Time: It seems there is never enough of it. Everyone —from corporate executives to stay-at-home moms to extracurricular teens — wishes he or she had more time. If time could be bottled and used later, it would sell for millions. “Can” some time for yourself and family by using a few of these time-saving tips. 

Set Goals and Make Daily Lists

• Write out long-term and short-term goals, then make daily lists to accomplish those activities that will move you toward those goals. If you sidestep this activity, your goals will be more likely to get sidetracked. 
• Break up large, daunting tasks into bite-size jobs that can be tackled when you have a few moments to spare. 

Stop Losing Glasses and Keys

• Since glasses and keys are the most commonly misplaced items — and thousands of hours each year are wasted on looking for them — get extra pairs of prescription glasses, including sunglasses. Make an extra set of car and house keys and keep them in a wallet or other accessible place. 

Speed Up Communication

• E-mail whenever possible, but to speed up snail mail, whenever appropriate write your reply on the letter when you receive it. (If replying to a business letter, keep a photocopy.) If you want or need an immediate response from someone, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 

Declutter Paperwork

• Get rid of extra paper. Computers were supposed to help us reduce our paper use, but just the opposite has happened. About 90 percent of paper in your home is material you’ll never refer to again. Get rid of as much as possible. 

Organize Tools for Easy Access

• Keep tools in a work center. Leave easy-to-lose, often-used tools in work centers where you use them most. For example, keep pens and paper near the phone and scissors in a convenient drawer out of reach of young children. 

Create a Gift & Card Stash

• Set aside a shelf or storage box for gifts. When you find something on sale or you have time to shop, buy gifts in quantity. That goes for greeting cards of all types. Buy what you think you will use for a year. 

Cook in Batches

• Double your recipes when cooking and freeze half for a future meal. 

Plan Your Outfits in Advance

• Set out the next day’s clothing the night before so you won’t agonize over what to wear. Check for spots, tears, missing buttons, etc. 

   Using a few of these ideas will buy precious time that you can spend later on your family.