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Eleven Ways to Run Errands Efficiently
by Gina Goldenberg
1. KEEP RUNNING LISTS.
Post your shopping list and add to it when things arise or whenever you
remember
to. Keep this an ongoing list instead of trying to write everything
down just before
you go out the door.
2. ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO ADD.
Encourage all the members of your family to add the ‘TO DO’ list. This
way you’ll
know what the needs of your home are and you can plan your days
accordingly.
3. CHUNK YOUR ERRANDS.
Group your errands by location so that you can accomplish more tasks
per trip.
4. PLAN YOUR DAY.
Instead of going back and forth and across town plan your day so you
know exactly
where you are going next. Remember: the shortest way from point A to
point B is a
straight line.
5. DOUBLE DIP.
If possible, stop into a store on your route to and from work to
accomplish an
errand. This will save you from making an extra trip.
6. LEARN WHAT TIME IS BEST.
Take note of when store near you become busy. Try to avoid shopping at
these
times. Instead organize to run your errands during slower times of the
day.
7. USE YOUR LUNCH HOUR WISELY.
Stop in to a store during your lunch break to complete a task, perhaps
you can mail
a letter, make a phone call or pick up a form. You will have more free
time in the
evenings for yourself and your family.
8. SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Save time and avoid extra trips by scheduling doctors and dentist
appointments on
the same day for all of your children.
9. REMEMBER THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM.
Schedule your appointments so that you are the first one in the
morning. You won’t
be delayed and lose time waiting for people ahead of you.
10. KEEP YOUR ERRANDS LIST WITH YOU.
You may be able to fit in extra tasks during your day by reminding
yourself of things
you needed to do.
11. ENLIST THE HELP OF OTHERS.
Get your family involved with running the errands. If they are going
past the dry
cleaners someone can pick it up. Or if you need light bulb they can buy
them. Keep
the errands list in plain view so everyone knows what needs to be done.
Reprinted with permission.
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