Balancing kids, work, and home life is like a never-ending circus act. So, I’m here to share some time saving mom hacks that have been a huge help for me. Trust me, they’re simple, no-nonsense tricks that can give you a few extra minutes (or even hours) in your day.
Kitchen and Meal Time Saving Mom Hacks
- Overnight Oats: Prepare oats with milk or yogurt in jars overnight. Add fruits or nuts in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Snack Stations: Create snack stations in your fridge and pantry with ready-to-eat options for kids.
- Double Batch Cooking: Cook double portions and freeze half for another day. Like making two lasagnas but only cleaning up once.
- Instant Pot Magic: Use an Instant Pot for quick, one-pot meals like stews and pasta.
- Chop Veggies in Advance: Spend 10 minutes chopping veggies right after grocery shopping to save time later.
- Batch Cooking: Spend a Sunday afternoon cooking meals in bulk. Think big pots of soup, casseroles, or stir-fries. Freeze them in portions for those crazy days when time just slips away.
- Theme Nights: Taco Tuesday, anyone? Having a theme for each day simplifies decision-making and grocery shopping.
Organizing and Cleaning Hacks
- Declutter Regularly: Spend 15 minutes a week decluttering a specific area. Less clutter means less cleaning.
- Cleaning Caddy: Keep a cleaning caddy in each bathroom for quick touch-ups.
- Sock Matching Game: Turn sock matching into a game for the kids. Who can pair the most socks wins a treat.
- Daily Laundry: Do a small load of laundry daily to avoid a mountain at the end of the week.
- Dishwasher Use: Run the dishwasher every night and unload it in the morning to keep the kitchen tidy.
- Pre-Sort Laundry Bins: Have separate bins for whites, colors, and darks. It saves time sorting when you’re ready to wash.
- Hang Outfits Together: When you do laundry, pair tops and bottoms together on the same hanger. Mornings just got easier!
- Timed Clean-ups: Set a timer for 10 minutes and have everyone in the house tidy up as much as they can. It’s surprising how much you can get done!
- One Room a Day: Instead of trying to clean the whole house at once, focus on just one room a day. It’s less overwhelming and keeps things manageable.
- The Drop Zone: Set up a spot near your front door where kids can drop off their school bags, shoes, and jackets. This keeps everything in one place and reduces morning madness.
- Clear Bins for Toys: Use transparent bins for toys. It makes it easy for kids to find what they want and, fingers crossed, put them back.
Time Management Hacks
- Family Calendar: Keep a central family calendar for appointments and activities to avoid double-booking.
- Set Reminders: Use your phone to set reminders for tasks like library book returns or bill payments.
- Early Preparation: Pack bags and lay out clothes the night before.
- Car Essentials Kit: Keep a kit in the car with snacks, water, first aid, and entertainment for kids.
- Use Waiting Time: Use time in waiting rooms or car lines to answer emails or make lists.
Time-Saving Hacks for Shopping and Errands
- List for Everything: Keep ongoing shopping lists for groceries, household items, and birthdays.
- Combine Errands: Plan to do multiple errands in the same area to save time and fuel.
- Online Bill Pay: Set up online bill pay to avoid late payments and save time.
- Bulk Buying: Buy non-perishables and household essentials in bulk to reduce shopping trips.
- Use a Grocery App: Many apps save your frequent purchases, making it quick to reorder essentials.
- Grocery Delivery or Pickup: If you can, use grocery delivery or curbside pickup. It’s a huge time-saver and lets you avoid the temptation of impulse buys.
- Online Deals and Coupons: Check out apps or websites for coupons and deals. Saving money and time? Yes, please!
Self-care and Health Hacks
- Quick Workouts: Fit in 10-minute workout sessions at home. Even a short burst of exercise can boost energy.
- Scheduled Me-Time: Set aside at least 15 minutes a day for yourself, even if it’s just a coffee break or reading a book.
- Health Appointments Together: Schedule your medical checkups around the same time as your kids’ appointments.
Parenting Hacks and Activities
- Homework Station: Set up a dedicated space for homework with all necessary supplies.
- Reading Time: Incorporate reading time while cooking dinner. Kids can read aloud to you.
- Educational Screen Time: Choose educational apps or shows for kids’ screen time to make it beneficial.
- Carpooling: Coordinate with other parents for school or activity carpooling.
- Activity Bags: Keep pre-packed bags for each child’s activities (like sports or music lessons) ready to go.
- Email Filters: Set up filters in your email to prioritize important messages.
- Simplify Birthdays: Create a “birthday box” with generic gifts, cards, and wrapping supplies for last-minute parties.
Implementing even a few of these time saving mom hacks can make a significant difference in managing your time and reducing stress. The goal is to find what works for you and your family, and it’s okay to adjust as you go along.
