Who else feels like there’s literally not enough time in the day to get everything done?!

*Everyone raises hands* 

Yep, seems about right.

Even though I’ve been attempting to find more balance in every aspect of my life, I’ve been feeling like time just isn’t on my side these days. I write an epic to do list and try to cross everything off, but by the end of the day I just can’t get to everything no matter how hard I try. So the list just keeps getting longer…and longer…and longer…until I finally just give up and throw the damn list away. Which helps, for a day or two until my list starts growing again.

So earlier this year I decided to start looking at how other people or services can help me get my to-do list down to zero. Obviously there are certain things only I can do (write blog posts, pay bills, visit friends and family), but there are some things on my list that I can get help with – which means more time to spend on the things I LOVE doing, rather than the things I feel like I just have to get done.

And honestly…it’s made a HUGE difference in my life. I have more time, I’m getting more done, and I feel so much happier and more balanced. And intel this good has to be shared, so I wanted to impart my newfound wisdom with all of you so you can start spending more time on happy things and less time on things that leave you feeling uninspired. Ready, let’s go! Get it delivered: I can’t tell you how much I love using Instacart and other delivery services to deliver everything – from my groceries to essentials, and even pre-made meals from places like Snap Kitchen in Chicago. I usually order using my phone my last hour of work before I pop in my car for my commute, and literally 10 minutes after I get home it’s there waiting for me. It cuts down on my time on the weekends driving around Chicago running errands and I don’t even need to hop in my car!

Order it in advance: No way do I want to spend my hard earned free time waiting in line! Download apps to use mobile ordering so if you have to pick something up, you can easily skip the line! I order my Starbucks every morning using the mobile app and I never have to wait more than a few minutes for my daily cup of coffee. It’s MAGIC.

Automate your bills: Up until recently I always paid my bills through the mail, which usually resulted in my panicking at the end of the month because I’d forgotten to get it done right when it came in the mail. Setting up auto pay is annoying for the 5 minutes your on the phone, but it will save you so much time (and headaches!) in the long-run.

Download Dablr: If you’re like me and trying to outsource everything you can, download the Dablr app and see how much it can simplify your to-do list!

It’s a mobile app (available on google play and iOS) that’s available in Chicago that allows you to put out a notification to a local network alerting them that there’s a job you need help with (housecleaning, moving boxes, everyday chores, anything!) You select a price how much you’re willing to pay for the service, and then you’re quickly connected to people who are willing to accept your task and price! I mean…if that’s not going to make your life easier right now, I don’t know what is.

I’ve used it the past few weeks for tasks like housecleaning services and taking boxes of donations to Goodwill (yas!) and it’s been such a game changer for me. The people who I worked with were so nice and trustworthy and did an amazing job. It’s quickly become one of my favorite ways to make my life easier, and I’ve had more free time to do the things that make me happy. Plus, if you use the code CharminglyStyled, you’ll receive $30 in Dablr Credit! 

Automate your finances: There are a million apps out there, but I love using the Mint app to set up goals for my spending (which you can break out by categories like food, shopping, gas, etc.) to see where you’re spending your money each month automatically.

• I also set up automatic money transfer to other accounts (401K, retirement and investment accounts, etc.) so I don’t “accidentally” forget to put money from my paycheck into them.
• My boyfriend also swears by Wealthfront, which is an automated investment management tool he uses. Looking into something like this if you’re interested in investing can also save time too!

Invest in a capsule wardrobe: On average, it takes people 20 minutes to pick out what they’re going to wear each morning, which is absolutely CRAZY to me! We have decision fatigue when it comes to what to wear in our wardrobes, so having a capsule collection of a few key pieces saves you extra time in deciding what to wear. Plus, when you have a few pieces that you absolutely love, it makes you feel better about yourself too – double bonus! Do you have any tips for saving time on your to-do list? I’d love to know what’s helping you have more free time these days! And don’t forget about that $30 Dablr credit using code CharminglyStyled – you’ll thank me later, promise 😉 xx