Do you feel overwhelmed with all there is to do in a day e.g. phone calls to return, errands to run, bills to pay, junk mail and bank statements to weed through? If so, you’re not alone.
But did you know that by learning how to get organized, things will not only run smoother and more efficiently but you’ll have more time for you? A few extra minutes saved here and there over the course of a day can really add up. Following are some ideas on how to reduce the time you spend on everyday tasks. Set a productive tone for the day.Instead of lounging in your robe start getting dressed and ready as soon as your feet hit the floor. Even go so far as to opt for a pair of shoes instead of your slippers. This technique tells your brain that once you’re dressed, you’re ready to be productive. Other morning routines like making your bed the minute you get up, swishing some cleaner in your toilet bowl, wiping the bathroom counter and sink, or unloading the dishwasher before you make breakfast can also put you in a good frame of mind for the rest of the day. Studies show that our energy levels are highest in the first third of the day and peak just before noon. Just think about all the time you could save by taking advantage of your morning power surge. I don’t know about you but nothing motivates me more than getting lots accomplished in an efficient manner. The time you invest now in establishing effective household systems will pay off in the weeks and months ahead. An organized closet. A closet that is properly organized eliminates the typical what-should-I-wear dilemma. The key is to organize your wardrobe in such a way that you can find what you need at a glance. Consider arranging your clothes in the order you would put them on if you were to layer. In other words tops (tanks, short-sleeves, long-sleeves, sweaters) then short skirts, long skirts, pants and jacket/blazers. Each category should then be arranged by color from the lightest to the darkest with the exception of whites and neutrals which should be kept front and centre. And leave those hangers be so you can return your clothes and keep things organized. Give everyone a color. Assign each family member his or her own color and use color-coded fridge magnets or bulletin board push-pins to keep track of schedules and notices for individual family members. Post your grocery list. Eliminate unnecessary trips to the grocery store by having your grocery list in a place where all family members can add to it as items need replacing. Plan your meals in advance. Post a menu list on the fridge and encourage family members to add their own ideas. By planning ahead you not only avoid extra trips to the grocery store but you can cut back your grocery shopping to once a week. Shop online. You can save even more time by doing your grocery shopping from home. Since most online grocery stores archive recent purchases you save additional time not having to make a new list every time you order. Line up your ingredients. Eliminate unnecessary trips back and froth across the kitchen by gathering all your recipe ingredients before you get started. Likewise, use a tray to transport plates and cutlery to and from the table. Clean and tidy as you go. When it comes to cooking or hobbies remember the smaller the mess, the faster the clean up. Keep related items together. Save time searching for everyday items by keeping related things you use frequently in the same spot e.g. coffee filters within an arm’s reach of your coffee. Eliminate unnecessary nagging. Instead of verbal reminders write your child’s daily to-do list on the bathroom mirror in washable marker. For young children who can’t read opt for stickers or photos. Slow down. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to speed through our activities. Consider those mornings when you rush to get everyone up and out. By failing to plan ahead and not leaving ourselves enough time to properly get ready we run the risk of having to double back for forgotten items. Nothing is a bigger waste of time then having to duplicate a task.
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