5 Simple Life Hacks to Make Everything Easier

Life can often feel overwhelming, and figuring out how to simplify it all seems like a challenge. Trust me, I understand. Even as a longtime minimalist who prides herself on saying “no” to the unnecessary, life still has its chaotic moments. So, what do I do when things start to feel too hectic? I rely on life hacks that actually work!

Do Life Hacks Really Work?

You may be thinking, “Here we go, another list of life hacks that probably won’t help.” I get it. There’s so much content out there promising quick fixes that don’t deliver—endless cleaning tips, unrealistic cooking tutorials, and gadgets that seem too good to be true. But, there are also life hacks that truly make a difference. These time-tested strategies will save you time, energy, and money, and help you reclaim moments in your day that should be spent on the things you love.

I’ve often been told, “I’d love to do that, but I just don’t have the time.” Yet, I manage to run two businesses, volunteer, and pursue hobbies, all while staying organized and productive. How do I do it? By leaning into effective life hacks that make everything easier!

5 Game-Changing Life Hacks You Need to Know

In this post, I’ll share five life hacks that have worked wonders for me. They’re practical, time-tested, and designed to help you simplify your daily routine.

1. Meal Planning & Grocery Delivery

Food-related tasks take up a significant chunk of our time—shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning. To make this easier, start with two simple steps you can do in your pajamas:

• Step 1: Plan your meals for the week. Write down what you’ll have for dinner, what’s needed for breakfasts and lunches, and make sure you’re ready for the week ahead.

• Step 2: Use a grocery delivery or pickup service. Many stores, including Walmart+ and others, offer this service. It’s a game-changer! It saves time, ensures you stay on budget, and eliminates the stress of last-minute shopping.

Meal planning and grocery delivery eliminate the constant worry about what’s for dinner and help you stick to a healthy, affordable meal plan.

2. Get Help with Cleaning

Hiring a cleaning service can feel like a luxury, but it can actually save you time and energy. As someone who works as a cleaner, I can tell you that having someone come in to clean is a huge time-saver. And, surprisingly, it can fit into your budget if you make small adjustments, like cutting back on things like daily coffee runs or dining out.

If hiring a cleaner isn’t for you, establish a simple cleaning routine that you stick to. Spend just a few minutes every day tidying up, or create a system where everyone in the house pitches in. A clean home will boost your mood and help you stay focused.

3. Create Systems to Automate Boring Tasks

One of the most effective life hacks I’ve learned is to create systems for everyday tasks. Systems make repetitive tasks feel less like chores. For example, I have a laundry routine: I wash the less delicate clothes first, then handle the nicer items later, folding and putting everything away as I go. I also make laundry time “me time” by listening to audiobooks while I work.

Once you set a system, tasks like doing laundry or paying bills become routine. By creating simple habits, you avoid procrastination and make everyday tasks much easier to manage.

4. Plan Your Day with a Planner

One of the best ways to simplify your life is to use a planner. With busy schedules and constantly changing priorities, relying on your memory can lead to stress. A paper planner offers a visual overview of your week and helps you track your to-dos, goals, and progress. I use mine for everything—from exercise and diet to personal goals and finances. Seeing what I’ve accomplished each day helps boost my confidence.

Using a planner isn’t just about organizing your work life; it’s also about making time for the things you love. If you want to pursue hobbies or personal growth, you’ll need to carve out time for them. A planner helps you find those pockets of free time and ensures you stay on track.

5. Microtasking & Habit Stacking

Tiny moments of free time can be used for more than scrolling through social media or watching TV. You can use those small pockets of time to accomplish something meaningful. One way to do this is through microtasking—completing small tasks that take a minute or less as they arise. Whether it’s washing a dish or sorting through the mail, microtasking keeps your space tidy without the overwhelm.

Additionally, habit stacking is another powerful technique. This involves pairing a new habit with an existing one. For example, I’ve been learning Spanish every day by stacking it with my morning coffee routine. This small commitment has led to consistent progress.

Simplify Your Life with These Hacks

By implementing these life hacks, you’ll start freeing up time and energy for the things that truly matter. Whether it’s meal planning, getting help with cleaning, creating systems, using a planner, or adopting microtasking, these strategies will help you simplify your life in ways that truly work. When you can get through your daily tasks efficiently, you’ll have more room for personal growth and pursuing your passions.