Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Efficient Mom Series: Out the Door in a Snap!

I hate being late. If I have a scheduled appointment or playdate that requires me to be out the door bright and early I have a game plan the night before that pretty much sets me up for success the following day. Here are a few tips to be more efficient in the mornings if you need to get out the door in a snap.

1. Set aside clothes the night before
Make sure to pick out a set of clothes for each child along with undergarments, socks, and shoes that way you aren’t hustling in the morning. If your child is old enough to dress themselves this makes it easier for them too. Mom, don’t forget to think through your outfit too!

2. Pack up all your essentials the night before
This really depends on the ages of your children, but if you have little ones like me pack the diaper bag before going to bed. Because you can never be too prepared I like to pack a thermal tote with snacks, fruit, and a water bottle for each child. Pack it all up and leave it in the fridge. If you think you might forget write out a note by your purse so you won’t leave it in the fridge. 

3. Think through breakfast
If you don’t want grumpy children then don’t make breakfast an after thought. You can either do something quick and easy like cereal or throw together oatmeal in the crock pot the night before so it’s ready to go in the morning. Not a fan of oatmeal? You can whip up some pancake batter or muffin batter the night before so all you have to do is cook it. 

4. Gas up
One of my pet peeves is having to stop for gas when I’m in a hurry. If you know you’re running low on gas get it taken care of the night before so it’s one last thing you have to worry about.

5. Wake up early
I’m so much more pleasant in the morning when I’ve showered, put my makeup on, and have dressed myself all before the children are awake. It may require you getting up an hour earlier than usual but at least you can just focus on the kids and drinking your cup of coffee.  

It’s not that complicated. The whole process just requires a bit of thinking and planning so you are out the door without any headaches.  Good luck mommies and may the force be with you!
One of the many reasons I have to be prepared before
heading out, my little crazy munchkins! By the way
I'm in love with this three seater cart I found at Walmart!

4 comments:

  1. I don't think I've ever seen a three-seated cart before. How perfect!

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  2. My husband pre-cooks a whole batch of pancakes and freezes them for us! A real time-saver!

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  3. Colleen, I have never seen one either until I hit the jackpot at Walmart. I usually do my grocery shopping with all 3 kids. My oldest pushes the baby in the stroller and I push my other son in the shopping cart and although that has been working out great I really like that they are all strapped in! ;)

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  4. Melissa, kuddos to your hubby for cooking and freezing that is awesome!

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