How to Create More Time Each Week (And It’s Easier Than You Think)

Jul 8

I commonly hear, "There isn't enough time in the day..." Despite my best efforts to create a 25-hour day, I think we're stuck with the standard clock. Don't be discouraged! Build these habits, and you'll find an extra 3-4 hours weekly!

SCHEDULE A GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE

My friend Matt S. jokingly (and not jokingly) advised hiring someone to do everything for you if you want to create more time. It's hard to argue with this! While you should be strategic and hire a professional if you have the budget and need (e.g., an accountant), let’s assume you’re willing to create more time without spending extra money first, with one exception: Scheduling a grocery delivery service. I mention this tip first for a good reason. It’s the easiest to begin today, and you’ll quickly benefit from the time it creates in your schedule. Typically, I spend 15 minutes driving to Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, 20-60 minutes shopping, and 15 minutes driving home for 50-90 minutes each week. That’s nearly 4-6 hours per month spent on the shopping activity (which isn’t a big deal if you enjoy the experience)!

Our Amazon Prime membership gives us access to Amazon Fresh, a grocery delivery and pickup service for Whole Foods. You can reduce your grocery shopping time to 40 minutes per month. I save a list of staples that I renew weekly while adding new favorites and recipe ingredients for the week. Amazon Fresh offers free delivery for Amazon Prime Members, so you only need to tip! Are you willing to pay a few extra monthly dollars for at least 4 hours? If so, you may want to rethink your shopping approach (significantly if it saves you money from buying nonessential extras during your trip or eating out when you’re out of groceries). You can try a free Amazon Prime or Amazon Prime Student trial today!

MINIMIZE REPEAT OFFENSES

Much of our time is lost by the wasted efforts we make daily. Essentially, you’re a repeat offender by hitting snooze again, running to the dryer for five consecutive days, and looking for your car keys. What a waste of your valuable time! Here is the list of the most common repeat offenses and how to eliminate the habit:

Snoozing: Eliminate this time-wasting habit and create an average of 20 minutes of REM sleep instead. That’s right…I’m not telling you to leave bed at the first alarm. Stay in bed! You deserve (and probably need) it. On average, most people snooze 2-3 times. Unconsciously, you have a set time to wake up in your mind and will snooze until you get there. Quit disrupting your REM sleep! You plan to stay in bed anyway, so set your alarm clock for your "need to get up" time. Increasing the quality of REM sleep will make you more productive and efficient throughout your workday (leaving more time for enjoyment).
Placing necessary items anywhere: Place your keys, wallet, phone, and purse/work bag in the same spot when returning home…no ifs, ands, or buts! How much time have you wasted in a frantic hurry because you mindlessly placed these items across your home? No further explanation is needed.
Running to your other drawer, the dryer: Only complete full loads of laundry and remove them from the dryer in one trip (quit running back and forth for one pair of socks...it isn't a drawer). Bonus time saver: Wash all your clothes in cold water to eliminate multiple small loads. Yes, your clothes will still be clean without warm water.
Leaving the kitchen cabinet in the dishwasher: How much time do you waste looking for kitchenware whenever you need something? Empty the dishwasher when it's complete and eliminate the number of locations you need to look to find your favorite coffee cup from Grandma. Bonus time saver: Place all of your dirty dishes inside after the initial rinse in the sink instead of rinsing the dishes, placing them in the sink, and then eventually placing them in the dishwasher. Cut out the middleman. You’re trying to grasp as much time as possible!

CREATE A NEW STORAGE SYSTEM

I have wasted too much time searching for things in the abyss of my storage. It should never take more than 5 minutes to find anything I need. With this being said, my storage is organized in the following way: Boxes are divided into three access categories: Annual and Daily. The relics (keepsakes) are tucked in the back corner, while the annual and daily boxes are placed in accessible locations with a clear list of items taped to the front. Bonus time saver: Tape a map or list of boxes and their contents on the wall as a quick reference. Super bonus time saver: Donate, sell, or throw out anything you DON’T use. Translation: Don’t save anything you won’t use in the next month or season with certainty unless they’re holiday decorations or keepsakes.

REDUCE MAIL

How much time have you spent moving piles of mail to different spots while looking for specific pieces? Maybe 5 minutes a week? 20 minutes a month? Two hundred forty minutes (4 hours) a year? Wait, I forgot the 30 minutes per month you spend organizing a mail pile that is 75% unnecessary, which is 6 hours per year. Wouldn't you like a 10-hour day this week to do nothing or to binge-watch the show Breaking Bad...again? Sign up for ‘Do not mail’ lists and choose paperless statements for your utilities, credit card bills, bank paperwork, and other bills. As soon as you return home, discard the pieces of mail that you don't need and archive the rest. Do not leave any mail out. If you must, place it in a review file in your drawer.

REDUCE EMAIL

I've kept my email inbox at two emails or less since 2012, and you should do the same. If you're like the old me, you probably have 3000 emails. Please create a new account and make it the forwarding address for your new account. "But Michael, I can search for what I need in my account with the right keywords...I don't need to delete anything or change accounts." Perhaps. It will still cost you valuable time, though. Whether you type in an email address or a specific topic, you'll still waste energy and time sifting through the new list of emails that pop up. Yes, it takes less time than rifling through your inbox, but it is still very inefficient. Instead, decide when you open every email to delete, archive, or star it. If you must start it for future correspondence, don't let it sit in your inbox for seven days. Once you respond, either delete or archive it.

RETHINK YOUR DIRTY AND CLEAN CLOTHES APPROACH

I know that most people don't like to organize their clothes. Color-coding your hanging clothes is a great benefit, but I know you most likely won't do it (even though it reduces decision fatigue and time). Here are a few rules that can eliminate wasted time trying to figure out what's clean and dirty on your floor and make finding an outfit easier.

I've already discussed the advantages of placing things in the same spot—no need to rehash. I fully recognize your busy schedule and know you don’t have time to organize your drawers and closet. Why not find one designated spot where you can throw your clothes, though (instead of scattering them across the room)? The corner of a closet is ideal. Too busy to open your closet door? Then, place the hamper in the corner of the bedroom to catch your Michael Jordan shots. Just be sure to do laundry when it fills up.
Organize your clothes on hangers or in drawers by categories. While most people already apply this to their drawers (e.g., sock and underwear drawer), their hanging clothes are usually a mess. Since you're taking the time to hang your clothes anyway, why not place them in one of the following distinct sections: pants, skirts, dresses, short sleeves, long sleeves, and suits? How nice would it be to quickly examine your pants supply in one section? Indeed, it will take less time than rifling through every item on the rack when you’re in a rush.

MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM BUSY PROFESSIONALS AND PARENTS

"Routine, routine, routine. I made weekly meal plans and shopping lists on the weekends and picked and ironed my kids ’ clothes for the week on Sunday. Having a regular breakfast routine: oatmeal on Mondays, pancakes on Saturday, etc." - Amanda M.
"We use organizers in the boys’ closets and lay clothes out for the entire week, especially socks (ugh, trying to find matching socks before school is the worst) and underwear. We have a huge central calendar, and everyone is assigned a different color. I make double batches of our favorite meals and freeze one for the following week." - Kelly G.
"It's all about organization. I have calendar reminders for everything, including changing air filters in the AC, oil changes, etc... These small maintenance items will save you a ton of time (and money) down the road." - Dan S.
"Lunches are made the night before, all clothes set out for the morning, everything is written on the home calendar and typed into phone calendars. School bags have gone through the minute kids get home; things are signed and sent back when you get them." - Gen S.
"Dry-erase calendar in the foyer by the door for the entire family. It is easy for everyone to maintain schedules. Work around others with time." - Joey P.

Photo Credit:
Lifeadvancer .com–Is the key to stress management controlling the clock?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!