Anyone else trying to get more organised for more free time?

[InterstellarDrifter]

This was my reflection from last year. A disorganised life takes time away from relaxation and leisure so my aim is to be more organised with housework and admin so I can feel free to go out more and read books.
I especially want more relaxing Sundays as they're often a bit haphazard with uniforms, cleaning and last minute stuff for the week ahead.
If anyone else is going this or has any tips, come join....

I like the idea of this.
I spend too much time scrolling on mumsnet (and a bit of other scrolling), I'd like to do that once a day or so, so I know where the time went rather than having no idea.
Half an hour on mumsnet and half an hour of reading would be a lot better than wondering where the afternoon went.
I need help with plenty of other things as well.

Me! I wfh which is theory should give me loads of extra time but I procrastinate and end up wasting hours. I also want more time to spend on hobbies.

My work hours are flexible so I want to change them around a bit to free up bigger chunks of time. And get some sort of system going to keep on top of the housework.

I've realised my big issue is that I get so consumed with what I "should" be doing (but am avoiding) that I can't relax and enjoy what I'd like to do! I have no bright ideas on how to achieve that but will be following with interest!

Procrastination is my issue too and I work from home most days, so I could get loads done.
My vague plan at the moment is -
Menu plan and shop in one go rather than nipping to the shops every other day.
Do one cleaning task a day throughout the week like downstairs loo, bathroom, fridge and so on.
I need to figure out a schedule for this.

This needs to be the year I take up batch cooking and declutter. I say this every year.

I like this idea. Have come to realise that I often just hunker down at the weekend sorting out stuff. I sometimes don’t leave the house all weekend!
I want to be taking more walks and enjoying the parks, beaches etc

Whenever I book things in, I get my arse into gear and get things done. It works but it's very stressful. That's why Sunday evenings are stressful because I have a deadline.
I'd like to live a more even paced life.
Meal planning should help me eat better too. I need to increase my fruit and veg intake.

Following with interest! This time last year I was saying the exact same thing though and I got absolutely zilch done 😕

This is me! Weekends seem to be largely spent tidying up the chaos of the week which means I can't do things with the DC (now teens so not usually that bothered by this!) or just chill out myself. Also, the to do list every Sunday evening is vast despite seemingly doing things all weekend so I end up going to bed later on a Sunday and that really doesn't help with a refreshed start to the week feeling!

My weekend is going how I was aiming for. I'm really pleased.
The house was fairly clean and I managed to spend the morning going to an exhibition and lunch with a friend yesterday and took Dd to see Wicked this morning.
I prepped dinner before we went so that's ready to go into the oven later.
Clothes, uniforms, bags and other things for the week are all set.
I feel like I have free time today and I've already been out! This is so nice

That sounds really positive 😊
I've been working on a new schedule and have worked it differently from how I usually do. Usually I schedule in all I have to do and try and grab free time around it. But this time I started from a place of what free time do I want and then how can I fit in the things that need to be done. It was quite a positive exercise. It showed me I can have the spare time I want by just being more efficient on the must do things. Now I need to put it into practice!

That sounds like a great idea. Must give that a try. It has been pouring down all weekend here so I have not been out 🙄 But there are lots of other weekends yet

Do lots of one pot cooking
Delegate
Declutter
Buy as little stuff as possible
Actually consider how long a task takes you as an individual.

I’m quick as a person and like short cuts because I do like leisure time. Just small stuff like I have hiking, thick socks and trainer socks but I buy multiple of the same sort so there is no hunting for a second sock and I don’t bother to pair them.

I was also raised by a woman who had 6 children and was very efficient so had a good example.

I've tried various things in the past as the weekend days seem to get swallowed up with jobs/tasks.
Some that might be helpful:
Read the Marie Kondo book on decluttering. It sounds crazy in theory but once you've done the decluttering your house is much easier to maintain. You feel mentally and physically lighter too.
Do washing and cleaning on weekdays (early morning before work if you get up early or in the evenings) and this can free up the weekend days.
Hang things on hangers as they come out of the wash to avoid ironing them. I also buy non iron school & work shirts.
Batch cooking & putting extra portions in the freezer for easy weekday meals.
Meal planning & using a slow cooker are useful.
Try time blocking your day. Write a list of everything you want to achieve & allocate a time block to it - surprising sometimes what you can/can't get done. Consider adding scrolling time to your list & keep to it!
Can you delegate anything to others (family member or a cleaner that comes fortnightly)?