Asklemmy

Hey there, here are some things I do:

I started using Obsidian notes a while back and have two weekly notes for a weekly plan/schedule, and a menu & grocery list. Each week I spend a little time (maybe an hour total) on Sundays making a dinner menu and getting the groceries listed, and then planning my week. Every morning I look at and edit the weekly schedule note, and it really has helped me be more aware of my daily priorities, which seems to make things more efficient.

I'm also always trying to find ways to become more efficient, and I think there is really something to be said for taking the time at the beginning of whatever the goal or project is (i.e. grocery shopping, planning the week, working on a project, cooking, etc.). When I cook, I've begun getting all the necessary ingredients and cookware out ahead and setting them in order, then it all goes so much more smoothly. When I get my groceries, I take a minute in the car and sort the items by their location along the path I take through the store. (This is far easier on a notes app than with pen & paper! and I've also become a skilled WinCo shopper over the course of time).

I usually have some small boxes (diaper boxes are best), around the house and I'll save one for a trash box in the car. I put it behind the center console of the car with a plastic bag in it so I always have a place for putting the trash. Creating a place for things makes all the difference in the world.

The last thing that I'm trying to do more is practicing a quick 1-4 minute tidy in whatever room I'm in depending on the task. I'll throw something away, notice something is on the floor and put it away, do a quick sweep or vacuum, etc. But that's it. It's quick but useful. It seems to be going fairly well so far. Little cluster piles begin showing up and it's helped to become aware of what I do with stuff once I'm done, which is usually totally unconscious. Anyway, short bursts of tidying make the place much easier to keep clean, rather than what has typically happened, which is clutter building up and a whole few hours are needed to just get the place tidy, and then I can start doing the actual deeper cleaning.

I think the goal for me is instead of only trying to find tips & tricks, is to over time focus on becoming someone who is more efficient as a characteristic.

Hope this helps!