricity and the rest, you can prevent late fees and give yourself a few things less to think about.

3. Keep dinner simple through the week

At the end of a busy day the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, so schedule quick easy family favourites through the week. To make your life even easier have a cooking day once every fortnight (or so) where you cook and freeze a series of meals so you only need to reheat them on the day.

4. Have a menu plan

Having a weekly or fortnightly menu plan can save you significant time by eliminating the last minute dinner rush and reducing the amount of shopping trips you have to do. It can also end up saving you a substantial amount of money on your grocery bill by reducing last minute impulse buys.

5. Have bags packed for different activities and places

To save time and stress keep pre-packed bags for different places and activities. For example in our house we have a park bag that includes a ball, kite, change of clothes, hat, sunscreen, spare nappies and jumpers (for cooler weather), and a beach and swimming bag that includes togs, towels, hats, swim nappies, change of clothes, spare nappies and sunscreen.

This way I know I have everything I need and all I have to do is pick up the relevant bag when I leave the house.

6. Keep a fully stocked car

Keeping spare clothes, wipes, nappies, creams, hats, shoes, towels, toys and activities in the car can be a lifesaver when things don’t go to plan or you have to act in a hurry. Whether you go on a spontaneous drive with friends to the beach, get caught in the rain with drenched children or have to rush off for a medical emergency, you at least have the peace of mind knowing you have the essentials you need while you are out and about.

Do you have any sanity savers to share?