save time

it occurred to me last night while i was assembling today's dinner in the crockpot that i really had wished someone would of shared with me how  much of a time suck the mundane, daily tasks would be....you know, like how much time mothers actually devote to meal planning & prep, cleaning, appointment making, childcare arranging, clothes shopping (because they grow out of stuff every.single.day), diaper changing, etc., etc.  i spend so much time doing this stuff.  it is insane.  however, i have gotten pretty good at saving time in certain areas so that i can cuddle on the couch with the kiddo or the hubby, work in my art::workroom, or (better yet!) sleep. 
here's what i got for you:
1. just do the dishes.
yes, i know they are sucking your will to live but they will be even more of a bastard in the morning.  clean sink every night makes for a much happier morning.
2. prep dinner the night before.
if it is going to be a crockpot meal, assemble and stick in the fridge the night before.  just set to room temp first thing in the morning and turn on before you are out the door.  if it isn't a crockpot meal, still do your chopping and any assembling the night before.  it will make dinnertime way more enjoyable.
3. put it away...asap
the minute we walk in from school, playdates, or errand running we put away our shoes, coats, bags, whatever.  otherwise, it piles up in the entryway and kitchen table.  and that blocks the sunlight to my soul.
4. 5 minute clean sweep
most nights (unless i am so tired, i want to die) i do a quick run through of the main floor and just pick up.  that way, in the morning, things start out organized....notice, i said start out.
6.  chores are glorious
i recently started a chore chart for mr. h.  and it is awesome.  that dude makes his own bed, puts his dirties in the basket, and picks up toys.  all for $1 a week. if you can get the kids to do it...let them.  i also still have him convinced that vacuuming is fun.  and don't anyone tell him different.
7. break up the list
i used to do all the cleaning in one day.  sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, bathrooms - in one day.  that was stupid.  i thought i was going to die and spent too much time yelling at the kid and pets.  now one day i do floors.  another dusting and bathrooms. cat litter another day.  it doesn't take that much time and allows me to keep the house semi-clean while hendrix has some sesame street time,
8. avoid the pile up...at all costs
i am guilty of letting the laundry pile up to several loads.  like seven.  that is dumb.  because when i actually on my A-game...we have clothes to wear.  peed through pj's are not the end of the world.  you see where i am going with this.  my friend, anj, once told me she did laundry every day.  she has four kids and i thought she was nutso.  then, i came to my senses.  lady knows what she is talking about.
9. look at the big picture (in advance)
every month i make a list and attach it to my calendar.  the list is for appts that need to be made, sitters that need to be arranged, deadlines for activity sign up, daylight savings time, bills, scheduled mommy time, & hubby appointments.  it is my way of knowing what needs to happen and staying on top of it.
10. plan, plan, plan
i plan our following week's meals and activities (usually) every thursday.  then on sunday i take out meat to thaw, print chore charts, get any outgoing mail(bills) ready, and write it all down on the white board next to my calendar.  that is the most important part...writing it down.  otherwise, nothing happens.
11. take inventory
i am a cheap a$$ so i typically only buy kids clothes at consignment or thrift stores.  however, if you go when kids have really outgrown clothes...you won't find anything. it's how the universe rolls. so, twice a year, i take an inventory of hendrix's clothes (august/march) and make a list of how many pants & shirts i need.  then, i go shopping (by myself!!) to get it all.  i also check the clearance racks at target at the end of seasons to buy for the following year. shoes are the only thing i don't buy in advance or alone.  i have been burned one too many times.  kid has to try them on before i buy.
12. everything has a station
this year has been all about organizing and making a place for everything.  it makes it much easier on everyone if everything is in the same place.  diapers are always in the same place.  the same with the tools, art supplies, coat hooks, shoe catcher, hats & gloves basket, toys in the playroom, and bathroom stuff.  if it is not and you can't find your stuff....that is not my problem.  hendrix had to wait for the snow to melt to find his toy shovel.  when he finally did....he promptly placed on the porch where it belongs.
13. just let it go
the house will live on if it is not cleaned or perfectly organized every day. no one will die if you eat take out once in awhile. if someone shows up unannounced and it looks like a bomb went off...blame it on your housemates. that's what i do.