Make the most of your time out of the house
with this tried-and-true method
of using easy, pre-printed lists.
Errands are just not my thing, yet running errands effectively is essential for a well-organized home and a thriving career.
You might find this odd, but I don’t like shopping. Even clothes shopping, gadget shopping or farmers markets — the kinds of shopping that most people enjoy — I find to be work. I still go to the farmers market every single week and I do my best to enjoy it, but I see it more as a job.
The videos below reveal how I run my once-a-week errands more quickly than most other people.
How to Run an Errand the Smart Way
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Try as I do to enjoy the process of running errands, it’s just not my favorite activity in the world. I like the results, more than the errands themselves.
Organizing expert Maria Gracias suggests that the one of the best ways to prepare for errands is to call ahead whenever possible. If there is any fraction-of-a-doubt that the item will be there, then phone ahead of time to verify that the item you need is actually in stock or ready to pick up.
Also, the best way to make sure that your reusable plastic, paper and/or canvas grocery bags are ready for errands day is to return them to the trunk of your car immediately after you unload your groceries and shopping items.
Before you start your car and drive away for an afternoon of errands, it’s essential that you pause, breathe, and look around. If you want to have a great errands experience, it’s worth a few moments to collect your thoughts and verify that you have everything you need to have a good trip before you depart:
- ✔ is your water bottle refilled?
- ✔ do you have the addresses of any new places you’re going?
- ✔ do you have all your lists?
- ✔ is your mobile phone with you?
“…if errands stress you out, change how you tackle them.
Schedule your time, plan your route,
set an errand day, and organize the process.
You’ll get more done, and feel better doing it”
~ Maria Gracia
Organized Errands
Here’s how to run your weekly errands in the shortest amount of time possible:
I invite you to comment. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!
The pre-printed lists for Trader Joe’s and the health food store saves so much time. No meandering down isles, getting distracted by all the items we could purchase. As you might have noticed, when I’m along for the trip, it’s not unusual a thing or two not on the list ends up in the bags we unpack at home.
For some reason I won’t go for a walk unless it has a point so errands are a great way to get out of the house, stretch my legs, and listen to a podcast.
I still use this method (that I share in the video above) for running errands. I have one list for Trader Joe’s grocery, and another for the local health food store. I keep the pre-printed lists in the side pocket of my car door so I can grab ‘em and go!
{ twitter = @danenow }
I’ve found that a good plan is especially key when running errands here in LA!
Back in Green Bay, if I forgot a stop on the other side of town, I could zip out and 30 min later be back home; but, here, that could mean hours!