How do you plan and manage your time?

dragonlily

I was wondering what strategies you all use for managing your time, particularly in relation to running a home, planning trips etc.

I have a rather manic full-time job and seem to have got that pretty much sorted, using my work outlook calendar and a filofax together. However I don't know if I just use up all my planning energy with work and then end up being completely rubbish at home.

The only thing we do on and off consistently is write a meal plan, shop to it and stick it on the fridge. This is great when we do make sure it is done as it certainly keeps food spends down.

So what do you do? Notebooks, computer apps? Do you stick post it reminders places, paper calendar? Please help, because I really could do with some order in my life

bossymoo

I got something similar to this in the poundshop. At the end of the week, just carry forward anything you need, tear off the old and start again!

dandy-candy

I find having a "to do" list quite depressing so I do it in reverse. I bought a cheap page-to-day diary and write in it what I have done each day, which I find much more satisfying and it helps to look through and see how long since I last did a certain chore like polished mirrors etc.
If I'm pushed for time or just knackered, I will just straighten the rooms and quickly wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth to catch the dust. More time? Then sweep and hoover, scrub kitchen sink and loo. I also run the washing machine at least once everyday (household of five). If I'm happy to keep on then its change sheets, polish mirrors, wash floors etc. but if you have toddlers or indoor pets you might do this more often!

Linda32

I use a calender on the side of the fridge, I would be lost without it.

WantAnOrange

I a totally making it up as I go along which results in a lot of stress and things not getting done so will be watching this thread with interest! I have just finished my degree and my working hours will be reducing in September (am a childminder and all kids will be at school then. Not taking on anymore!) Am working on decluttering the house over the summer, just generally simplifying life so I can manage what I've got. Will probably all fall to pieces when baby no. 3 arrives next year though!

Lilyplonk

dragonlily wrote: »

................. I have a rather manic full-time job and seem to have got that pretty much sorted, using my work outlook calendar and a filofax together. However I don't know if I just use up all my planning energy with work and then end up being completely rubbish at home .............

I used my Work Outlook Calendar and Tasks List during my past (working) life but never gave a second thought to applying a similar system available through my personal email system. Around a year ago, I spotted that there's lots available via GoogleMail - sure that other systems have similar things also. You can set up 'reminders' to email you each time you have something that mustn't be missed .

I wouldn't use anything that's 'F/book' based - you'd end up telling the entire world your personal business. But something like GoogleMail is far more private as regards other people knowing what you're planning on doing.


I've been planning on looking for some kind of part-time work, but looking at my 'planning calendar', I'm now not sure that I could 'fit one' into my busy schedule without re-jigging/ditching some of my current commitments .

atolaas

Check out the Fly Lady Thread on here...each week they have a list of things to do around the home that you can tick off as you go along.

atolaas

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4854849

Try this link too

greenbee

I use a daybook - like dandycandy - just a page per day diary where I list things that need doing and cross them off. And importantly, if I don't do them, move them to another date

dannie

Hi dragonlily,

My approach is doing a list and then crossing them off and updating it for the next day if necessary. Also, I do the challenge ataloos gives a link to, with Sunday a tidying up/planning day for the oncoming weekly tasks.

LameWolf

I use a PDA - Personal Digital Assistant. It's probably a rather old-fashioned gadget these days, but I neither own nor want a smartphone, so it suits me. I have all my weekly tasks listed, and it automatically moves them forward when I tick them as done; I have all the yearly stuff like getting the mobility scoorter serviced, paying the tv licence, and other stuff that gets done at other intervals - for instance turning the mattress every 8 weeks - literally everything is in there. I can tell it to alert me if I wish, too. For instance, I want to do a wax bath for my poor arthritic hands this evening, so I've set it to squeak at me at 16:45 to switch the wax on to melt.

Other than that, I also have a Word.doc (or rather the equivalent on Open Office) with a list of tasks that need to be done but are more the ongoing sort of thing such as candle-making to keep my supply up to scratch, as well as the things I need my DH to tackle.

Meal planning is done on a spreadsheet, which also contains an inventory of the freezer and cupboard contents.

Housework I try and do gradually over the week, tackling one room per day, and doing the tasks I need DH's help with at the weekend.

I have to be as organised as I possibly can, as I have lupus, so it's not just time management, but energy management as well.