What timesavers do you employ around the house?

[kpgclark]

What timesavers or tricks have you found to be helpful around the house? I always put foil under everything I cook in the oven. Clean up is so easy- just toss the foil and put the baking pan away! I also have carpeting between the cars in the garage. This way a lot of dirt gets trapped in the garage and isn't brought into the house.

 

[clh2]

We have several laundry baskets in our closet. Throughout the week, as we are putting our laundry in the baskets, we automatically sort them into the proper load type. We typically do 3 different types of loads (not including sheets).

This accomplishes a couple of things. First - if DH missorts something - I can change it Second, if we are really busy on the weekend (like most weekends) we can literally get some done as we are flying in and out of the house. Third - my DH is able to occasionally do a load after she gets home from school!

 

[Kimickey]

I get everything ready work and school for the next day the night before, before I go to bed. I get an extra 1/2 or hour of sleep in the morning. If not this is what I would look like in the morning

 

[gdulaney]

This is a great thread...lots of really great ideas. Here are three of mine...

Our toaster sits on top of a small foil-covered cookie sheet...keeps those pesky crumbs from scattering everywhere.

We use alot of Tupperware to keep food as fresh as possible.

We have a small divider on the bar...keeps bills, pens, stamps, etc. very neat (and easy to find).

Ginny

 

[mudnuri]

While I'm getting supper ready I'm also making the sandwiches for DD's lunches the next day..Im already in the fridge for supper stuff, so grab the lunch stuff at the same time.

I also open my mail over the trash can, and toss immediatly whats not needed. I have a small hanging file thing on the top of my fridge, with bills and important papers in it. All divided by date, or person etc...they go immediatly into that, then on bill day- I just grab that.

I have two big clips that are suction cupped to my fridge (rounded front, magnets dont work)...1 clip for each DD...when they get home from school and I am going through their folders, I take out homework, papers I need, stuff to sign etc.. and clip it on their clip...then after they are done with homework they reload.

I also get everything I can ready for the next morning the night before...for instance, coffee maker is ready and already set to go off at 530, DD's clothes are out in their rooms, backpacks are loaded by the door, just waiting for lunch bag...

I have a recert test for lifeguard instruction tomorrow, so my backpack with suite, towels etc.. are all ready to go..

also having DD's and DH who pick up after themselves, and have their own "chores" to do makes a big difference as well. These are the best time savers that I have...

Oh I almost forgot one that I'm a big stickler on.....Whenever anyone takes a shower, DD's included, they wipe down the shower walls when they are done. This cuts down on cleaning the shower as often...big time saver!

okay I have a bunch more, but thats it for today

Brandy

 

[r3ngels]

I, also, get the girls stuff ready the night before... but the only other time saving tip would be to limit my computer time so I could be doing something constructive but that just wouldn't be any fun...LOL

 

[Mishetta]

Besides doing most of the stuff mudnuri mentioned, I also put out the breakfast dishes. My DH & DS eat cereal in the morning, so the bowls are out & spoons are in the bowls with folded napkin beside it.

My DS takes meds every morning, so that is also set in a little plastic cup on the counter, ready for him to pop.

I don't have a timer on my coffeemaker but I prepare it so that all I have to do when I get downstairs is press the button.

I also make lunches while I'm preparing dinner.

Towels for everyone showering already set on their bathroom counters.

That's all I can think of right now.... (GREAT THREAD!!)

 

[sandbar]

That Tilex Fresh Shower daily shower cleaner really does work! I spray it on after my shower and I really don't have to clean the shower as much.

The Clorox Disinfecting Wipes that are disposable are great for touch ups and cleaning when I'm in a hurry.

 

[DocRafiki]

Good thread. I need inspiration. All I can think of that I do is pay each bill online the day it comes in. No clutter; no late fees. I am working on the getting my clothes/food ready the night before, but I'm severely resistant to that idea... hence my being on here at 1:20 a.m.!

I HAVE, thanks to Flylady, started cleaning & organizing in baby steps of 5-15 minute intervals, using my timer. Within a month, my junk room went from a disaster area to being completely cleared out, all due to a few minutes set aside before bedtime. Woo hoo! Now on to my dressing room closets.

 

[kirstyfly]

I load the dishwasher with dishes as soon as i use them eg. the post used for boiling potatoes is placed in the dishwasher after potatoes placed on dinner plate. I do all the dishes in dishwasher before i sit down for dinner, that way when finished dinner all i have to do is put plate in dishwasher.

I turn diswasher on in the morning so clean dishes when i come home to unload.

Washing machine turned on over night and washing hung up in the morning.

Inside clothes line inside garage for towles to dry on no matter what the weather.

lunch made the night before.

3 washing baskets, one for dirty washing, one for clean washing, and one for transporting the wet washing to clothes line.

recycled papers placed in plastic shopping bag at the time so all ready to go on recycling day.

Turn the computer on firs thing int he morning, boil the jug for cup of tea while getting dressed, place bread in toaster at same time so cooking while i am getting dressed.

 

[DawnCt]

I use the clean team method of cleaning with an apron, a dozen white cotton napkins and cleaner and windex hanging on either side.

 

[dizneenut]

The biggest timesaver for me is having my boys clothes all laid out for school the night before.

I make lunches while I am cleaning up after dinner.

 

[zurgswife]

Throughout the week, as we are putting our laundry in the baskets, we automatically sort them into the proper load type. We typically do 3 different types of loads (not including sheets).

My time saver is I never sort clothes....It just all goes in together...

 

[Hillbeans]

I pack the car at night with anything I need for the next day, unless it's below freezing. I also make lunches after dinner the night before and decide on what clothes to wear the next day.

 

[mom2boys]

My time saver is I never sort clothes....It just all goes in together...

I agree. DH takes issue with this so he decided he'd take over the laundry. He claims he does "all" the laundry. I actually do a few loads throughout the week. He knows this but in his mind he still does "all" the laundry. I will continue to let him believe that - beats taking back the major responsibility for it.

 

[danacara]

I clean fifteen minutes a day, every day, timed, and then I stop. By the weekend, things are looking pretty OK. I do the big stuff on the weekend.

 

[Trish Bessette]

As many mentioned I make school lunches the night before, have knapsacks packed, coffee maker set, clothes set out.

The next morning I do wash the breakfast dishes, load the washing machine so when I come home all I have to do is start it.

Another timesaver is to run hot water in your bath tub and add your favorite cleaning solution (I use pinesol) let it sit all day. You come home to a great smelling home and your tub is clean. (I keep up daily with the tub walls)

Each daughter has their own "area" on the counter where I pile any of their things I find. Each night they bring their stuff to their room and put it away.

I LOVE leaving a picked up, dishes done, tidy home each day.