Efficiency in Everyday Tasks: Using Time-Motion Study

Around the turn of the 19th century, a man by the name of Frederick Winslow Taylor developed the idea of time-motion study. He was an expert in finding the most efficient way to complete a task with the least time and effort expended. He believed that the key to the whole concept was the correct placement of correct tools and using both hands.

Even to this day, his ideas can be applied to anything that you do everyday. When you brush your teeth, you can brush with your right hand and straighten the counter with your left. During cook, lay out your tools so they are in reach of your prominent hand. As you pick up your home, carry around a basket to place things that belong in other rooms, instead of running back and forth.

Determining the most efficient method to complete a task is not that hard. The easiest way is to watch what you are doing the next time you complete the task. You must be very conscious about what you are doing, so no autopilot! Ask yourself these questions:

Is there a tool that could make the job easier?

Think out of the box. I've found that the brush I bought to clean out the dryer lint trap us great to reach under the fridge, around cords at the computer center and fishing toys out from under the couch.

Can you use the area around the job better?

Store equipment where you are going to use it and lay items out before you start the job. For example, I keep toilet cleaner and cleaning wipes in each bathroom for easy access when we want to clean.

Is this a "one hand" job? Is there something you could be doing with the other hand?

Using both hands can help you complete your job faster. For example, I pull weeds as I water the plants in the garden.

What are the steps to this job? Can they be completed in a different order to get it done faster? Can any be combined?

Taking the top off our dirty clothes hamper has saved me tons of time and effort when it comes to putting in or taking out clothes. Best of all, that annoying top isn't constantly slamming on my fingers!

Most importantly, your movements must be smooth, steady and rhythmical. The next time you are staying at a hotel, watch housekeeping when they clean your room. You will see the best results of a motion-time study ever. The housekeeper is always in motion, doing something as she makes her way through the room. Usually, both hands are busy. They're in and out of your room and quickly as possible, mainly because they have a hundred over rooms to service that day.

"So you say that putting cleaning solution in the bathroom will save me lots of time?"

Yes, it will. Time is like money and minutes like pennies. The more you save, the better life is!