7 Hacks to Save Time Every Day as a Mum

Being a mom is a rewarding yet demanding responsibility, especially when you’re also working 40 hours weekly. Fortunately, there are ways to make motherhood easier and more enjoyable. Explore seven practical strategies that can help you make the most out of your time.

Establish a Morning Routine

Mornings can be hectic, especially on weekdays when you must prepare breakfast and lunches for the family. Here are some time-saving hacks to establish an effective morning routine:

  • Prep the night before: Pack school bags, prepare lunch boxes and iron clothes the night before.
  • Set aside time for yourself: Start your day by doing something quick that gets you in a good mood.
  • Plan for breakfast: Keep your breakfast options easy yet nutritious. Your family will require sufficient fuel to conquer the day.

Colour-Code Your Calendar

With so much going on in your life, it can be challenging to remember everything that’s set to happen in the following days. Simplify your family’s schedule with a colour-coded calendar. This way, you can miss fewer appointments, meet-ups and meetings.

Assign each task or family member a colour and use it to track your activities. Even without checking the details, you can see what kind of occasions are coming up based on the shades. Use a wall calendar and sticky notes or a digital app like Google Calendar. With this, you can say goodbye to last-minute preparations.

Pre-Slice Vegetables

Set aside about 30 minutes once or twice weekly to prep your vegetables for the week. This will cut your preparation time down and inspire you to create more veggie-focused meals.

Produce such as carrots, squash, broccoli and peppers takes time to wash, peel and chop. Prep them, place them in containers and store them in the refrigerator at 4.4 degrees Celsius to maintain freshness. When cooking time comes, you’ll feel like a pro chef.

Automate Tasks

Maximise modern tools to simplify repetitive tasks. Automated bill payments can make your life easier and help prevent late charges. You can also use budgeting apps that help track your spending activity and send alerts when you’re close to overspending.

Additionally, you can automate your grocery deliveries to help you save hours each week. Programs like Amazon Subscribe & Save can make this possible for you. Instead of doing weekly grocery runs, you can use that time for more important things.

If you’re a double-income family, chances are you only have limited time to do laundry. Doing it seven days a week means you’re allotting 3.5 to 5.25 hours to laundry weekly, totalling 14 to 21 hours monthly and 168 to 253 hours yearly. If you can fit it into your budget, consider paying to have your laundry done. Outsourcing even just this one task will add hours back to your week.  

Keep Notes

Write down recipes you make, especially when you’re trying new ones. Jot down the ingredients, preparation pointers, how many servings it made, and helpful reminders about the process. You can also rate the recipes so you know which ones to make again.

If time permits, consider meal-prepping your family’s favourite recipes. It’s a time-saving hack that also helps decrease the likelihood of ordering fast food. Your daily routine will become more manageable knowing dishes are waiting in the fridge, ready to be enjoyed.

Clean as You Go (CLAYGO)

One of the most effective ways to reduce clutter at home is to practise CLAYGO. While cooking, wipe surfaces after use, place utensils straight in the sink and avoid waiting for someone to do the chore for you. Clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent stubborn stains. Teach your kids to do the same to lessen your deep cleaning sessions.

Make Time for “Me Time”

Amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities, don’t forget to clock in time for yourself. Taking breaks helps you recharge and focus better on your tasks. For instance, meditating for five minutes before sleeping can help relax your mind.

Treat yourself to a relaxing bath, read a book, do something creative or call a friend to catch up. When you help yourself first, you can effectively take care of your loved ones.

Practise These Time-Saving Hacks

Time is precious, and as a busy mom, you deserve to make the most of it. Incorporate these hacks into your routine to free up more time to pursue your passions and spend with your family.