Learn How to Save Time

Most women spend their day in a mad rush to get things done - whether you're trying to get your children their breakfast and usher them onto the bus to school, you're off running errands, or you're working 10 hours at your job. These tips are available to teach you how to save time - it's your task to decide how to make the most of the free time you'll now have! Here's How:

1. Clean As You Go. Keep everything in it's place and organized so that you don't have to waste time sorting through documents, searching for keys, or cleaning up a large mess. This also includes throwing away the things you do not need - envelopes, receipts, gum wrappers, etc. There's no place for them in drawers or on countertops!

2. Avoid Lines. Shop online or during off-peak hours. Hit the grocery store in the late evening or during the day so as to avoid the crowds. Make sure to ship off holiday gifts early, or have them shipped directly so you can avoid the line at the post office. Plan out your day so that you're not waiting - instead you're moving!

3. Make the Most of Lines. If you do find yourself standing in line to renew your automobile registration, make sure you have something on hand that can keep you busy. Bring a stack of thank you cards with you and fill them out, or keep an organizer with your bills and write out checks to pay.

4. Map Out Your Errands. Try to run your errands all at the same time. Map it out and give yourself enough time to get to each location so you're not stressed out. Hit the dry cleaners, pick up your prescription, buy a birthday present for your friend, and then stop for your children at the babysitter's house.

5. Cook in Bulk. Take time on Sunday to fix all of the meals for the week and freeze them, or check out any of a number of stores that offer the same service - Dream Dinners is a nationwide chain that allows you to fix a number of meals that can go straight to your freezer. Or the next time you make a batch of pancake batter, double the recipe and refrigerate it for the next couple of days.

6. Shut Down the Computer. Many people lose track of the time when the computer is on and they can just "pop on" to check their emails or see what the weather will be like the next day. Turn off your computer for several hours and give your Internet connection, and yourself, a break.

7. Schedule Out Your Meals. Make a list for your children's school lunches and for dinner, and you'll spend a lot less time figuring out what to make in the morning.

8. Clean as You Cook. I swear this works! Put away the preparation dishes and wipe the counter as you're cooking. This leaves more free time after the meal is over and you can enjoy activities with your family.

9. Let Others Help. Make it a game for your children to clean up their toys while you wash the dishes, or ask your husband to run the bath while you vacuum the bedroom. If everyone chips in to get chores done, you'll be able to spend more time doing fun activities.

10. Keep Everything by the Door. If you are always wondering what happened to your keys, your sunglasses, and your purse - it's time to keep them right by the door. Leave them on a shelf, hang them on a hook, or throw them in a basket. That way you know where they are and don't waste time searching every morning.