Run Errands Like a Pro

Ok some people will read this and be like “really…? Mistakes running your errands…?”

Actually, Yes!! Look, running errands can sometimes be fun and relaxing and enjoyable… you wander in and out of stores and come home 5 hours later with lots of cool impulse buys and new décor for the Powder room… And you have conquered the “to-do” list feeling masterfully productive right…?

Wanna learn how to run your errands like a professional…? Then first you need to learn the mistakes that most people make…

I know…it’s not rocket science, but with the everyday demands and stress associated with getting through the day by day inertia, a few key reminders could be helpful to you:

Never ever ever ever go without a list. Have you ever planned on going to Target for “just a few things”? You leave an hour and a half later spending at least $150… (That’s my experience anyway) But IF I man myself with the “list” it ensures I go in, grab what I need and leave in 15 minutes and nowhere near $150. Be sure to keep your head down and never make eye contact with an impulse buy!!

If you don’t believe me on this one… test it yourself. Plan to go shopping at 4PM on a week night, or anytime on a Saturday after 9AM. Notice the traffic, the lines and all the grumpy people you bump into because they would really prefer to be doing something else at that time.

Instead, run your errands on off peak times. During the week almost anytime between 7AM and 2PM is pretty safe. But I have found Mondays and Fridays to be a bit more crowded.

Also a good time to shop is in the late evening, after the kids go to bed. But you need to be aware of the hours of the stores you plan on visiting. This is how I survived when my kids were young… after trying to navigate the super market (and I would go to 3 in one day) with 2 shopping carts and kids trying to pull things off the shelf or crying or needing to be fed… guys you won’t get this but any idea how difficult it is to do “anything” outside the home when you’re breast feeding a baby who wants and needs to eat every 2 hours? (OMG: that was hell…) That is really the moment in life that made me say “there HAS to be a better way” “things should not be that complicated”.

Have you ever left the house ready to finally tackle that list of things only to get to the dry cleaners without the dry cleaning? Get to the post office without that package? Or better yet, get to the grocery store without the list only to make a second trip because you forgot the milk? (They have an app for that you know… if tech lists is your thing, try this one: http://www.rememberthemilk.com/ )

When I set out for the day I use a simple index card (use paper, your IPhone…whatever floats your boat). On the card I make my list of places and errands I need to hit before getting back home. Then I go through the list one by one and make sure I have everything I need to accomplish that task. I know, this seems brainless, but when you’re in a rush and trying to save time (especially when you sneak out during business hours) it’s important to just double check.

Bonus Tip: Keep a specific “errand” bag in your car or in the mud room to put everything in one place… then off you go! You’ll be prepared!

My favorite errand bag (especially when I have a LOT to do, is this awesome bag from 31)

Now of course Hiring your favorite team of supportive professionals known to you as Task Complete would be the #1 ideal way to get your errands done when you want to save time, AND money.

Why is that you ask? Because we don’t shop during peak hours and we always stick to the list!!

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