We get it, you’re busy and keeping a tidy and organised home can feel like an endless task (especially when time is limited). But don’t worry we’ve got your back! With a few clever time-saving tips, you can streamline your housekeeping routine and claw back those precious minutes.
In this article, we will explore 20 practical tips that will help you optimise your household chores and make the most of your time.
- Fold Laundry Directly from the Machine: Save time and prevent clothes from wrinkling by folding your laundry straight out of the dryer. This way, you can eliminate the extra step of transferring clothes to a basket and drastically reduce the need for ironing.
- Empty the Dishwasher Right Away: Make it a habit to empty the dishwasher as soon as it’s done. By doing this promptly, you prevent dirty dishes from piling up in the sink, keeping your kitchen clear and avoiding unnecessary clutter. A cluttered kitchen is much harder to keep clean!
- Prepare the Dishwasher for the Next Load: Pop a dishwasher tablet or pod in the dishwasher as you unload the clean dishes. This way, your dishwasher is always ready to go for the next cycle, saving you time when it’s time to load it again.
- Keep Bin Bags in the Bottom of the Bin: Place a roll of bin bags at the bottom of your bin, ensuring that you always have a replacement bag ready when you need to change the bin. No more searching for new bags or (even worse) leaving the bin empty.
- Need an Emergency Crease Solution? Left your clothes in the drier (or languishing in the floordrobe) for too long? Place the creased item in the dryer with a damp towel and the steam will get the ceases out in no time.
- No more packed lunch scramble. Streamline your morning routine by preparing school lunches in advance. Pop all the non-perishables in your lunch box the night before and pop anything that needs to remain cold in the fridge and just grab it and go in the morning.
- Wash Everyone’s Clothes Separately: Avoid spending extra time sorting laundry by washing each family member’s clothes separately. This saves alllllll the sorting and makes folding and putting away laundry much quicker and more efficient.
- Use Separate Wash Bins: To simplify the laundry process further, consider using two laundry bins—one for adults and one for kids. This way, you can wash each load separately without the need for sorting.
- When cleaning, work your way around a room efficiently. Start in one corner and move in a clockwise direction, this way you are tackling everything in your path as you go along. Not only will this save you time but it will also save you energy as you are not zig zagging all over the place.
- Prepare for the Next Day: Spare yourself the stress of rushing in the morning by preparing things the night before. Have a load of laundry ready to go in the washing machine, lay out the kids’ clothes, and set aside the mug and spoon for your morning brew. Oh and don’t forget to check your diary to stop any last-minute ‘World Book Day’ surprises.
- Make Extra Food and Freeze: When cooking meals, consider making extra portions and freezing them for later. This way, you’ll have ready-made meals on hand for busy days, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Load the Dishwasher While the Little Ones Are Eating: Take advantage of mealtime to tidy up the kitchen. Load the dishwasher while your little ones are eating, making the most of the time and keeping the kitchen clutter-free.
- Group Similar Clothing Items When Pegging Out: When hanging clothes on the line, peg items together in groups based on their type. For example, keep T-shirts together and shorts together. This makes folding and putting them away much easier and quicker.
- Group Groceries by Type When your groceries arrive, sort them into different zones/types based on where they belong. Designate areas for the bathroom, kitchen, and utility room, making it easier to put everything away efficiently. Or if you are heading to the shops make sure to do the same when you are packing the bags, keep all the types together (think fridge, storecupboard, cleaning products) and it will make the dreaded put away much easier.
- Meal Plan with Slow Cooker Dump Bags: Save time on meal preparation by using slow cooker dump bags. Prepare and freeze ingredients in bags, then simply defrosts and dump them into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This eliminates the need for chopping and measuring each time you use the slow cooker.
- One-Touch Rule: Adopt the “one-touch” rule: whenever you pick something up, put it away immediately instead of setting it down elsewhere. This prevents clutter from accumulating and saves you from having to tidy up later.
- Multitask While Waiting for the Kettle: While waiting for the kettle to boil, take the opportunity to tackle a quick task in the kitchen, such as wiping down countertops or organising a drawer. These small tasks add up and help keep your kitchen clean and organised.
- Put Your Washing Machine on a Timer: Pop the washing in the machine and set the timer ready to go so that it is done when you wake up. This way, you start your day with a head start.
- When packing after a holiday, use two suitcases—one for clean clothes and one for dirty clothes. This saves time when you return home, as you can immediately start laundry without having to sort through your entire suitcase.
- Avoid Walking out Empty-Handed: Before leaving a room, quickly scan for items that belong elsewhere and take them with you. By doing this, you ensure that items are returned to their proper places, minimizing clutter and maintaining an organized environment.
Cleaning smarter not harder is key to saving time and making housekeeping more manageable. By implementing these time-saving tips into your daily routine, you can simplify your household chores, reduce clutter, and enjoy a more organised and stress-free home.
Incorporate these strategies, and you’ll find yourself with extra time to spend on activities that truly matter to you.
