Five Quick and Easy Time Saving Strategies

Continuing with our “Timesavers for Busy Moms” theme, the following are five random time-saving strategies from the bestseller, 1000 Best Quick and Easy Time-Saving Strategies, by Jamie Novak (Sourcebooks).

1. One of the biggest timesavers is to set a timer (or watch/cell phone alarm) to go off when you need to start dinner. Some days you’re so busy that by the time you look at the clock, it’s already too late to start cooking the meal. Setting the timer to remind you to start preparing dinner can be a huge timesaver.

2. Procrastination: Try doing your least favorite task first thing in the day. Then everything else for the rest of the day is easier, and you won’t have the unpleasant task hanging over your head.

3. For chronically late people: Instead of setting your clocks 15 minutes ahead, which rarely works for anyone, simply PLAN to be 15 minutes EARLY. When you have plans to meet for dinner at 6:30, set it in your head as 6:15.

4. Don’t be a slave to your cell phone. Customize your ringtones so that you know right away if the babysitter, school, or boss is calling. That way you’ll know if you need to stop what you’re doing to pick up the phone or wait and call back later.

5. It may help to have a digital voice recorder (some cell phones have this as a feature). This allows you to record lists, reminders, thoughts, and ideas while on the move. And because you don’t have to use your hands, you can record while driving or walking.

About the author: Jamie Novak is the resident organizing expert for iVillage. She regularly contributes to Everyday with Rachael Ray and Woman’s Day. Novak has worked on projects with some of the biggest home products companies, such as a national commercial for the Brother P-touch label maker. Novak has been a guest on national drive time radio on programs such as The Rolanda Show and her tips have been featured nationally in magazines such as Family Circle, Woman’s World, American Baby, and Parents. She teaches workshops at The Learning Annex in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and New York, and at The Learning Connection in Providence. Visit her website at: http://www.jamienovak.com/.