10 Time-Saving Hacks Every Mum Needs to Know

Mum life is busy. Between feeding schedules, school runs, work, housework, and everything in between, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day.

But what if you could get more done in less time—without the stress?

The secret isn’t about doing more, but doing things smarter. These time-saving hacks will help you reclaim your time, reduce daily chaos, and free up moments for the things that matter most.

1. The “One-Minute Rule” for Small Tasks

If something takes less than a minute to do, do it immediately instead of putting it off.

✔ Unloading the dishwasher? One minute.

✔ Sorting the post? One minute.

✔ Replying to a quick text? One minute.

This prevents small tasks from piling up and turning into bigger, time-consuming chores.

2. Create a “Go Bag” for Every Occasion

Instead of scrambling to pack essentials before leaving the house, have pre-packed bags ready to grab and go.

💡 What to keep in each bag:

• Baby bag: Nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks.

• Car bag: Extra nappies, water bottles, emergency snacks, a blanket.

• Playdate bag: Toys, sunscreen, a change of clothes.

Having these prepped in advance saves at least 10-15 minutes every time you head out the door.

3. Use a Weekly Meal Plan + Themed Nights

Instead of deciding what to cook every day, plan meals once a week and follow a themed schedule to make decisions easier.

📌 Example of a meal theme schedule:

• Monday: Pasta Night

• Tuesday: Taco Night

• Wednesday: Slow Cooker Meal

• Thursday: Leftovers or Quick Meals

• Friday: Takeaway or Fun Meal

  
  

This cuts down on decision fatigue and speeds up grocery shopping.

4. Set Up a "Snack Station" for Kids

If your toddler constantly asks for snacks, having a prepped snack station can save you time throughout the day.

✔ Use a small container or drawer at child level.

✔ Stock it with pre-portioned, healthy snacks like fruit, crackers, and yogurt pouches.

✔ Teach kids they can grab their own snacks instead of asking you every time.

This saves at least 10-20 minutes daily.

5. Batch Cook & Freeze Meals for Easy Dinners

Cooking every night takes too much time. Instead, batch-cook meals in advance and freeze them for quick, stress-free dinners.

💡 Best meals for batch cooking:✔ Soups✔ Casseroles✔ Pasta sauces✔ Slow cooker meals

Even prepping ingredients ahead (chopping veggies, marinating meat) can save huge amounts of time.

6. Use the “10-Minute Reset” at the End of the Day

Instead of spending hours cleaning, set a 10-minute timer each evening for a family clean-up.

✔ Everyone picks up as much as possible before bed.

✔ Focus on high-impact areas—kitchen, living room, and kids' spaces.

✔ Put on music to make it fun and quick.

This prevents mess from building up, making morning routines less stressful.

7. Outsource & Automate What You Can

Mums don’t have to do it all alone.

✔ Use grocery delivery or click-and-collect instead of shopping in-store.

✔ Set up subscriptions for nappies, wipes, and household essentials.

✔ Let technology help—set reminders, use calendar alerts, and create digital shopping lists.

Outsourcing even a few small tasks can save hours each week.

8. Get Dressed the Night Before (Yes, Really)

If mornings are chaotic, lay out clothes (or wear comfy outfits overnight) to save time.

✔ Kids can sleep in tomorrow’s clothes if they fight morning dressing.

✔ Pack bags & prep lunches the night before so mornings run smoother.

This can cut morning routines in half.

9. Use a Shared Family Calendar

Instead of mentally keeping track of appointments, use a shared digital calendar to keep everyone on the same page.

✔ Google Calendar or family planner apps work well.

✔ Set up alerts for school events, doctor’s appointments, and deadlines.

✔ Involve your partner so it’s not just you remembering everything.

Having everything in one place prevents missed events and last-minute stress.

10. Lower the Bar on Perfection

Not everything has to be done perfectly.

✔ Laundry doesn’t need to be folded perfectly—it just needs to be done.

✔ Your toddler’s hair doesn’t need perfect ponytails—just a brush-through.

✔ A quick clean-up is better than waiting for the "right" time to deep clean.

The less time spent striving for perfection, the more time you gain for what actually matters.

Motherhood is demanding, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using time-saving hacks, simplifying routines, and letting go of perfection, you can create more space for yourself and your family.

✔ Small changes make a big impact.

✔ Your time is valuable—use it wisely.

✔ You don’t have to do everything alone—let technology, systems, and support help.

For more mum life hacks, time-saving tips, and support from other mums, join Carol App today.

📲 Download now for FREE on IOS and Android and start reclaiming your time.