How To Save Time While Running Errands

Running just a few errands a day can take up a big chunk of time.  Probably more time than most people realize.  It takes time to drive to the bank, post office or dry cleaners, stand in line, and drive back home.  The time you spend on all those little trips can really add up! Here are some ways to save time when running errands:

* If possible, try to run all of your errands one or two days per week.  You’ll spend less time on your errands by taking an hour or two and getting them all done in one block of time.

* Take advantage of having your paychecks deposited directly into your account, rather than receiving paper checks that you have to wait in line at the bank to cash.

* Many banks offer an online bill paying service.  You simply log into your bank account online, enter the name and address of the company you want to send money to along with your account number for the company, and enter the payment amount. Once you have entered in your information, you hit the “send” button and your bank will send the company your payment.  This is very convenient and you’ll no longer have to spend time buying stamps or mailing paper bills.

* If you send a lot of packages, as in an eBay business, consider using an electronic service such as Stamps.com.  You can print your postage at home with your printer, affix it to your package and schedule a time for your mail carrier to pick it up.

* If you have several errands to run in many locations around town, complete the ones that are farthest from your house first.  Then, work your way back home, stopping at your errand locations along the way.

* Avoid running your errands during office lunch hours and closing times, such as from 12pm – 1pm from 5pm – 6pm. These are times of the day when there are a lot of cars on the road and traffic can easily get congested.

* Ask others for help with the errands.  Perhaps your spouse can pick up the dry cleaning on the way to work or drop the rental movies off at the video store on their way home from work.  If you live within walking distance of the post office, ask your middle school aged child to walk over and buy the stamps.

* If you are very busy and cannot seem to find time to run your errands, consider paying a high school or college student to do them for you. If, on average, you earn $20 per hour, it makes more sense to pay a student $8 an hour to run your errands for you.  You may only have to use their service for two or three hours per week.  Your errands will get done, and the student will be happy to earn some spending money.