20 Time Saving Tips For Working Moms: Quick & Easy Hacks

As a working mom, time is of the essence. I know that it can be hard to find time for yourself while you are juggling all your responsibilities as a mother and spouse. I also know that it can be difficult when we don’t have enough time to get things done around the house or for ourselves. In this blog post, I will share with you some easy time saving tips for working moms. They will help you to save time on those days when life seems like too much!

1. Have A Morning Routine

Having a morning routine is one of the best time-saving tips for working moms. A morning routine helps to structure your day, giving you a sense of organization and making it easier to make sure everything gets done. By starting off each day with a plan, you can make sure that you are getting the important things done first and then have time left over for yourself or leisure activities later in the day .

2. Set A Timer

If you are finding it difficult to stay focused on a task, try setting a timer. This is especially helpful for tasks that don’t require too much of your attention or take longer than expected, such as tidying up the house or taking care of small errands. By setting a timer, you will be able to keep yourself on track and make sure that you are making the most of your time.

3. Get Ready For The Morning The Night Before

Start with planning your morning routine the night before. This is a timesaving hack that will help you get ready faster in the mornings, which can mean more time for yourself!

If you have your outfit picked out and ironed for tomorrow – even better! If not, pick an outfit while it’s still early enough to make adjustments if need be.

Make sure the kids have all their school uniforms ready for the next morning. If they’re not going to school, make sure their clothes are ready for playtime.

Put kids’ shoes by the door so you can slip them on in a hurry in case of early waking or an emergency.

Set out breakfast items – cereal bowls and spoons, juice boxes with straws, fruit cups if desired – as well

If the kids are having packed lunches tomorrow, make sure to pack them the night before.

Gather everything you need for tomorrow morning and put it in one spot so that you can easily grab what you need when needed. This includes the kids’ backpacks already packed with their homework planner, homework, reading books and homework.

4. Keep an Ongoing Grocery List

During the week, keep an ongoing shopping list on your phone, so you can quickly add items as they come up. You’ll be able to make a list of all the things you need without wasting time writing it down and then having to find that paper again later on.

You might think this is silly, but I’ve found myself many times forgetting something at the grocery store because my mind is thinking about SO many different things.

This way you can just scan the list, grab your items and go!

I find that the best time to make my grocery list is actually at night before I go to bed. That way, I can think about what we need for the week ahead and add it to the list. Then in the morning, I can review the list and add anything else that might have come up.

Make sure to keep your list updated throughout the week so you don’t forget anything!

5. Be Smart About The Chores

The best way to tackle chores as a working mom is to be smart about how you do them.

You might not have time for everything on your list, so pick the most important one and then get started with that first! Then work through each task in order to make it as efficient as possible.

This doesn’t mean skip things altogether, but if something is going to take a long time or more effort.

You can also create an age appropriate chore chart for your children to follow. It is good for children to do household chores even though they are young.

6. Weekly Cleaning Schedule

A cleaning schedule is a great way to keep your house clean and organized.

I like to do a deep clean once a week and then do lighter cleaning tasks every day. This keeps the house from getting too cluttered and makes it easier to maintain.

Having a cleaning schedule also means that you don’t have to spend your entire weekend cleaning. You can enjoy your free time and know that the house will still be clean when you get back.

Here is a basic cleaning schedule that you can follow to clean your messy house:

• Vacuum all floors

• Dust all surfaces

• Clean bathroom(s)

• Wash all bedding

• Do laundry

• Meal prep for the week

7. Auto Pay Your Bills

Set up monthly payments for your bills and other things like Netflix, Amazon Prime and so on. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to pay them or getting hit with any late fees.

For example, I know a lot of people who always forget that they need to renew their car tags at the DMV every year. They get fined for being late due to this oversight.

8. Order Groceries Online

A great way to save you some time as a working mom is to do your grocery shopping online. Places like Amazon make it so easy to just order and have the groceries delivered right to your door.

You can also use a service like Instacart which lets you shop online for local grocery stores in your area, where someone else will then go pick up the goods and bring them back to you.

This is great if time is at a premium due to working full time. Most major supermarkets have a grocery delivery service.

9. Sort Laundry Into Light And Dark Colours Before Laundry Time

It’s a great idea to have two laundry baskets in your room. One for lights and one for darks. This way you can presort your clothes as soon as soon as you take them off. So when it comes time to doing the laundry all at once, everything is ready to go in the appropriate basket.

This saves a lot of time sorting through piles of clothing that’s been dumped into the same hamper!

10. Become A Meal Planner

Ah, the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?” If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge at 6 PM, you’re not alone. But what if we told you there’s a way to eliminate that evening scramble? Enter the world of meal planning!

Why Meal Planning is a Game-Changer:

1. Saves Time: No more last-minute grocery runs or spending hours pondering what to cook. With a plan, you know exactly what’s on the menu.
2. Reduces Stress: Say goodbye to that 5 PM panic. With a meal plan, you can approach dinner with confidence.
3. Budget-Friendly: Planning ahead allows you to buy in bulk and avoid those pricey takeout nights.
4. Healthier Choices: When you plan, you’re less likely to opt for unhealthy, last-minute options.

How to Become a Meal Planner Pro:

1. Start Small: If the idea of planning a week’s worth of meals feels daunting, start with just a few days. As you get the hang of it, you can gradually increase.
2. Theme Nights: Make it fun! Taco Tuesdays, Stir-Fry Saturdays, or Pasta Fridays. Having a theme can guide your choices and make planning more enjoyable.
3. Check Your Pantry: Before you plan, see what you already have. This not only saves money but also ensures you’re using up items before they expire.
4. Be Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, life happens. Maybe you’re not in the mood for what you planned, or perhaps you had an impromptu dinner invite. That’s okay! Swap meals around if needed.
5. Batch Cooking: Consider making larger portions and freezing them. This way, you have meals ready to go on particularly hectic days.

Finding Inspiration:

Yes, the internet is a treasure trove of recipes, but where to start?

1. Recipe Websites: Websites like Allrecipes, Food Network, or Tasty offer a plethora of options for every dietary need and preference.
2. Cookbooks: Sometimes, flipping through a physical book can spark inspiration. Check out local bookstores or libraries for some culinary gems.
3. Meal Planning Apps: Apps like Mealime or Yummly can help you plan meals, generate shopping lists, and even cater to dietary restrictions.
4. Ask Around: Sometimes, the best recipes come from friends and family. Swap favorite recipes and try something new.

11. Batch Cook & Keep As Freezer Meals

Ever had one of those days where you’re just too tired to cook? Or maybe an unexpected guest drops by, and you’re scrambling to whip up something delicious? Enter the magic of batch cooking and freezer meals. This approach is not just a lifesaver; it’s a game-changer for busy households everywhere.

Why Batch Cooking is a Brilliant Idea:

1. Time-Saver: Spend a few hours one day cooking, and you’ve got meals ready for the week or even the month!
2. Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk often means saving money. Plus, you’re less likely to splurge on takeout when you have a homemade meal ready to go.
3. Consistent Portions: Batch cooking allows you to portion meals effectively, which can be great for those watching their diet.
4. Reduced Waste: By planning and cooking in batches, you can ensure ingredients get used up, reducing food waste.

Steps to Successful Batch Cooking:

1. Plan Your Menu: Decide on the dishes you want to prepare. Think about meals that freeze and reheat well.
2. Shopping List: Make a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need. Organizing by category (produce, dairy, etc.) can make your shopping trip more efficient.
3. Get the Right Containers: Invest in good quality freezer-safe containers. Label them with the dish name and date for easy identification.
4. Cooking Day: Allocate a day for your batch cooking. Play some music, involve family members, and make it fun!
5. Cool Before Freezing: Ensure meals are at room temperature before sealing and freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming.

Inspiration for Freezer-Friendly Meals:

1. Chili: A hearty chili is perfect for freezing. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or vegetarian, chili retains its flavor and texture even after freezing.
2. Soups: From creamy tomato to chunky vegetable or chicken noodle, soups are ideal for batch cooking.
3. Casseroles: Think lasagna, shepherd’s pie, or chicken pot pie. Casseroles are comfort food that freezes beautifully.
4. Stews & Curries: Rich and flavorful, these dishes often taste even better after the flavors meld in the freezer.
5. Marinated Proteins: Prepare chicken, beef, or fish with your favorite marinade, freeze, and they’re grill or oven-ready whenever you need.

Tips for Reheating:

1. Thaw Safely: Ideally, transfer your meal from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it.
2. Use the Oven or Stovetop: While microwaves are convenient, reheating in an oven or on the stovetop can retain the meal’s texture and flavor better.
3. Add Freshness: When serving, consider adding fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of cheese to rejuvenate the dish.

12. Set Up A Donation Box

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for our homes to become cluttered with items we no longer need or use. Whether it’s clothes that no longer fit, toys that have been outgrown, or miscellaneous items collecting dust, these things can quickly accumulate. But what if there was a simple way to declutter while also making a positive impact in your community? Enter the concept of setting up a donation box.

Why Set Up A Donation Box?

1. Declutter Your Space: A donation box serves as a constant reminder to evaluate what you truly need. By regularly donating items, you can maintain a more organized and spacious living environment.
2. Help Those in Need: Your gently used items can be a blessing to someone else. Donating provides essential goods to those who might not be able to afford them otherwise.
3. Eco-Friendly: Donating items means fewer things end up in landfills. It’s a sustainable choice that benefits the environment.
4. Mental Well-being: A decluttered space often leads to a decluttered mind. Plus, the act of giving can boost your mood and overall well-being.

How to Set Up and Maintain Your Donation Box:

1. Choose a Location: Place your donation box in a location you frequently pass, like near the front door or in the laundry room. This makes it easy to drop items in as you come across them.
2. Pick a Size: Depending on your space and the frequency of donations, choose a box size that’s manageable. It could be anything from a small basket to a larger storage bin.
3. Label It: Clearly label the box as “Donation” to avoid any confusion with other storage boxes.
4. Regularly Review: Set a reminder to review the contents of your donation box monthly or quarterly. This ensures items are donated in a timely manner.
5. Involve the Family: Make it a family activity. Encourage children to add toys they no longer play with or clothes they’ve outgrown.

13. Pack Lunches The Night Before

Another time saving tips for working moms is to prepare your kids’ lunches in advance so you don’t have to worry about packing them in the morning. This is a great time saver for busy moms who are always running late!

14. Meal Prepping On Sundays

Wrap up your meal prepping on Sunday night. Prepare healthy snacks and lunches for the week. Write out your grocery lists and do some cleaning to save valuable time during the workweek.

15. Clean While You Cook

Another time saving tips for working moms is to lean whilst you cook. For example, while you are waiting for water to boil, clean out your fridge or tidy up toys around the house so you don’t have too much on your plate when it is finally time to relax.

16. Plan Ahead For Family Events

If you know there is a family event coming up in the future, start planning for it now. Booking an appointment with your beautician, buying new clothes or even making yummy treats to bring with you. Make sure everything is ready and set so that when the day arrives, all you have to do is enjoy yourself!

17. Make A To-Do List

Make a daily to-do list most important things you need to do. This way, you will be able to stay on top of your chores and complete them as quickly as possible. 

18. Have A Family Calender

A family calendar is a great way to keep track of everyone’s activities and appointments.

You can either use a physical calendar that you hang on the fridge or create a digital one that everyone has access to.

I prefer using a digital calendar because it’s easy to add and edit events, plus everyone in the family can see it no matter where they are.

If you use a physical calendar, make sure to write down important events in pencil so you can easily change them if something comes up.

The family calendar should include everyone’s activities, birthdays, and appointments. This way, you can plan ahead and avoid scheduling conflicts.

19. Limit Screen Time

As a working mom, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day. But in order to make the most of your time, it is important to limit your own screen time. Watching TV or spending too much time on social media can quickly eat away at precious hours that could be used for more important tasks.

One way to limit your own screen time is to set time limits for yourself. For example, try limiting yourself to only one hour of TV/social media per day or only checking your emails twice a day. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.

20. Create Snack Bins For The Kids

One of the best time-saving tips for working moms is to create snack bins for their children. Snack bins are a great way to quickly provide healthy snacks for kids and help avoid those mid-morning and mid-afternoon hunger pains. It eliminates having to search through the pantry or refrigerator looking for something to eat, as there will already be a pre-made selection of nutritious snacks such as granola bars.

Conclusion

And there you have it, fellow working moms! We’ve journeyed together through “20 Time-Saving Tips for Working Moms: Quick & Easy Hacks,” and I hope you’re feeling empowered and excited. Remember, it’s not about finding more hours in the day – because let’s face it, we’re already squeezing every drop out of the 24 we’re given. It’s about making the hours we have work smarter for us. From the magic of dry shampoo to the wonders of the Instant Pot, these mom hacks are your new best friends.

So, as we wrap up, keep these tips close to your heart. With each small step and every simple task, you’re not just managing; you’re excelling in your busy life. Remember, even on days when there don’t seem to be enough hours, you’re doing an incredible job. And by following these time management tips, you’re ensuring that at the end of the day, you’re not just getting things done – you’re making time for what truly counts. Keep rocking it, super moms!

So there you have it – my top time saving tips for working moms! Happy time saving!