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Small changes that have made your life easier?

38 replies

LeonoraFlorence · 27/12/2020 11:43

I’m feeling a bit flat today after the Christmas build up. Trying to think of small things I can do to make 2021 start off well. I’m planning a clear out of the girls toys which will help clear my mind.

Wondering what small changes you’ve all made to improve any aspect your life?

OP posts:
didireallysaythat · 27/12/2020 14:35

I know amazon is the work of the devil and the prices aren't that great but we get washing powder, dishwasher tabs, toothpaste, shampoo, brita filters on. The first time around you mark down when they arrive and when you run out, and then adjust the frequency to match that.

I get tea on subscription - same idea, after a few months you know how much tea you need and adjust the order to match.

I use ocado (again, the hand maiden of the devil) because I can have the same slot every fortnight and it will automatically put in the food that I need every fortnight into the basket, along with the things I've flagged as needing once a month or once every two months. Of course I still need to log in and check (I massively overestimated the amount of salsa we consume) but it means we've always got food coming in with which to make something.

But this is the year I'm going to get better at meal planning - at least for the days of the week when we usually have activities on. I'm hoping to get into the habit of setting up one slow cooker thing dinner a week as it really isn't a lot of work.

I might even fritter a night away on pinterest trying to find some attractive week/fortnight meal planner printouts. Oh that my world has come to this.

I also buy sealable bags in 3 sizes once a year from ebay so we always have bags of the right size in the cupboards. I buy sellotape in packs of 6, along with rulers, rubbers, pritstick, and all those other things which just vanish into the night. It seemed like a lot of outlay in the first instance, but there's a drawer full of them, along with cards and the small xmas thank you cards (small so the kids only have to write a single sentence to Great Aunty thanking her for the £2 coin...)

A robot vacuum is fabulous, and I'm still trying to train the teenager to operate the washing machine (the 10 year old got it in one go, the teenager still doesn't understand where the powder goes).

Thatwentbadly · 27/12/2020 14:45

@BigIAm what kind of things do you plan for?

moralminority · 27/12/2020 14:56

I set up a file for all house admin each year, bank statements, council tax, insurances, kids reports etc. When the post comes (I still get statements by post as I know I'd never print them out), I file them straight away. That way no paper piles hanging about and if I need anything, it's in the file.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2020 16:10

@Sgtmajormummy

A new one for me since we moved in September: Avoid the “black hole effect” by organising low food cupboards with trays and baskets. That way you can pull out a tray of the things needed together on the table (e.g. breakfast or condiments) and easily access the less common baskets (e.g. baking supplies, tins).
Yes to this. I just used shoe boxes, so we now have a baking box, a pulses box, a noodles box etc.
NameChangeforArmageddon21 · 27/12/2020 16:41

Keep a really well stocked pantry, but inside the cupboard door put a list up of everything you have in there and dates, cross it off as you use it and replace when you can. With covid especially it's been a godsend, and means I don't end up with 40 cans of baked beans when I'm in the supermarket thinking hmmm do we have any left. Always have a spare in, when you open something note it to replace it. Saves any last minute "THERE'S NO TEA/COFFEE" dramas, because life is too stressful already to wake up to no coffee.
Black socks I second
Cards for the full year
Use the first or last Sunday of the month to do a proper deep clean of one room, usually only takes 2 hours.
Sort any and all post immediately, don't be like me and let it pile up on the table. Read it, action it, and then shred or file away
Have a few frozen batch cooked staple meals, that DC / DH / You really really like. Saves teatime dramas when someone suddenly declares "I hate curry" after eating it for years. Life is too short to argue over food, or cook 4 different meals.
Delegate, but take time initially to show people how it's done properly, otherwise it'll just frustrate you more. Kids can pair socks, sweep floors, help with pets etc. It's different for everyone but you know what your kid would manage. Make it a game.
Do not let your life become all work and no play, actually schedule downtime.
To be fair a great diary will keep you right.

Love this thread picking up new ideas already.

NameChangeforArmageddon21 · 27/12/2020 16:43

Oh and label everything, kids toy boxes eg. lego, books, paper crafts, paints. Then they really can tidy up after themselves! Labels on boxes in kitchen too, labels on drawers when needed etc

Sgtmajormummy · 27/12/2020 17:07

When we moved in I inherited a large IKEA metal dustbin.

It’s now my 3-in-1 recycling centre with three bags clipped around the perimeter and together with binder clips.
The clips have folding legs, which means the lid still fits.
They’re also useful for closing bags and squeezing toothpaste tubes.

polkadotpjs · 27/12/2020 18:19

Great thank you! I'm going to buy wrapping paper and tags tomorrow if any left and will order my cards shortly

sueelleker · 27/12/2020 18:22

@Sunny371

Make a list of all the birthdays you have to buy cards for over the next 12 months. Go and buy them all in one go plus stamps. Sit and put them in order. You can also address the envelopes and section them into months. Saves so much hassle through the year.
I write the date for posting in the top right-hand corner, and cover it with the stamp before I post it.
Cassimin · 27/12/2020 18:28

I agree with the eufy, but also buy hand held hoover for the stairs.
Team Tomm was recommended on here so I try and follow that. Have found my house is much cleaner and tidier

Sunny371 · 27/12/2020 20:13

Another one is that I keep a little makeup bag in my glove compartment just containing a small brush, concealer, lip balm and blush. Its really useful for pulling myself together before work or after walking the dog etc.

IntendingWell · 28/12/2020 11:42

During the working week, I always try and get mine and the kids' clothes ready the night before so there is no scrambling around for socks etc. in the morning.

Make sure I always do a load of washing per day and put all clean clothes away daily so I don't end up with piles everywhere.

Keep a bullet journal and write down all appointments and events otherwise my sieve-brain forgets it all

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