by Anonymouse

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: September 27, 2008

Hustle and bustle overwhelms the everyday modern household; it often seems there aren't enough hours in a day to finish everything that needs to be done. To ensure that all necessary tasks get accomplished, nobody needs to rush at lightning speed from dawn until bedtime. Using a handful of time-saving tricks is a much more effective (not to mention less tiring) solution.

Multitask

One of the smartest moves that time-savers make is to multitask. This skill can scrape hours of business off of days, clearing extra time for relaxation or creating opportunities to get ahead. Multitasking begins in the morning with small chores like brushing teeth while in the shower and continues throughout the day. One may check e-mail messages while eating breakfast-depending on the breakfast, of course. It helps to cook and clean at the same time if possible. For instance, while waiting for water to boil, one might sweep the kitchen or feed the family pet. Even minor changes make a major difference!

Just Say Please

All too often, one single person will take on enough to scare Martha Stewart into hiding. One parent might drive his/her children everywhere, but everyone needs a break once in a while! That parent should not be hesitant to ask for help. Others are usually more than willing to take turns driving children in groups, both to school and home from extracurricular activities. At home, relegating reasonable chores to one's children and spouse will help save time on housework. Tutors can help students with homework when parents are too busy. The bottom line: ask for help and spare time will follow.

Schedule Effectively

Who hasn't heard the adage "timing is everything"? When handling schedules, that saying is especially true. At work, one can save time by scheduling a brief doctor's visit during a long lunch break. For another example, if two children are taking classes outside of school, the parents should see if they can be picked up or dropped off around the same time. Perhaps a parent could time each class so that he/she would be able to pick up the children on the way home from work. Obviously, this concept comes back to multitasking, but also involves planning ahead.

Waste No Time

The dentist's waiting room is no longer a place to read three-year-old magazines. It's where one may balance a checkbook or make a grocery list. Time spent sitting in a parking lot, waiting for the kids to get out of school, should not be spent drumming on the steering wheel. Rather, one should see it as a golden opportunity to call Mom or pay bills over the phone. Every minute should be used wisely; those who have extra time on their hands often earned it by wasting none.

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