Make a List

I’ve devised a combined grocery/to-do list that’s preprinted with the items I like to have on hand at all times (grouped by their location in my favorite store) and various errands I tend to run (pick up dry cleaning, make a bank deposit). Before I leave the house, I check to see if I’m running low on anything on the list and circle whatever errands need doing so I don’t forget.
Staci Romeo
Apalachin, New York

In my purse, I keep an index card that has useful information I may need when shopping, such as vacuum-bag size, replacement air-filter dimensions, and other replacement data — things I would never remember without my list.
Sherry DeLooze
Leland, North Carolina

Kid Stuff

I designated the bottom shelf of my refrigerator as a snack shelf. I keep a Rubbermaid container there, stocked with healthy snacks, juice boxes, and sippy cups filled with milk or juice. Now my children can open the refrigerator and choose their own snacks or drinks, instead of asking me for them all day long.
Laurel Lloyd
Albuquerque, New Mexico

A favorite shortcut: a weekly clothing organizer for the kids. On Sunday, as I’m putting away the laundry, my children and I pick out their clothes for the week and tuck them into a colorful Lillian Vernon hanging sweater organizer printed with the days of the week. This takes a step out of the morning routine, the kids like what they wear, and Dad appreciates not having to decide on toddler fashions when it’s his turn to get the kids ready for school.
Elisabeth Auld
Alexandria, Virginia

When my daughter started eating solid food, I worried about the ingredients in prepared baby foods, as well as the texture and taste. So I decided to make my own baby foods, using a simple do-ahead system a friend suggested: When you cook for yourself, cook extra, then puree it or cut it into chunks, depending on your child’s stage. Freeze it in an ice-cube tray, then place the cubes in labeled, dated freezer bags. Thaw them in a saucepan or the microwave when you need them. Freezing works with fruit as well. Just thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Nicole Banton
Sanford, Florida

My biggest shortcut in life has been to teach my children self-sufficiency. My oldest are 10 and 7 years old (my youngest is not yet 1). From the time they were preschoolers, they have been able to dress themselves, brush their teeth, and tie their shoelaces. Now they’re able to shower and put on their pj’s at night while I attend to their little brother. The kids learn how to take care of themselves, and I have time to get other things done.
Barb Angelucci
Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Clean Getaways

Instead of a top sheet, I use a duvet cover that can be laundered with the other bedding. When I get up in the morning, I toss my comforter over my bed and it’s made in less than 10 seconds. I do the same with my kids’ beds so they can easily make their own.
Stephanie Mandani
Denver, Colorado

With two dogs and two people, the house needs to be cleaned every week, but my husband and I hate to waste the weekend doing chores. So I clean a room or two every day, and he does a load or two of laundry. When the weekend comes, we can be on the slopes or bike trails without guilt, and the house looks great.
Kathy Bachlet
Englewood, Colorado

My shortcut: wipes. I keep a container of disinfecting wipes in each bathroom, which makes it easy for my kids to get involved with cleaning up whatever messes they make. I also keep glass and furniture-polish wipes handy in case my home needs a quick sprucing up when company’s coming.
Amy Baker
Norman, Oklahoma

I used to dread weekends because I knew they’d be full of chores. I finally broke down and hired a cleaning service. Now my husband and I don’t fight about who’s not doing what, and I look forward to Fridays, when the cleaner comes and my house sparkles.
Jenny Allen
Collingswood, New Jersey

Every few days, I wash the shower’s walls and door while I’m in it. I keep a sponge in there, and there’s no need for a special cleaner — I just use inexpensive shampoo. Then I rinse it all down with the handheld showerhead.
Mary D.
Larkspur, California