Often, it is the easy things that can make a big difference in your daily schedule. We appreciate Allison Klint’s time-saver ideas.
A new school year means starting a new routine. Now more than ever — do you find that time just gets away from you? Well, I hear you! So here are a few time savers that might help you grab back a few precious moments during the day.
Time Saver #1 – Either in the morning or at night, fill half of a sink full of soapy water. Use to wipe down counters, quickly clean a glass and/or dish that seem to always escape the currently running dishwasher, or even to wash lunchbox containers so they don’t take up the entire dishwasher when you run it.
Time Saver #2 – Defrost two entrees at a time, tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s dinner. Then, you won’t have to think about it tomorrow morning or when it’s too late.
Time Saver #3 – Plan a weekly menu. Jot it down or put it on your phone. List M-F. For each day, write down a main dish, veg/fruit, and bread. If your kids are at home, you’ll need to add lunches to the list, too. From that list, go grocery shopping. Get all that is needed for the week. You will be amazed how much time–and money–you will save.
Time Saver #4 – Cook enough entrée meat for the entire week. So then, all you have to do is quickly reheat it during the week. The kids will enjoy better choices and you won’t have to agonize about “What’s for dinner” tonight. Plus, the kids won’t have to eat as many sodium-packed prepared meals and/or fast food. Because we all know that when kids are hungry, they’re hungry NOW! This saves not only time but your sanity as well!
Time Saver #5 – Get an “IN” tray for important school papers. Devise a system where the kids either put all their papers into the “IN” box or at least the take home folder goes into the “IN” box. You then can sort and sign the important papers and return those that are needed for the next day. As for papers that aren’t as urgent, add another tray and put them in there. You can look over them later. If your child is learning remotely, you’ll need an even more organized system (and printer toner!).
Do what works for you. Hopefully, you will be kicking back soon because you have some extra time in your day!
Submitted by Springfield Moms contributor Allison Klint.
