7 Ways To Save Time When You Don’t Have Enough Of It
If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you know I write a lot of posts about saving money. It is one of our most valuable resources after all.
But today I want to focus on ways to save a resources that is often just as valuable and just as scarce: time. Most things in life cost money or time, and while saving money is important, it doesn’t mean much if all your time is spoken for.
But I have 7 time-saving strategies to share with you that can help you save time not just on a single occasion, but every day. You may already be doing some and others may not be applicable to your situation, but you’re sure to find at least one or two ways to free up some time in your life in the list below, and you can’t put a price tag on that!
7 Effective Ways To Save Time
1. Set Up Auto-Pay
Nearly all recurring bills have an auto-pay option you can sign up for, or you can usually set it up via your online banking portal as well. Using features like auto-pay, direct deposits, and mobile deposits can eliminate a lot of those trips to the bank and save you a lot of time in the long run.
2. Keep Devices Charged
This one is for those of you whose phone dies on a regular basis: keep a charger for your smartphone and other frequently used devices wherever you spend time. Have a couple at home, one in the car, one at work, etc., and make a habit of plugging your devices in throughout the day so you’re not forced to derail your plans to charge something at an inopportune time.
3. Simplify Your Socks
Choose one style of sock to replace all your current socks. When it’s time to do laundry, you won’t have to spend time matching your socks because any two will match!
4. Subscribe & Save
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, use Subscribe & Save to get necessities like laundry detergent, drinks, toilet paper, etc. delivered to you automatically on a pre-set schedule (typically between once a month and every six months). You can cancel or skip deliveries anytime with no repercussions.
Read More: How To Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save Program
5. Shop For Groceries Online
In addition to having non-perishables delivered regularly (see above), you can use online grocery shopping to save even more time. Instead of spending precious time wandering around the store, you’ll be able to search each item on your list by name, check out the options, and click the one you want to add it to your cart.
Delivery is ideal, but if your local store doesn’t offer delivery, they probably offer a pick-up service where someone will load your groceries right into the back of your car for you. You can still save a lot of time with pick-up versus shopping in-store!
6. Track Your Time
It’s hard to save time if you don’t actually know where your time is going in the first place! To find out, use a time-tracking app like Toggl to figure out what activities or errands you’re spending more time on than necessary so you can make changes to your habits.
7. Use A Meal Subscription Service
Weekly meal subscription services like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, etc. are a great option for both saving time and keeping your dinner rotation interesting. With all the ingredients you need to make meals delivered right to your door, you can get right to cooking without all the planning and shopping beforehand.
BONUS: Learn To Say “No”
Learning to say “no” to things doesn’t cost a thing, but failing to do so can easily cost you your sanity! Especially if you get a lot of requests from people close to you, it’s important to realize that setting boundaries and protecting your time and energy isn’t selfish, it’s self-care.
In short, sometimes you just have to say “no” in order to say “yes” to a happier, more balanced life!
Do you have any tips that help you save time?
