Being a working mom is like managing two full-time jobs at once. That’s why finding the right time saving hacks for working moms is essential; you need strategies that simplify routines, reduce stress, and create more space for family and self-care.
You’re expected to excel at work, be present for your kids, manage the household, and somehow still make time for yourself. No wonder many moms feel like they’re constantly racing against the clock.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over 70% of mothers with children under 18 are in the workforce, and most still shoulder the majority of household and caregiving responsibilities. That’s why finding effective time saving hacks for working moms isn’t just helpful-it’s essential for sanity and balance.
The truth is, you don’t need more hours in the day. You need systems that work. By streamlining routines and prioritizing what matters, you can free up hours every week while reducing stress.
HIn this guide, I’ll share my favorite time saving hacks for working moms that truly work in real life
8 Time Saving Hacks for Working Moms to Simplify Daily Life
1. Master Your Day by Creating a Schedule!
Creating a schedule is one of the most effective time-saving tips for working moms. By planning out your day, you can prioritize your tasks, allocate your time efficiently, and stay focused on what’s important. A well-crafted schedule can help working moms manage their busy lives, reduce stress, and make the most of their time with their little ones.
Follow These Simple Tips to Create a Schedule that Works for You!
- Set realistic goals
Before you start scheduling your day, take some time to identify your goals and priorities. What do you want to accomplish today or this week? Be sure to set realistic goals that are achievable within the time you have available. - Break down larger tasks
Larger tasks can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if you need to write a report, break it down into research, outlining, drafting, and editing. - Use a planner or calendar
Use a physical planner or an online calendar to keep track of your schedule. Make sure to block off time for both work and personal activities, including exercise, self-care, and family time. - Prioritize your tasks
Identify the most important tasks for the day or week and make sure they have a dedicated time slot in your schedule. Use the “80/20 rule” to prioritize tasks that have the greatest impact on your goals. - Schedule time for breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Schedule time for rest and relaxation, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk outside or a five-minute meditation - Review and adjust regularly
Regularly review your schedule to ensure it’s working for you. Are you accomplishing your goals? Are you feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? Adjust your schedule as needed to better suit your needs.
Example: Emily, a project manager and mom of two, sets aside 6–8 AM for exercise and breakfast with her kids, 9–12 for deep work, and 5–8 PM as family-only time. By protecting those blocks, she reduced evening work stress and gained back two hours daily for herself.
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2. Simplify Meals With Smart Planning
Working moms spend an average of 5–7 hours a week cooking. Meal planning can cut that nearly in half. Meal planning is one of the most underrated time saving hacks for working moms, but it makes a huge difference.”
Smart Meal Prep Hacks:
- Theme nights: Pasta Mondays, Taco Tuesdays—less decision fatigue.
- Batch cook: Roast proteins, chop veggies, and cook grains in bulk on Sunday.
- Double recipes: Freeze half for busy weeknights.
- Use apps and planners:Meal planning apps and planner can help you save time by allowing you to plan meals in advance.
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3. Set Priorities!
Setting priorities is a critical skill for busy moms to manage their time effectively and accomplish their goals. With so many demands on their time, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to focus their energy.
When everything feels urgent, nothing gets done effectively. One of the most overlooked time saving hacks for working moms is ruthless prioritization.
The Eisenhower Method:
- Urgent & Important: Do it now.
- Important but Not Urgent: Schedule it.
- Urgent but Not Important: Delegate.
- Neither: Drop it.
Example: Jessica, a marketing executive, used this system to cut her daily task list from 20 to 8 items. She stopped stressing over low-value activities and gained extra family tim
Read also: The Sunday Routine That Sets You Up for a Calm & Productive Week
4. Delegate Tasks and Share Responsibilities
Delegate and Outsource Whenever Possible
You don’t have to do it all yourself. Delegation is not failure—it’s strategy.
Ways to Share the Load:
- Kids: Toddlers can sort toys; older kids can do laundry or pack lunches.
- Partner: Divide chores based on strengths (one cooks, the other cleans).
- Outsource: Use grocery delivery, cleaning services, or laundry pickup if it fits your budget.
👉 Research shows families who share household duties report higher relationship satisfaction—and mom gets more breathing room.
Example: Lisa, a lawyer, invested in bi-weekly cleaning help. It cost less than family takeout nights and gave her three extra hours a week for self-care.
Finally, be sure to express gratitude to the person who helped you. This can help build trust and foster a positive working relationship.
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- Chore Chart for Families
- Lightweight Cordless Vacuum
- Baby Carrier (hands-free multitasking!)
5. Use A Timer (A Simple But Powerful Time Saving Hack for Working Moms)
Using a timer can be a powerful tool for busy moms who need to manage their time effectively. By setting a timer for specific tasks or activities, you can stay focused, avoid distractions, and increase productivity.
Stay Focused With Timers
Distractions eat away at your productivity. Timers help you stay accountable.
The Pomodoro Method:
- Work 25 minutes → Rest 5 minutes.
- After 4 cycles, take a longer 15-minute break.
Chore Hack: Turn cleaning into a game. Set a 15-minute timer and see how much the whole family can tidy before the buzzer.
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6. Learn To Say No (One of the Best Time Saving Hacks for Moms)
Working moms are often stretched thin because they overcommit. Saying no is one of the healthiest time saving hacks for working moms.
Here are some tips for learning to say no:
- Be clear on your priorities
When you are clear on your priorities, it becomes easier to say no to things that do not align with them. Take some time to identify your top priorities, whether they are related to your family, work, or personal goals. - Consider the impact on your time and energy
Before saying yes to a request, consider the impact it will have on your time and energy. Will it take away from other important tasks or activities? Will it leave you feeling drained or overwhelmed? - Be honest and direct
When saying no, be honest and direct with the person making the request. Explain that you are not able to take on the task or attend the event, and provide a brief explanation if necessary. - Offer an alternative
If you are not able to say yes to the request, consider offering an alternative. For example, you may not be able to attend a meeting in person, but you could offer to participate via video conference. - Practice saying no
Saying no can be difficult at first, but with practice, it can become easier. Start by saying no to small requests, and work your way up to larger ones.
Example: Michelle used to volunteer for every school event. After burnout, she limited herself to two big events per year. She became more present and effective without spreading herself too thin.
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Read also: 16 Game-Changing Habits of Successful Women
7. Take Breaks (Yes, This Is a Time Saving Hack for Working Moms Too)
As a busy mom, it can be easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of tasks and responsibilities. However, taking breaks is crucial for maintaining your energy and focus.
Here are some tips for taking breaks:
- Schedule breaks into your day
Make sure to schedule breaks into your daily routine. This could be a 10-minute break in the morning and afternoon, or a longer break in the middle of the day. - Step away from your work
When taking a break, step away from your work completely. This means putting away your phone, turning off your computer, and disconnecting from work-related tasks. - Engage in a relaxing activity
Use your break time to engage in a relaxing activity that helps you recharge. This could be going for a walk, doing some yoga, or simply sitting outside and enjoying nature. - Set boundaries
Make sure to set clear boundaries around your break time. Let others know that you are taking a break and that you should not be interrupted unless it is an emergency. - Listen to your body
Pay attention to your body and take breaks when you need them. If you are feeling tired or overwhelmed, it may be time for a break.
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8. Keep A Running To-Do List
As a working mom, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all the tasks and responsibilities that come your way. One way to stay on top of your to-do list is to keep a running list of tasks.
Here are some tips for keeping a running to-do list:
- Keep it in a central location
Choose a central location where you can keep your to-do list. This could be a planner, a notebook, or a digital app. - Write everything down
Write down every task, no matter how big or small. This will help you keep track of everything you need to do. - Prioritize your tasks
Once you have your list of tasks, prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. This will help you focus on the most important tasks first. - Update your list regularly
Make sure to update your to-do list regularly as new tasks come up or as you complete tasks. - Break down large tasks
If you have a large task on your list, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and will make it easier to make progress.
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Bonus Quick Time Saving Hacks for Working Moms
Beyond the big 8, here are fast time saving hacks for working moms you can try right away:
- Use car organizers: Keep snacks, wipes, and chargers handy for busy mornings.
- Automate shopping: Set Amazon subscriptions for diapers, paper towels, and essentials.
- Batch errands: Instead of multiple trips, dedicate one evening or weekend block for shopping.
- Shared family calendar: Let everyone add events so nothing gets missed.
- Simplify wardrobes: Capsule closets mean faster mornings with less stress.
Even small changes add up to hours saved each week.
Common Mistakes Working Moms Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best hacks, moms sometimes fall into habits that waste time:
- Over-multitasking: Switching tasks too often cuts efficiency by up to 40%.
- Skipping self-care: Leads to burnout and resentment.
- Overloading schedules: Not leaving space for downtime.
- Not asking for help: Trying to do it all alone only backfires.
Avoid these pitfalls and you’ll make your hacks stick long term.
Read also: 8 Steps to Rediscover Yourself After Extended Maternity Leave
How to Stay Consistent With Time Saving Hacks for Working Moms
Consistency is what turns hacks into habits. Here’s how to stay on track:
- Start small with 1–2 hacks.
- Track your wins (ex: “saved 3 hours this week by prepping meals”).
- Stay flexible when life throws curveballs.
- Review weekly—ask what’s working and adjust.
Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Time as a Working Mom
Being a working mom is demanding, but it doesn’t have to mean constant exhaustion. By using these time saving hacks for working moms, you can create more breathing room in your schedule, reduce stress, and focus on what really matters.
Remember: you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. Every minute you save is a minute you can invest in your career, your family, and your own well-being.
Take charge of your time—you’ve got this.
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