10 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Moms (That Actually Work)

You’re juggling a lot—and I know that’s an understatement. Between work, school drop-offs, endless laundry, and the daily “what’s for dinner?” question, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time.

So I put together 10 time-saving tips for busy moms that are actually doable. These are things that have worked in my own home and for the moms I support through INJOY.

Let’s get into it:

1. Outsource What You Can

Let’s start with the big one: you don’t have to do it all yourself. Cleaning, grocery delivery or pickup, childcare—and yes, household help—can make a huge difference.

INJOY helps busy moms hire trained, trustworthy household employees who can step in with laundry, dishes, errands, organizing, and more. It's not about doing less—it's about getting support where it counts.

Asking for help can feel scary—but I promise, you won’t have any regrets.

2. Time Block Your Day

Even if your schedule changes daily, having a loose structure can seriously reduce decision fatigue. Block off chunks of time for focused work, family, errands, and rest. It helps you stay on track and feel less scattered.

3. Use a Weekly Meal Plan

Meal planning is a huge time-saver—and that’s exactly why I’ve done it for you.

My seasonal Recipe Box gives you 20 recipes stretched over 4 weeks. Each week includes 5 meat-and-veggie, kid-friendly meals, one leftover night, and one out-to-eat night. Use it on repeat for 3 months, then sign up to get a fresh set of seasonal flavors.

4. Automate What You Can

Set up auto-bill pay, subscribe & save for household essentials, and use recurring grocery lists in your favorite app. Small automations = big relief.

5. Say No More Often

Protect your time like it's gold—because it is. That class party you don’t have to volunteer for? It’s okay to pass. Overcommitting adds up fast.

6. Prep Bags the Night Before

School bags, lunches, diaper bags, your laptop—prep it all the night before. Even a little evening prep can make your mornings way less chaotic and a lot more calm.

7. Have a Go-To 15-Minute Tidy

Instead of deep cleaning all the time, set a timer for 15 minutes each evening for a quick tidy-up. Everyone can pitch in—even toddlers love a race against the clock.

Want to stay on top of all your household tasks? Download my Master Task List, which breaks down daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly to-dos so you’re never guessing what needs attention.

8. Keep a Master Family Calendar

One central calendar for appointments, school events, sports practices, and travel plans saves you from the “Wait, that’s today?!” moments. My family uses Google Calendar and then the Skylight on the kitchen counter for all to see. (Tip: it even lets you batch to-dos for you or the kids!)

9. Batch Tasks

Emails, errands, phone calls—batch them together so you’re not context-switching all day. For example, set aside one hour for all home admin tasks (aka “life logistics”).

10. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

This might be the most important tip. Rest is not wasted time. You’re not a machine. Carve out space—without guilt—for things that fill you up.

You Deserve Support

Being a busy mom doesn’t mean doing it all alone. A few small shifts—and the right kind of help—can give you back time, energy, and peace of mind.

If you’re curious about hiring support at home, I’d love to help you find someone who fits your life beautifully. Complete my Family Intake Form and start the conversation for free today.