Time-Saving Tips for Moms

Photo: Ruben A. Navarrete

1. Keep your diaper bag in the car.
2. In the store parking lot, park next to the shopping carts.
3. Do a load of laundry every day. Don't be tempted to do more than one because it has to be folded and put away...
4. Give each child his/her own laundry basket and wash them separately.
5. Keep cleaning spray, toilet bowl cleaner, sponge and washcloths in every bathroom.
6. Keep spray bottles with water and washcloths in every closet, bathroom, and pantry for convenient cleaning/dusting.
7. Use baby wet wipes for dusting or wiping surfaces such as baseboards.
8. Use your crockpot for suppers.
9. If you have lots of kids, buy at least 2 gallons of milk at a time (and 2 loaves of bread).
10. Don't run out of margarine or butter; they bake differently. For rice crispy treats, use margarine.
11. When toasting bread for a crowd, use the oven instead of the toaster.
12. Have a place to store everything: cubbies, baskets, bins, etc.
13. Teach kids to be progressively more self-sufficient (set their own alarm, serve their own breakfast, etc.)
14. Put your older kids to work helping the younger ones!
15. Don't carry a purse and a diaper bag because your hands are too full. I recommend a diaper backpack.
16. Do grocery shopping once per week and take as few of your kids as possible.
17. Keep a running grocery list on your frig.
18. Use an old-fashioned wall calendar and check it daily or several times daily so you won't miss appointments and events.
19. Fill out school forms as soon as you see them and don't remove them from your child's folder.