You try to get a lot done in a day. Maybe you make lists, label, set reminders, or create shortcuts to save some time or make the best use of it. Often, you do some tasks so frequently that you start to perfect them. It gets to where you can streamline your actions and do them as efficiently as possible.
What timesavers or household hacks do you use at home?
Here are a few ideas.
NEVER GO EMPTY-HANDED: If you're making a trip upstairs, downstairs or room to room, carry anything you need to put back in its place. You won't have to make an additional trip hauling things. It helps to have small baskets on a landing or near a staircase, too.
OVER-THE-DOOR ORGANIZERS: These work well in almost any room. You can put socks, winter hats and gloves, bathroom supplies such as shampoo or hairspray or even stockpile supplies into each pocket. It makes those items simple to put away, you can see them at a glance, and they're easily accessible. Saves space, too.
DO IT NOW: Procrastination makes many jobs harder. Address mail (handle it once), dishes, making the bed, sinks and tubs right away. One reader, D.D. in Missouri, admits: "OK, don't laugh. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I arrange the pillows and pull the covers straight up, then slide out of bed. This way, I am not running from side to side to make the bed. Then I place the decorator pillows on the bed. The cat continues to sleep on top of my bed while all this is happening." If you have large tasks, break them into smaller, more manageable chunks of time.
MULTITASK OR COMBINE TASKS: You can watch television while folding laundry or do dishes while talking on the phone. Try creating a list that includes tasks you can accomplish in fewer than 10 minutes. If you're boiling water for pasta, for example, empty the dishwasher. Your short tasks might include making a salad, setting the table, watering plants, or sorting mail. Another reader, Denise in Illinois, shares: "I use my Crock-Pot. It saves cooking dinner time after a hectic day at work. I always carry a project with me, such as mending, crocheting or knitting, to do when I get stuck in line somewhere or when waiting at the doctor's office. I clean the junk drawer, wipe down the sinks, etc., while on hold for phone calls, too." When combining tasks, you can plan your errands, make more than one item, such as a dessert, when using your oven or make planned leftovers to get ahead on your cooking for the week.
GROUP: Place similar items together. This can be cleaning kits in each bathroom or on each floor and organizing grocery bags as you unpack groceries, cookware or pantry supplies. So you're not taking extra steps. Grouping also works well when you have multiple tasks that are similar, for example, making lunches or mending.
DELEGATE: Don't try to do it all if you have able bodies to help you. Even young children can sort laundry or pair socks. If your spouse is heading to a store, get into the habit of having him ask if you need anything while he's there.
PURGE: The less clutter you have, the easier it is to manage. Purging can apply to keeping a basic wardrobe, too. Keep items that require dry cleaning or ironing to a minimum.
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.
