Eyes on the prize, moms and dads, we’re nearing the back-to-school season and the time of year when schedules start to shape up and become more consistent. Routines are created (and sometimes neglected) and while everybody is happy to have a predictable weekday schedule, it can get a little hectic when you start to juggle jobs, after school activities, family mealtimes, bedtimes, alone time, and more.
By the time September and October roll around, it feels a lot like everybody could certainly use a few extra hours (or even mere minutes) in their daily and weekly schedules. So how can you free up space throughout your day-to-day life in order to give yourself (and your family) some breathing room and free up time for relaxation or adventure? The possibilities are endless, and we’re thrilled to bring you a few of our favorite examples of time-saving hacks for moms, dads, and busy families.
Grocery Store Pickup & Delivery
If strolling through the aisles of your grocery store with bored kids or sprinting through checkout to make it to school pick-up on time isn’t your thing, take advantage of the nearly dozens of services available for grocery delivery or pickup. In the wake of the global pandemic, grocery shopper or delivery services are more accessible than ever and can save you valuable time and energy when you need it most. Put together your grocery list and place your order while you sip your morning coffee, and have it delivered (or pick it up) after work. Easy!
Set Aside Outfits when Folding Laundry
It’s likely that the loads that come out of your dryer contain pieces of previously worn outfits. Instead of folding piles of shirts, pants, and underwear, identify a few outfit combinations and fold them into separate piles. Use these pre-planned outfits to dress your little ones the following day, or keep a ready-to-go outfit in your closet for when you just need to get out the door.
Easy-to-Wash Essentials
Speaking of laundry, being able to pop stubborn messes into the washer and dryer makes all the difference when saving time. Instead of relying on hand-wash or dry-clean-only items around your home, opt for washable alternatives. Ruggable has machine washable rugs, for example. And Lessy Messy products like play mats, diaper changing pads, and outdoor blankets are all built to withstand the heat of your washer and dryer, too! Investing in washable options around your home can save you from having to take a trip to the dry cleaners, or save you from having to scrub out stubborn messes by hand.
Meal Prep Made Easy
Before the words ‘meal prep’ scare you away, know that we understand what a big undertaking meal prep can be. But instead of glossing over this one or assuming it can’t work for you and your family, remember that meal prepping doesn’t have to be for huge or hearty dinner meals. One of our favorite meal prep recipes actually involves breakfast! If your family enjoys light snacks at breakfast time, it may be worth it to you to look into recipes like breakfast egg bites. Minimal prep and effort makes this recipe superb. Bake breakfast right in your muffin tin, pop them in the fridge or freezer, and heat them up on the go for a quick and easy snack.
Pencil In and Block Off “Me Time”
Having the time and space to check in with yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity! Put some time on the calendar (literally) that’s dedicated to relaxation and quiet time. Maybe that means you go for a solo walk after dinner, or enjoy a bath after bedtime, or a glass of wine on the patio while you chat with a friend. Whatever “me time” looks like for you, know that you deserve to prioritize that space in order to recharge. By scheduling this time in advance, you’ll be able to save time in other areas that would otherwise be spent trying (and perhaps failing) to find some quality time throughout the week.
Cut Out Some Screen Time
We know how hard this one can be, but cutting down on your screen time will leave you feeling better while also saving you time. Your eyes will thank you for less blue light and your brain will thank you for fewer hours spent doom-scrolling each week. By cutting down on screen time, you can free up time throughout the day to dedicate towards other tasks, mindfulness, or relaxation.
At the end of the day, taking a few extra minutes to plan, communicate, and schedule can often save even more time down the road. We’re constantly looking for great tips and hacks to share with our Lessy Messy community, so if you have any time-saving tricks that you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to send them our way! In the meantime, implement some of these tricks with your own family and let us know how they work out!