Time-Saving Hacks Every Busy Mom Needs (With Must-Have Amazon Finds!)
- Chelsea Denée
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Updated: May 14
Time-saving hacks for busy moms
You blink, and suddenly the day is half over. Between school drop-offs, work, endless snacks, and cleaning up yet another mess, time just seems to vanish. And let’s be honest—when you finally sit down, it’s way too easy to get sucked into social media or binge-watch a show, only to wonder where the time went.
Sound familiar?
What if I told you that you could get back 10+ hours a week with just a few simple changes?
In this post, we’ll tackle the biggest time-wasters that sneak into our days, plus game-changing hacks to streamline your schedule, home, and routines.
And of course, I’ll share my favorite Amazon must-haves to make life easier!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe in and think will add value to your life. Thank you for supporting my content!
The Biggest Time-Wasters (And How to Fix Them!)
1. Mindless Scrolling & TV Time
Ever sit down for “just a minute” and suddenly an hour has passed and you still don't feel like it? Cutting down on screen time can free up hours and energy in your day.
Fix It: Set app limits or schedule “screen-free” hours. Instead of TV, try playing music—bonus points if you use it as a fun dance party with the kids!
Must-Have: "Hey Alexa play90's R&B" or whatever music soothes your soul, for a quick change in mood and allow you to forget about the electronics that slow you down.
2. Talking or Focusing on other People
Talking about others, especially when it’s not constructive, can take up more time and energy than you realize. Focus on conversations that are meaningful and contribute to your goals or personal growth. A little time saved here adds up quickly!
Try this: Create a vision of who you are and who you want to become and get in the habit of cutting short conversations that don’t add value, and instead focus on more positive and goal-oriented discussions and thoughts.
3. Procrastination — Find the Root Cause
We put off tasks for different reasons—maybe they feel overwhelming, boring, or we’re just exhausted and simply don't feel like it. Figuring out why you procrastinate is the first step to breaking the cycle. Then learn self discipline, to take the steps to change the pattern.
Fix It: Start with small, easy goals and turn them into wins. If something takes less than 2 minutes, do it now instead of putting it off.
Start journaling and writing down everything in that beautiful mind of yours!
Must-Have: Daily Planner & Notebook to organize your tasks and stay on track.
I still love writing on paper I have created a FREE self care journal prompt to hep get you started. For you digital lovers or soon to be, and have a collection of digital planners!
Hacks to Streamline Your Day
4. Create a Family Command Center
Keeping track of schedules, reminders, and to-do lists in one spot keeps the chaos under control. I have everything all in my home office and this keeps things flowing!
Try This: Use a wall calendar, whiteboard, or something where everyone can see whats going one, and not ask you a million times. Set up a charging station, and a place for kids to see their big wins or star chart!
Must-Have: Wall-Mounted Organizer for keys, mail, schedules, and changing station all in one place.
5. Master the Laundry System
Laundry is never-ending, but a simple system can make it at least a little less stressful.
Try This: Have a designated laundry day or do a load each morning and evening to avoid pileups. I personally have to do a load a day and having the kids helping take their dirty clothes to their designated basket in the laundry room.
Must-Have: Laundry Hamper Sorter to keep clothes organized by color or person. Whatever system works for you!
6. Simplify Cleaning with Smart Tools
Instead of deep cleaning in one go, tackle small tasks daily to keep things manageable.
Try This: Set a timer for everyday for a 10-minute power clean throughout the day.
Must-Have: Automatic things really are spoiling us, like the automatic sweeper to keep floors clean without lifting a finger, besides the the toys..might want to pick those up first. This automatic scrubber to clean the bathroom, um yes please! A portable carpet cleaner to easily clean up messes from kids or pets!
Routines That Save Time
7. Nighttime Prep = Smooth Mornings
The key to stress-free mornings? Prep everything the night before.
Try This: Lay out clothes, the kids clothes you can literally hang the whole outfit on a hanger for easy options. Pack lunches, and snacks. Set up your coffee so you wake up ready to go.
Must-Have: Hanging Closet Organizer for easy outfit planning by the day. An entryway coat/book bag and shoe storage bench, easy drop off and finding it in the morning.
8. Building Kids Routines
Empower your little ones to take on age-appropriate tasks themselves. This may feel hard at first but saves you SO MUCH time in the long run.
Try this: Set up a “kid-friendly” zone in your home with accessible shelves, bins, or drawers where your child can reach their own clothes, snacks, or toothbrush. Giving them small tasks daily to start building their routine and confidence.
9. Quick & Easy Self-Care Hacks
Looking put together doesn’t have to take forever. A few smart tools for your nightly routine will make mornings easy with effortless beauty. I literally spend more time getting ready at night than I do in the mornings.
Try This: Use heatless curlers overnight for ready-to-go hair in the morning ( You can use wet or dry hair, I only wash my hair 2 times a week, and wrap mine damp. I wrap it up every other night dry and the curls keep getting better each day. Doing as much the night before as possible.
Must-Have: Silk Heatless Curlers for gorgeous curls without damage, and hair already done. Hair bonnet for the little girls, especially the curly haired or crazy sleeper. Hydrating night face mask for an effortless glow!
10. Use Time Blocks for Productivity
Jumping between tasks drains energy. Instead, set dedicated time blocks for different activities (work, chores, rest).
Try This: Work in 25-minute sprints with short breaks to stay focused and energized. Or whatever time blocks work for your own schedule.
Must-Have: Noise-Canceling Headphones to help you concentrate or escape for a short period.
Meal Planning & Grocery Hacks
11. Plan Meals in Advance
No more last-minute dinner stress! Planning ahead makes weeknights and lunches smoother.
Try This: Choose simple recipes, batch cook and meal prep your favorites, and keep go-to meals stocked.
Must-Have: Meal Prep Containers for easy grab-and-go meals. The Bentgo has really good options!
12. Grocery Pickup & Delivery = Major Time Saver
Skip long store trips and order groceries online instead. This was a game changer for me, I found I am able to plan better and make good decisions rather then impulsive.
Try This: Use grocery apps to schedule automatic orders for essentials.
Must-Have: Amazon Fresh or Walmart for quick, hassle-free grocery delivery.
13. Make Cooking Faster with Smart Appliances
Save time in the kitchen with gadgets that do the work for you.
Try This: Use an Instant Pot or air fryer for quick and easy meals.
Must-Have: Air fryer or an Instant Pot for one-pot meals in a fraction of the time.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
By tackling time-wasters and making small daily changes, you’ll free up more time for what truly matters—whether that’s self-care, family time, or just catching your breath.
I hope you enjoyed these time-saving hacks for busy moms. Which hack will you try first?
Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to save this post for later!
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