How to Run Errands Efficiently
You look forward to the weekend for so many reasons--to relax,
reflect and play. But if your downtime gets eaten up by trips to the
supermarket, the library, the cleaners and every other spot on the map
except your couch, then you need to retune your systems. Whether
you live alone or have a large family, you can reclaim your free time
by following these simple steps.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Read 10 Set Up a Reminder System and 2 Set Priorities. Make a list of your errands in order of priority, then group them by location so that you can get the most done in the shortest amount of time. Stick to your list.
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2
Create an errand center in your house by setting up one of the following systems and encourage your entire household to use it (see 265 Create a Household Organizer).
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3
Post a blank laminated calendar and write in the month and the days of the week using an erasable marker. Then, on sticky notes, write down the errands to be completed and put the notes on the day the errands need to be done. Include any helpful phone numbers and directions.
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4
Pull out your spiral-bound to-do list (see 3 Write an Effective To-Do List) and create sections for to buy, to do and to fix. Use sticky notes to jot down any necessary phone numbers, contacts, addresses, measurements, serial numbers and other product-specific information that needs to come with you.
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5
Stash items near the door that need to go in the car. See 41 Return Rentals on Time.
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6
Plan your most efficient route with errands grouped geographically. Save even more time by switching to a dry cleaner that's near the supermarket that's near your office. Plan your route so the grocery run comes last to prevent perishables from spoiling in the car. Or put a cooler in the trunk to hold those items until you get home. See 298 Organize Grocery Store Trips.
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7
Stock up on frequently used nonperishable items only once a month to cut down on the number of shopping trips. See 302 Create Effective Shopping Lists.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure your cellular phone is fully charged before you hit the road. You can call some of the people on your to-do list while running errands. Just don't talk and drive at the same time.
If you use sticky notes, arrange them in the sequence of the stops you'll have to make.
Write down your list of errands on an envelope and insert any coupons, addresses or other notes.
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Comments
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suesue367
Jan 12, 2009
(continued) chunk of your time. Once you've got that under control, you'll have time to do those other pesky chores, like laundry, etc. to one or two days during the week. Automatically pay bills online, and delegate certain other chores to the kids, as long as they're of an age that they can handle them without danger. -
suesue367
Jan 12, 2009
(continued) chunk of your time. Once you've got that under control, you'll have time to do those other pesky chores, like laundry, etc. to one or two days during the week. Automatically pay bills online, and delegate certain other chores to the kids, as long as they're of an age that they can handle them without danger.
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suesue367
Jan 12, 2009
(continued from above) to and prepare you own spice mixes for things like chili, Asian, and Indian foods that would normally cost an arm and a leg and be full of unhealthy chemical flavor enhancers and preservatives. Set aside 2 "cooking days" each month where you prepare casseroles to be eaten during the month (for a family of four, figure 10 large casseroles over 2 week period; you'll want to cook some things fresh, like fish and in-season vegetables). Keep track of the casseroles your family likes, and put them in a binder of family favorites (be nice and share your kid-friendly recipes with friends and family!). If you don't want to cook ahead of time, just prepare double or triple the quanitity of a casserole you intend to serve one night, and freeze the remaining casseroles for later. You'll likely find that your food budget is the largest, and that preparing meals takes the larg
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suesue367
Jan 12, 2009
If time is money then it would behoove anyone interested in saving both to find ways to reduce the time they must spend at work to pay for all those convenience costs that working outside the home entails. Figure out your biggest monthly expenditure and then find ways to go about whittling it down. 1. Grocery coupons can be found in the paper, online, etc. Use them concurrently with your stores' weekly advertised sales. Shop at stores that double coupons. Set up a pantry area in your home to stock up on canned and dry goods. Buy your basic "soft," or liquid perishable staples (like Milk, juice, butter, jelly) on sale and freeze for later use. From just these few things a multitude of other things can be made for SOOO much less money in custom quantities, without jamming your fridge with food that just goes bad. Buy spices in bulk to and prepare you own spice mixes for things like chili,
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Life-is-sweet
Aug 12, 2008
Definitely gas is a factor. You can even walk after parking the car if any of the errands are within walking distance.
