7 Easy And Effective Ways To Save Time

I’ve written extensively here on my blog about saving money, as it’s one of our most valuable resources. But here I want to focus on a resource that is just as valuable, and often as scarce: time.

Below, I’m sharing 7 time-saving strategies that can help you save time not just once, but every day. Some of these tips may not be as applicable to your situation as others, but you’re sure to find some valuable time-saving advice you can put to good use here.

Whether you’re in the midst of a busy season or just never seem to have as much time as you’d like, give these tips a try.

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.

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!