Helpful Household Tips For Busy Moms

Just some tips I've compiled from various magazines, websites, etc. Time savers for us busy moms!


1. When folding sheets, keep sets together by putting the folded sheets and one pillowcase in the other pillowcase that goes with the set. When you need to change a bed, everything is in one place, no more searching for random peices.

2. For kids that take a while to decide what to wear, let them help choose two outfits the night before and lay them out. The next morning let your little one pick out which they prefer in the light of day. The same idea works for what to have for breakfast!

3. Too many toys? Box up seldom played with toys (if you have a possessive toddler, during nap time might be ideal) in a rubbermaid type container. Every 2 to 3 months, bring out the boxed up toys and replace them. Helps with keeping toys organized and fosters new interest in older, cast aside playthings!

4. Cut your dryer sheets in half. They work just the same, last twice as long, and it's one less thing you have to add to that grocery list every week! You can also use "used" dryer sheets to clear dust. Use one to quickly swipe over the tv screen or to pull pet hair off furniture.

5. Make one night a week a casserole/freezer night. Mix up a casserole or other freezable dinner and set it in the freezer. Make it a habit to do this the same night each week, then when Friday or Saturday comes around, dinner is a breeze!

6. Set up a lost and found location or basket. When you find something random sitting around - husband's sunglasses, teenager's cell phone case, toddler's single red crayon, toss it in the lost and found. It makes clean up much easier and your loved ones know where to check before starting the "Honey where's my ...?" "Mom, where did you put my ...?"

7. For baked on foods in your saucepans, add dish soap and cover the bottom of the pan with water, then boil. Crusted food is loosened and cleaning is a breeze. The same idea works for microwaves - before scrubbing at the caked on peices, bring a cup of water to a boil in the microwave. The steam will help loosen cooked on particles.

8. If your little one gets a splinter, try using tape before pulling out the tweezers. Lay the tape over the splinter, pat down and pull off. Most splinters come out easy with much fewer tears involved.

9. Use a lint roller or pet hair pickup sponge to dust lampshades. Use a duster or swiffer rag to dust tabletops with your other hand as you go.

10. Make time to relax and play with your kids. No one ever sat back once they got older and said "Man I wish I had kept my house cleaner!!" :-)