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

[Inheritednamechanged]

I have children and a full time job and elderly parents with issues. I have absolutely no time to myself other than when I’m already knackered or sitting outside kids activities. I barely take lunch and I feel like all I do when I come home from my 10 hour day including commuteis wash cool clean and put the kids shit on eBay or Vinted so I can buy them more clothes they will grow out of. I have inherited some money and I will be paying some of my mortgage off but please please please help me what can I buy that saves time. We can’t get a cleaner unfortunately due to working patterns and our jobs, and I’ve already given up nails, dying hair and most social activities so I’m not constantly drained.

I don’t want to buy more ready meals or takeaways, we already have one a week and rely on the occasional ready meal but I can’t just waste money on shit food.

I

please help

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

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.

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.

Reduce work to 4 days/week.

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.

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.

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.

@applecrumblespider robot children? 😁

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.

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.

Cook does healthy prepped meals.