Ten Time-Saving Tips to Make Your Life as a Busy Mom Easier

Do you sometimes feel like you're constantly on the go but never getting anything accomplished?  I know I feel that way sometimes!  These tips will help you save some time and maybe a little money too!

1. Get Organized:  No matter what you are doing, it’s easiest and quicker when you’re organized!  When you spend a bunch of time looking for what you need to get out of the door, you’re starting off on the wrong foot.  We keep a “staging table” near our back door that has things we use consistently when we’re heading out so that they are ready and waiting. 
2. Make a list:  I don’t think I could get through the day without making a list.  I’ve tried it before, and I don’t get nearly as much accomplished because I constantly get sidetracked!  My list helps me plan my day so I can make the most of my time and each trip out the door.
3. Combine tasks:  I do my best to combine tasks, especially when Little Miss is with me.  The fewer times we have to get in and out of the car, the better.  So we tend to run errands immediately after I pick her up from daycare, as opposed to going home first. 
4. Use the internet:  With the internet at our fingertips, it’s so easy to get so many things shipped right to our door!  I used to worry that it wasn’t environmentally friendly, but then I realized that the carbon footprint from shipping was a lot less than the footprint of a big box store, and the money I save lets me get more environmentally responsible products.  As a bonus that’s one less trip I have to make! 
5. Keep A Well-Stocked Pantry:  We always have SOMETHING at our house that we can put together at a moment’s notice.  It may not be exactly what we want, but we never have to run to the store for just one item on a busy day.
6. Get rid of clutter:  This goes back to that get organized tip – if you have a lot of clutter, then you aren’t making the best use of the things you DO have.  This is the one we’ve been working on this year, we still have a long way to go, but things are getting better!
7. Make a Meal Plan:  This one is hard for me, since I’m mainly usually cooking for one.  However, I still do it; I just have lots of leftovers on that plan!  Spend a little time planning out your meals for the week and writing out the ingredients you’ll need.  Not only will it save you time in the long run, but you’ll save money as well since you’ll be able to maximize using ingredients (noticing buying a bag of onions will be better if you’re making a lot of dishes with onions, etc.)
8. Invest in time-saving tools:  I cook a lot of beans, so the Instant Pot has been a huge time-saver for me!  Find the areas that take up the most of your time and see if there is something that can make that job easier.  Are you a working mom?  Consider hiring a cleaning service to come out once a month! 
9. Let Your Children Help:  Okay, so it may not get done exactly how you want it, but most likely it will get done, and your children will enjoy helping you out!  It also teaches them valuable lessons in taking care of themselves one day!  Little Miss already helps with folding the laundry, sweeping, and setting the table! 
10. Presort Your Laundry:  We have baskets in our laundry so that it’s presorted before I even head to the laundry room.  Not only does it save time, but I can tell at a glance what I need to wash next!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”