24 Time-Saving Home Hacks for Busy People

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I loathe housework. It’s boring, it’s never-ending, and there’s always something else I’d rather be doing. Plus, I run several businesses. So I try to make sure my home is as organised as possible so it doesn’t suck away all of my time. The clever hacks I use will help you maintain a tidy, efficient home without spending hours on end scrubbing and organising. From quick cleaning tricks to smart storage solutions, these tips are designed to make your life easier and your home run smoother. Whether you’re a working parent, a busy professional, or simply someone who’d rather spend less time on housework and more time enjoying life, these time-saving hacks are for you. 

Use a Shower Squeegee

Keep your shower sparkling clean with minimal effort by using a squeegee after each use. Hang a squeegee in your shower and spend 30 seconds wiping down the walls and glass door. This simple habit prevents soap scum and limescale build-up, reducing the need for deep cleaning sessions. Your future self will thank you when it’s time for the weekly bathroom clean. For best results, start at the top and work your way down in overlapping strokes, finishing with the floor to push excess water towards the drain.

Create a ‘Drop Zone’

Establish a designated area near your front door for everyday items. Install hooks for coats and bags, a small shelf for keys and post, and a basket for shoes. This ‘drop zone’ prevents clutter from spreading throughout your home and saves time searching for essentials when you’re rushing out the door. Consider adding a small notice board or whiteboard for reminders and shopping lists to make this area even more functional.

Invest in a Robotic Vacuum

Let technology do the hard work for you with a robotic vacuum cleaner. Programme it to clean while you’re at work or asleep, and come home to dust-free floors. Many models can navigate around furniture and even return to their charging stations automatically. It’s a hands-free way to maintain clean floors daily. To maximise efficiency, clear the floor of small obstacles before starting the robot vacuum and empty its dustbin regularly.

Use Drawer Dividers

Tame messy drawers with simple dividers. Use adjustable drawer organisers or even repurpose small boxes to create compartments. This makes it easy to find what you need quickly and maintain order with minimal effort. Apply this to kitchen utensil drawers, office supplies, or even your sock drawer. For an extra level of organisation, consider labelling each compartment to ensure items always return to their designated spots.

Embrace One-Pot Meals

Simplify your cooking routine with one-pot meals. These recipes require minimal prep and cleanup, saving you time in the kitchen. From hearty stews to pasta dishes, there are countless delicious options. Invest in a good quality Dutch oven or slow cooker to make these meals even easier. To save even more time, batch cook these meals and freeze portions for quick future dinners.

Implement the ‘Two-Minute Rule’

If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This could be hanging up a coat, putting dishes in the dishwasher, or wiping down a surface. By tackling these small tasks right away, you prevent them from piling up and becoming overwhelming later. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference. To help establish this habit, set a timer for two minutes when you encounter a small task and challenge yourself to complete it before the timer goes off.

Use Microfibre Mops

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Switch to a microfibre mop for quick and effective floor cleaning. These mops pick up dust and dirt more efficiently than traditional mops and can be used dry or damp. Many have washable pads, making them eco-friendly too. Keep one on each floor of your home for easy access. For an even quicker clean, use disposable electrostatic floor wipes that can be attached to the mop head for a one-and-done solution.

Create a Meal Plan

Save time and reduce stress by planning your meals for the week. Spend a few minutes each weekend deciding what you’ll eat and creating a shopping list. This eliminates daily decision-making and reduces food waste. You can even prep ingredients in advance to make weeknight cooking a breeze. Consider using a meal planning app or template to streamline this process and keep your favourite recipes easily accessible.

Use Clear Storage Containers

Opt for clear storage containers in your pantry and fridge. This allows you to see what you have at a glance, preventing overbuying and reducing time spent searching for ingredients. Label containers with contents and expiry dates for even easier management. For dry goods, consider investing in airtight containers to keep items fresh longer and prevent pest infestations.

Adopt the ‘Touch It Once’ Rule

When dealing with items like post or laundry, touch each item only once. Instead of setting post aside to deal with later, immediately sort, recycle, or file it. With laundry, fold and put away clothes as soon as they’re dry. This prevents tasks from piling up and saves time in the long run. To make this easier, set up designated spots for different types of post (bills, personal correspondence, etc.) and keep laundry baskets in bedrooms for immediate put-away.

Use a Dish Brush with Soap Dispenser

Make dishwashing more efficient with a dish brush that has a built-in soap dispenser. This eliminates the need to constantly reach for the washing-up liquid, speeding up the cleaning process. Look for one with sturdy bristles that can handle tough food residue. For even quicker cleanup, fill the brush with a mixture of washing-up liquid and water to create a soapy solution that’s always ready to go.

Implement a ‘One In, One Out’ Policy

Maintain clutter-free spaces by adopting a ‘one in, one out’ rule. For every new item you bring into your home, remove one similar item. This works well for clothing, books, and household items. It keeps your belongings manageable and reduces time spent organising and decluttering. To make this easier, keep a donation box in your wardrobe or office, adding items as you replace them.

Use Dryer Balls

Speed up your laundry routine with wool dryer balls. These natural alternatives to dryer sheets reduce drying time and help prevent wrinkles. Add a few drops of essential oil to the balls for naturally scented laundry. They’re reusable, making them an eco-friendly choice too. For even better results, use multiple dryer balls (4-6 for a full load) and replace them every few months as they start to wear down.

Create a Cleaning Caddy

Assemble a portable cleaning caddy with all your essential supplies. Include multi-purpose cleaners, cloths, gloves, and any other items you frequently use. Having everything in one place saves time when tackling cleaning tasks around the house. Keep a caddy on each floor for convenience. To save even more time, pre-mix cleaning solutions in spray bottles and label them clearly for quick grab-and-go cleaning.

Use a Steam Cleaner

Invest in a handheld steam cleaner for quick and chemical-free cleaning. Steam cleaners can tackle everything from kitchen surfaces to bathroom tiles, killing germs and lifting dirt without scrubbing. They’re especially useful for hard-to-clean areas like grout lines and around taps. For maximum efficiency, start with the highest surfaces and work your way down, allowing gravity to help move loosened dirt and grime.

Embrace Hooks and Pegboards

Maximise vertical storage with hooks and pegboards. Use them in your kitchen for utensils, in your office for supplies, or in your garage for tools. This keeps items easily accessible and off surfaces, reducing clutter and saving time when searching for things. Consider using colour-coded hooks or outlines on pegboards to ensure items always return to their designated spots.

Use a Shower Cleaning Spray

Keep a daily shower spray in your bathroom and use it after each shower. These sprays help prevent soap scum and limescale build-up, reducing the need for deep cleaning. Simply spritz the walls and doors after your shower and let it work its magic. For an eco-friendly option, make your own spray using equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.

Create a ‘Lost and Found’ Box

Designate a box or basket as your home’s ‘lost and found’. Use it to collect stray items found around the house. Check the box regularly and return items to their proper places. This prevents clutter from accumulating and saves time searching for misplaced items. Set a reminder to go through the box weekly, and consider donating unclaimed items after a set period to prevent overflow.

Use a Slow Cooker

Make meal prep easier with a slow cooker. Throw ingredients in before work and come home to a ready-made meal. Slow cookers are great for soups, stews, and even some desserts. They save time on busy weeknights and reduce the need for constant monitoring while cooking. For even more convenience, prep and freeze slow cooker meal ingredients in bags, so you can dump them straight into the cooker in the morning.

Implement a Nightly Reset Routine

Spend 10-15 minutes each evening resetting your main living areas. Put away items, fluff pillows, and do a quick wipe-down of surfaces. This quick routine prevents mess from accumulating and makes waking up to a tidy home much more pleasant. Get the whole family involved by assigning each person a specific area or task to complete before bedtime.

Use Shelf Risers

Maximise cupboard space with shelf risers. These simple additions double your vertical storage, making it easier to see and access items. Use them in kitchen cupboards for dishes or in bathroom cabinets for toiletries. Less cluttered storage means less time spent searching for things. For an extra organisation boost, use shelf risers in conjunction with clear storage containers to create a tiered system for smaller items.

Adopt a ‘No Shoes’ Policy

Implement a ‘no shoes’ rule in your home to significantly reduce dirt and dust. Place a shoe rack and some comfy slippers by the door to make the transition easy. This simple habit cuts down on vacuuming and mopping time, keeping your floors cleaner for longer. Consider keeping a basket of washable guest slippers near the door for visitors who might not be comfortable going barefoot.

Use Multi-Purpose Cleaners

Streamline your cleaning routine with multi-purpose cleaners. Look for products that can tackle various surfaces, from kitchen counters to bathroom tiles. This reduces the number of products you need to store and switch between while cleaning, saving both time and space. For an eco-friendly option, create your own multi-purpose cleaner using vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil.

Create a Weekly Schedule

Develop a simple weekly cleaning schedule, assigning specific tasks to different days. This prevents chores from piling up and feeling overwhelming. For example, vacuum on Mondays, do laundry on Wednesdays, and clean the bathroom on Fridays. A consistent routine makes maintaining a clean home much more manageable. Use a whiteboard or app to track your schedule and tick off completed tasks for a sense of accomplishment.