10 Easy Tips for Creating Extra Time in Your Day to Start a Business.
After the first couple of months of painfully learning by each mistake I made, growing to understand what what wordpress.org was even all about, and then how to actually create content and run a website (this felt more like a blogger boot camp in all honesty) I found that I needed to dedicate about 10-14 hours a week to creating and managing content and make the best of my time.
So how did I find the time? Well what if I told you there was a way to improve your efficiency in the home to make sure you have the time you need to make your business one of your priorities?
If you’re a stay at home wife like me you already have a full day of chores and laundry and errands and cooking and gosh just making sure the household is ticking over. And you WANT to do those things.
I get so frustrated when people talk about stay at home wives like we’re somehow sacrificing our own goals and joy and living in a sort of oppressed perma-tradwife state serving our husbands hand churned butter on home made biscuits at 7am.
Not at all! – I am thrilled and blessed to have a husband who supports me and makes my wonderful lifestyle possible, who enables me to take steps in this career and champions me along the way. I am grateful for it, truly. I worked for over 20 years in a fast paced healthcare environment working through every holiday and missing multiple important family occasions, all to climb the ladder and I NEVER felt as fulfilled as I do now.
But the million dollar question is how can you free up the amount of time in your schedule to actually set up and run a business right? Here’s 10 easy ways that has made all the difference for me.
10 Easy Ways to Free Up Time in Your Homemaking Routine!
1. Grab a Robot Vacuum!
Let’s rewind a bit. Before my husband and I moved in together this year, we were navigating of a long-distance relationship and used to send little gifts and packages to eachother. One day, while browsing for a thoughtful gift, I stumbled upon a Shark robot vacuum cleaner that also mops. Knowing how much my husband detests cleaning, I thought it would be the perfect surprise.
When the robot vacuum arrived at his doorstep, he was over the moon. It wasn’t just a gift; it was a lifesaver. It handled all the mundane cleaning tasks (he has ADHD so literally anything that isn’t the hyper-focus du jour is mundane to him), giving him more time to focus on other more pressing things. He even gave it a nickname: Petunia. And it stuck!
Fast forward to today, we are finally living together, and let me tell you, the transition has been smoother than I could have ever imagined, thanks to our little Petunia. I’ve often found myself silently thanking my past self for making such a wise investment. Here’s why I think every stay-at-home wife (or anyone, really) needs a Shark robot vacuum cleaner that also mops – GAMECHANGER! It takes care of the floors with zero effort on your part, freeing up hours of cleaning time each week.
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2. Alexa Devices: Your Personal Assistant for Everything
The next thing that has been an absolute lifesaver is our Alexa devices. They are everywhere in our house. I use them for everything, from setting timers in different areas to acting as an intercom system to reminding me about medication. And the best part? It even links with Petunia, our Shark robot vacuum!
One of my favorite things to do is ask Alexa to set a two-hour timer and play 80s and 90s music. This helps me block out time for my business tasks, giving me a mini work session that’s productive and enjoyable. Then, when the music stops, I know it’s time to return to the rest of my life.
It’s a small trick, but because I’m a classic (prone to toxic work ethic) Type A it helps me stay focused, puts much needed boundaries in place for me and keeps my day structured. We have several different kinds of Echo devices which I’ll link here separately as you’ll want to carefully decide which one suits your needs for which space etc.
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3. A Cleaning Caddy: The Unsung Hero of Speed Cleaning
Let’s talk cleaning – specifically, making it faster and more efficient. I found that having a little, cheap cleaning caddy that I can carry around with me has been a game changer. It keeps all my essential cleaning products right at my fingertips, allowing me to whiz around our large four-bedroom house in less than an hour. I can do all the bathrooms, wipe down the kitchen and coffee bar (absolute daily must-do tasks for this Type A; I simply recoil if I see any dirt in a bathroom), and still have time left over.
Having everything you need in one place means no wasted time running back and forth for supplies. It’s a small change that has made a massive difference in how quickly I can get through my cleaning routine.
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4. Instant Pot: The Miracle Worker for Speedy Meals
Cooking is one of those tasks that can eat up a big chunk of your day, especially if you’re trying to make healthy meals from scratch. Enter the Instant Pot. This gadget is a miracle worker, particularly when you need to get dinner on the table fast. Even frozen chicken can become a meal in minutes.
The Instant Pot has been a huge help in making sure we don’t rely on ready-made convenience meals or takeout on busy days. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it helps us eat well without sacrificing hours in the kitchen. I also bought the slow cooker lid for it and am happy to report that we love using ours as a crock pot replacement – just remember to increase the cooking time!
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5. Air Fryers: Quick, Easy, Healthier.
Alongside the Instant Pot, our air fryer has become a kitchen staple. It’s perfect for whipping up quick, healthy meals with minimal effort. One of my go-to recipes is roast potatoes – the lowly potato is transformed into fabulous, crispy goodness with zero effort in just minutes.
The air fryer is also great for reheating leftovers, making snacks, or cooking up something small when you’re in a rush. It’s one of those tools that just makes life easier, and anything that saves me time in the kitchen is a win in my book.
We have 2 different types of Air Fryer in our home, a larger dual draw Ninja air fryer and a more compact Cosori.
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6. Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus: Dust Be Gone
Another Shark product I can’t live without is the Cordless Handheld Vacuum UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus. I carry this around with me while I’m zipping through the house with my cleaning caddy, and it’s a lifesaver for sucking up any dust or crumbs I see along the way.
Because I can vacuum as I go, it cuts down on the time I’d otherwise spend dusting and sweeping. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and makes my daily cleaning routine so much faster.
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7. MiracleWipes for Glass: The Streak-Free Solution
As someone who is particular about cleaning (Type A, anyone?), I’ve found that MiracleWipes for Glass are, well, miraculous. I can’t stand it when glass surfaces have streaks or lint left behind, and these wipes are the perfect solution. They come in a handy tub that fits in my cleaning caddy, and they get the job done in seconds.
There’s no need to mess around with a spray bottle and cloth – just grab a wipe, clean the surface, and move on. It’s another small change that saves time and keeps the house looking spotless.
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8. Batch Cooking and Freezing Meals
I’ve found that dedicating a few hours on the weekend to batch cooking and freezing meals has been a massive time saver. Whether it’s a big pot of soup, a casserole, or even just pre-chopped veggies or shredded chicken from the Instant Pot, having these ready to go means less time spent cooking during the week.
You can just pull something out of the freezer in the morning, let it thaw, and have a homemade meal ready to go with minimal effort. It’s a great way to ensure you’re still eating well, even on those super busy days. There’s some great resources out there to help those new to the concept of batch cooking – I love Becky from Acre Homestead YouTube channel and you can check out one of her batch cooking videos below. Give her channel and like and a follow for more of her tasty recipes, gardening tips and fun relatable homemaking content!
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9. Declutter and Simplify
One of the most freeing things I’ve done is decluttering our home. The less stuff you have, the less time you spend cleaning, organizing, and managing it. I’ve gone through our house room by room, getting rid of things we don’t use or need. It’s amazing how much time and mental energy you save when your space is simplified.
A decluttered home just feels more peaceful, which is a big plus when you’re trying to run a business and keep everything else in your life balanced. And my husband is neurodiverse and functions way better (like off the charts better) when the home environment is clean, tidy and clutter free.
One of my favorite things to do is still on YouTube and watch a decluttering or cleaning video at the same time as I’m doing it – it keeps me company, motivated and inspired! Kim from The Wads YouTube channel has a host of fun videos in this genre – check one out below!
10. Set a Schedule and Stick to It
Last but not least, setting a schedule and sticking to it has always been easy for me, goals and lists are sort of my default. But if it doesn’t come naturally to you I have to recommend this probably as the most important point to nail. As the old saying goes ‘failing to plan is planning to fail.’
I have specific times blocked out for housework, business tasks, and personal time. It’s not rigid – life happens, after all – but having a plan helps me stay on track.
For example, I might dedicate the first hour of my day to cleaning, then spend two hours on my blog, and the rest of the day on errands, cooking, or personal projects. Knowing what needs to be done and when makes it easier to balance everything without feeling overwhelmed. And I do tend to like to have all my cleaning out of the way first so that I can change into nicer clothes for the rest of my day.
You can even use a time blocking planner tool like the one below if it’s something you struggle with visualizing.
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The Takeaway
Alright well my 2 hours working on my blog today is nearly up, but I just want to end by saying these 10 tips have truly transformed my daily routine, made all the difference for me and made it possible for me to run a new blog from home while still managing my household efficiently.
By maximizing my efficiency during the day, I’ve found that I can carve out time for my business without feeling like I’m stealing time away from my husband when he comes home from work. Instead, these small changes have allowed me to create a balanced life where my marriage always comes first, and my business can (hopefully) thrive.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly or trying to fit the mold of the “ideal” stay-at-home wife or entrepreneur. It’s about creating a lifestyle that fulfills you and allows you to pursue your passions. For me, that means a combination of smart gadgets, efficient routines, and a supportive partner who encourages me to chase my dreams.
You’ve got this! Your marriage, your home, and your business can all thrive together with a little planning, some smart tools, and a whole lot of heart.
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Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
