I have zero time but suddenly have money. What can I buy that saves time

Cook does healthy prepped meals.

Depends on what the elderly parent issues are…. Can THEY get a cleaner??

Id agree that finding a good handyman who doesn’t live far away and you book in a half day of jobs from time to time makes an enormous difference. Fixing all the tiny things that don’t quite work, or building you some effective storage, or having a bathroom you actually like, can save crucial minutes and makes you happier too.

Training kids to rewear outer clothes more often, and to change or wear a protective layer when eating/cooking, means less washing. I found having a cleaner made ds tidier too.

Agreed re not bothering with eBay - I do do it sometimes but I don’t think I make any money.

Get a cleaner.

Don't bother selling clothes. It is 100% not worth the effort. Massively, massively time consuming. Your time is money. Just donate them and buy fewer clothes.

@applecrumblespider robot children? 😁

For me it's not about the time, it's about the energy (post-cancer side effects), but the same things apply I think. Time = energy

We have a cleaner for a couple of hours a fortnight and a gardener for the same. If we're going to be out the cleaner uses the key in the key safe.
I do online shopping.
I have a robotic vacuum cleaner.
I don't iron my clothes unless it's for a very special occasion, I either buy clothes that don't need ironing at all or I tumble dry them and fold them when they are still warm.
I batch cook once or twice a month when I have time and energy so that I have meals ready just to take out of the freezer.
I buy frozen chopped onions and garlic and I am happy to use frozen veg or other things that are easy
We take the car to the car wash, and occasionally get it valeted by somebody who comes to us.
I have my ovens cleaned by a company once a year (I usually use the air fryer)
I have my carpets and upholstery cleaned by a company
I have an air fryer!
I have a dishwasher
I plan my time carefully so that I can make best use of it - so if I go out its not just for one thing.
We have an EV and a home charger so we dont have to go out to get petrol
I have a coverless duvet so I don't have to spend time and energy putting a cover on
If I can, I get things ready in advance when I have time and energy, rather than having to squeeze things in later.
if I can afford to buy something rather than to spend time having to make it, then I do that. (Unless it's something special)
Cake mix is wonderful.

Robovac. And potentially a robomower, they take a bit of setting up though.

I understand why you don't want a cleaner if you aren't at home. I had to use cleaners once when I was ill and found the companies badly organised.

That was my point, hence I said if she is a higher rate tax payer. I claim the extra tax back. The shop get the donation sale plus lower rate tax, I get the higher rate tax. It isn't a huge amount, but its a lot simpler than faffing with Vinted all for a matter of pennies.

Reduce work to 4 days/week.

Definitely a dishwasher if you don’t already have one - I don’t have some of the challenges you have but I find a dishwasher makes life so
much easier!
I also agree with those who suggest a cleaner if you can work out timings. Maybe ask friends who have one for a recommendation.

Agree with all.the above. In my case I only have a square of grass so no need for a gardener but have now got a cordless mower which is much lighter and quicker to use than the old one - I pay my DC to do it too - although you can also get robot ones.

As others have said:
cleaner
gardener
laundry/ironing service

If having people in the house is an issue:

robovac that also mops
robowindow cleaner
lots of alexa connected smart plugs to automate things like electric diffusers, lights, appliances

I'd then pay for:

weekly massage
a calming yoga session (specifically a calming one rather than a gruelling one) three times a week
or gym membership somewhere where they have classes and a spa so that you can have regular saunas/jacuzzis and do gentle exercise
supplements - collagen, creatine, lionsmane
private HRT review (depending on age)
a home help for a few hours a week for your parents to relive the burden (although they should really be paying for this not you)
if possible, someone to take the kids to and from activities

Cleaner... see what you need to do to get one!

You could look at something like hello fresh to make cooking easier.

Agree stop selling things on for pence and just donate either directly to charity shops once a month or use the bags that come through the door.

Although you the tax payer don't get the tax back, the charity gets it (unless the OP is a higher rate tax payer completing a self assessment form)

Ok, suggestions:

Outsource some of the elderly parent stuff - cleaner for them, food or meal delivery for them, gardening for them, taxis to appointments? Whatever they take time from you for, outsource.

Stop selling the kids clothes. Buy bundles for them if desired, then donate the whole lot.

Can you afford to drop a day at work?

Could you get someone to clean, and cook fresh meals for you? Expand the role a bit.

A cleaner is a must for me. They let themselves in and clean while we’re at work.(they have a key) It’s wonderful and such a help.
some families have a “mothers help” also who organises toys and rooms etc
Also a robot hoover/mop and a robot lawnmower. A weekly or fortnightly gardener.
Send out the laundry to be washed ironed and returned
don't put stuff on Vinted it takes ages just bag everything up and donate.

If every sensible option is off the cards its difficult to know what to suggest. Obvious answer is help with running your home.

Local 6th former to pick the DC up from school and take them home/supervise homework make packed lunches and get a basic supper a couple of evenings a week.

Someone to come in and fill the freezer with home cooked "ready meals" and or a COOK delivery

Laundry service that collects and delivers.

ETA to say that it would be worth a look at the batch lady - eg 1 hour makes 10 meals https://thebatchlady.com/recipe/veggie-10-meals-in-1-hour/
You might find a local mum or teenager who would even do it for you

If you cant get a cleaner - which imo is the single best thing you can do when time starved.

I have time scheduled with an “odd job person” every two months. It’s rare that I don’t have anything for them to do but even if they didn’t it removes the issue of having to find someone and the difficulty of scheduling appointments and so is worth the lost cost

other things that really help:

My robo hoover/mop runs for several hours every day. One on each floor.

Send laundry/ironing out

I pick up dinner (cold meat and salads) from the posh deli by me for lunches and dinners a couple of times a week; and sushi once a week. Saves on cooking and healthier than most deliveroo options.

I’ve also automated most of my blinds/lights/plugs/heating which just takes a bit of the mental load - the house is always warm with hot water and I’m not running around doing lights/blinds when I leave the house.

we have a family email and shared storage - all of our documents are digitalised within that environment.

if you have space multi buying helps - I always have at least three bottles of cleanser/washing pods/pots of marmite in the cupboards.

I keep a present drawer including cards and gift wrap so I’m never having to run out for last minute bits.

My cleaner has a key.

Stop selling stuff for probably only a few pennies profit. Give it to charity shops and assuming you are a higher rate tax payer register for gift aid, claim the extra tax back instead.

Unless you work irregular shifts, I recommend a cleaner

Also, I wouldn't bother faffing around selling clothes on Vinted / ebay. Simpler to donate to charity

Could you look at your 10 hour day and see if you can afford to reduce that give you no longer need as much income given mortgage will be paid?

It soubds like that is the biggest problem?

That was what I wondered too as a cleaner would have been my first thought. I have a cleaner and a gardener because of mobility issues - money well spent.

I use COOK meals to take the pressure.
I used to have a cleaner (money is a bit tighter now though).
After school nanny.

I don’t understand why you can’t have a cleaner.

I would get a cleaner/housekeeper if money was no issue - change beds, keep cupboards organised, get keep clothes in order, laundry etc.

My cleaner has a key and comes when we’re all out… this should definitely be your first port of call.

Stop selling on Vinted, it takes so much time. Find a suitable charity shop and donate everything periodically.

I’m sure there will be some kind of healthy meal prep service available locally.. probably costly but might be worth looking at.