25 ways to save time in the morning

Kids back at school? Vacations over? We all need 25 ways to save time in the mornings!

Returning to real life we need get our backsides into gear! 

When you streamline the routine and save precious minutes, you can leave home looking polished, well groomed and confident enough to face the day ahead.

Good grooming and attendance to detail does take time but there are lots of ways you can save time when you're preparing for the day.

The key is planning...

The key to saving time is preparation and routine - plan ahead so your morning goes like clockwork!

We can always learn from others and many of the tips you see below have been contributed by readers over the years - I've divided them into easy sections. 

A. Evening tasks

Leave your mind clear for the new day.

1. Ensure the kitchen is clean and tidy; prepare an easy-to-serve breakfast (slow cooker porridge is a goody); and set the coffee machine.

2. Pack your lunch box with no chance of messing up your morning outfit.

3. If you bathe in the evening wash your hair too. A good shampoo and conditioner makes brushing and styling so much easier. 

4. Select your outfit - if there's a problem you have time to rethink or remedy. Investing in Color Analysis will enable you to plan a simple but harmonizing wardrobe. 

5. Get to bed on time allowing yourself a decent night's sleep.

B. Leave time for yourself in the morning

6. Make your bed while the shower is heating up.

7. Use a moisturizing shower gel and you won't need body lotion.

8. Cleansing wipes may be sufficient for your face. 

9. Halve hair drying time with a quality hair turban while you fix your makeup.   

10. Makeup should be a simple 5 minute application with products that flatter you and are easy to use.

11. Go Brush Pro is the amazing new way to style your hair at home and on the go - cordless and portable! 

C. Develop good habits

12. Train yourself to place car keys, sunglasses, mobile phone, laptop etc. in the same place. 

13. Don't fret over changing bags, the perfect tote bag will do everything!  

14. Before bed, place bag, phone, sunglasses, keys etc. near the door with notes for errands and a to-do list. 

15. Leave lunch box in the fridge and an empty container by the door to remind you to change it for the filled one!

16. Every member of the family should have their own space to leave things ready for the morning.

17. Organize outdoor clothes so that coat, gloves, scarves, umbrella, boots etc. are all together.  

D. Avoid distraction

18. No TV or e.mails in the morning, it's too easy to be distracted - 2 minutes can turn into 15

19. Keep a notebook by the bed to jot down anything that you need to do or remember

20. If you're always late, put the clock 15 minutes fast - and forget that you've done it!

E. Use the weekend to make the week easier

21. Plan menus for the week

22. Shop for your lunch box with your weekly shop

23. Keep laundry up to date. 

24. Fill your car with gas to save time in the mornings.

25. Slot in any hair and manicure appointments to save time during the week.