(Collaborative post) So many of us wish that we had more time. Whether you want to binge watch Bridgerton, unleash your inner artist or tackle that work project, there are moments in life that deserve your full attention. But with only 24 hours in a day (and a need to sleep) how do we make time for activities that really matter to us? Here I share some strategies that have helped me, a busy mum of three, reclaim precious hours in my week.

Hiring a cleaner can be one of the best ways to get extra time

8 Simple Ways to Create More Time in Your Day

Recipe Boxes

Getting ready prepped meal services delivered to your door can be a great time saver. Not only do you get time back by avoiding the need to plan meals and go shopping, but they make cooking faster too. Look for introductory offers and referral deals for recipe boxes to make them more affordable.

Meal Planning

If Gousto and Hello Fresh are out of your budget then you can still save time when it comes to meal times by meal planning. A few minutes spent once a week planning what your family will eat can save the daily frustration and it will ensure your shopping trips are more efficient too.

If you struggle with meal planning, start by making a list of family favourites so you can simply select from the tried and tested options.

Online Grocery Shopping

There are a range of supermarkets, for all budgets, that allow you to shop online and get your food delivered. While the initial shop might take you time as you work out which items to buy, they normally allow you to save your regular shop as a template. You can then tweak it each week to add in any special offers or particular ingredients for your planned meals. You can simplify the process further by setting up a recurring delivery slot. Not only will you save time travelling to the supermarket and shopping, but it can help prevent impulse purchases, saving you money too.

Subscription Services

From eco-friendly toilet paper to laundry detergent you might be surprised what you can get on subscription. They are a great option for ensuring you don’t run out of these essentials (avoiding unplanned shopping trips) while knowing you can benefit the planet. If you prefer to do your general grocery shopping in store than online then subscriptions for some of the essentials can help remove some of the heavier items from your shopping baskets and often give you more choice. Consider subscriptions for: cleaning supplies, personal care items and pet food. Alternatively Amazon Subscribe & Save can reduce costs by up to 15% when you agree to regular deliveries of a wide range of items.

Cleaning Services

Professional cleaners aren’t just for luxury homes, they are for anyone who values their time. When I needed to get back a couple of extra hours each week I searched for cleaners near me. It makes a huge difference having someone come in each week to do chores like dusting, cleaning the bathroom and mopping the floors. They are normally happy to help with deeper cleans too.

Laundry Solutions

If you hate washing and ironing then these can easily be outsourced to give you time back. Your cleaner may offer these services or there are often local laundrettes, dry cleaners and independent businesses that will collect all your dirty clothes and return them folded and ready to be put away. As well as regular washing it can be perfect for bulky items like duvets or seasonal clothing. My husband found that taking his work shirts to the dry cleaners saved him time and their ironing was much better than his.

Childcare

You don’t need to have a full time nanny or send your child to nursery everyday, but you might appreciate the freedom that regular childcare can offer, and how much you can do in just a few hours.

Many local nurseries will allow children to attend for just a morning a week or a childminder may have space. Alternatively many gyms have creches giving you time to workout or just chill in the jacuzzi. If you have a smaller budget you could arrange an exchange with a friend where one morning you look after their child and the next week they look after yours, giving you both a few hours a week to feel less overwhelmed or for those essential tasks that are so much harder with a preschooler for company.

Personal Stylist Services

While many people love shopping for clothes it can take a lot of time and as we get older we often lose confidence in ourselves. A great option is to use a personal stylist. In many department stores you can book a free appointment and have an expert eye quickly pick out a selection of clothes for you to try with no obligation. If you would rather avoid the shops entirely, online personal stylist services like Outfittery and Lookiero will send you a selection of clothes by post for you to consider.

Efficiency And Outsourcing

While there are many everyday tasks you have to do yourself (sometimes I wish someone else could work out for me) there are lots of ways to make regular tasks more efficient, automated or outsource them. Outsourcing isn't about being lazy it's about valuing your most precious resource, time. If cleaning brings you joy or ironing helps you decompress great, keep doing those things. But if certain tasks drain your energy and take time away from what you truly value, consider what you can delegate. Even reclaiming one hour a week can make a significant difference to your wellbeing and family life.

What Will You Do With Your Extra Time?

The goal isn't just to have more time, it's to use that time for what matters most to you. Whether that's quality time with your children, pursuing a hobby or simply having a moment to breathe, make sure your newly found time serves your happiness.