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Being a mum is a full-time job, and let’s be honest—it often feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Between cooking, cleaning, childcare, and everything else, finding ways to save time can make a huge difference in your daily routine.
In this post, I’m sharing 15 tried-and-tested time-saving tips that will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and free up more time for yourself and your family. Let’s dive in!
This post is all about 15 Time-Saving Tips for Mums That Actually Work.
Time-Saving Tips for Mums
1. Track Your Time to Find Hidden Gaps
One of the biggest time-savers I’ve discovered is tracking how I actually spend my day. You might think you have no free time, but when you track your schedule, you’ll often find small pockets of time that you can use more efficiently.
📝 Try this:
- Use a time-tracking app or a simple notebook.
- Record how you spend your day for a week.
- Identify time-wasting habits and adjust your routine.
2. Use Small Pockets of Time Wisely
Once you’ve tracked your time, use those little gaps productively! If you find 10 spare minutes, use them to:
✅ Order groceries online.
✅ Plan meals for the week.
✅ Tidy up a small area of the house.
3. Write Everything Down
Baby brain is real! With so many things to remember, writing things down will save you a lot of time and stress.
📌 How to stay organized:
- Keep a to-do list on your phone or a notepad.
- Write down shopping lists, appointments, and tasks.
- Use apps like Google Keep or Notion to store notes.
4. Plan Your Week in Advance
Planning your week ahead of time helps you stay organized and efficient.
🗓 What to do:
- Use a weekly planner to schedule important tasks.
- Group similar errands together (e.g., dropping kids off and doing grocery shopping in one trip).
- Plan outfits and meals in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
5. Use a Family Calendar
Keeping everyone’s schedules in one place helps avoid double bookings and missed appointments.
📅 Best options:
- A wall calendar for the whole family.
- A shared Google Calendar with reminders.
- A planner where you jot down birthdays, playdates, and appointments.
6. Keep a Running List
Instead of relying on memory, keep a shopping list or task list in the kitchen or on your phone.
📝 Why this works:
- Saves time by avoiding last-minute store runs.
- Helps you remember things when you’re busy.
- Reduces mental clutter.
7. Prepare the Night Before
Mornings with kids are chaotic, but prepping the night before can make things smoother.
🌙 What to do:
- Pack the nappy bag.
- Lay out clothes for the next day.
- Prepare school lunches and snacks in advance.
8. Assign Chore Days
Instead of cleaning every day, try dedicated chore days.
🧹 Example schedule:
- Monday: Laundry
- Tuesday: Bathrooms
- Wednesday: Kitchen
- Thursday: Living areas
This prevents spending hours cleaning everything at once.
9. Meal Plan for the Week
Meal planning saves so much time and reduces stress around dinner.
🍽 How to start:
- Plan 7 meals for the week.
- Write a shopping list based on your plan.
- Prep ingredients in advance (e.g., chop veggies, marinate meat).
10. Get Groceries Delivered
Dragging kids through the supermarket can be exhausting. Save time by ordering groceries online and having them delivered.
🛒 Why it’s worth it:
- Saves hours of shopping time.
- Helps you stick to a budget.
- Reduces impulse buys.
11. Declutter to Save Cleaning Time
A cluttered home = more time spent tidying. The less you have, the easier it is to clean! I am currently decluttering my whole house!
📦 Quick decluttering tips:
- Get rid of things you haven’t used in 6-12 months.
- Use the one-in, one-out rule (for every new item, remove one old item).
- Donate, sell, or toss unused items.
12. Use a “Later” Basket
Instead of scattering random things around the house, use a designated basket for things that need attention later.
🧺 How it works:
- Toss items in the basket throughout the day.
- Spend 10 minutes in the evening sorting through it.
- Keeps your home tidy without constant cleaning.
13. Give Kids Small Chores
While kids should enjoy childhood, small chores help them learn responsibility and lighten your load.
👶 Simple tasks for kids:
- Tidying up their toys.
- Putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
- Helping set the table.
Take a look at the Skylight calendar – this is amazing for telling your kids whats next on the list that day!
14. Establish Daily Habits
Daily habits keep things running smoothly without extra effort.
🔄 Examples:
- Wipe down surfaces every evening.
- Empty the dishwasher every morning.
- Spend 10 minutes decluttering each day.
15. Turn Off Your Phone for Focused Time
Phones are a huge distraction when you’re trying to get things done.
📵 Try this:
- Set phone-free hours during chores or family time.
- Use Do Not Disturb mode when focusing or put it on silent.
- Avoid endless scrolling on social media.
Bonus Tip: Lower Your Expectations
Your house doesn’t have to be spotless every day. Some days, it’s okay to leave the mess and rest instead.
💡 Remember:
- Kids make messes—it’s normal!
- Prioritize mental health over perfection.
- A lived-in home is a happy home.
Final Thoughts
Being a mum is busy, but these time-saving tips will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and make everyday life easier.
Which tip are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more tips! 🎧
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