What if I told you I found an entire extra day in my week, every single week? Sounds wild, right? But it’s true. I’m not talking about waking up at 4 AM or adding more to your already full plate.

I’m sharing five super simple habits that helped me save over 25 hours a week without the burnout or the hustle. These are the exact time management habits for busy moms that changed everything for me—and they can totally do the same for you.

Listen Below For The Entire Episode On The Systemize Your Life Podcast

If you’re feeling like you’re always juggling a million things — kids, housework, business, and everything in between — and somehow still end every day feeling like you’re falling behind, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way.

This post is all about helping you break free from that constant state of survival mode and creating a schedule that works for you. Let’s start planning your days on purpose, so you can feel more in control and actually enjoy the process. Ready to take the first step? Let’s dive in!

Welcome to Systemize Your Life

Hey there, I’m Chelsi Jo, your go-to girl for ditching the hot mess express and finally taking back control of your time, home, and business. Here at chelsijo.co, I’m all about helping you create sustainable, doable systems that make life easier and more enjoyable. No more feeling like you’re always running behind!

Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the behind-the-scenes time management habits that will actually free up an ENTIRE DAY every single week. Yup, you read that right — a whole day!

So, grab your notebook (trust me, you’ll want it), find a cozy corner, and let’s dive deep into the five simple yet powerful habits that will completely transform the way you manage your time. Ready to make some magic happen? Let’s do this!

The 5 Time Management Habits That Changed My Week (and Can Change Yours Too)

If you’re constantly feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, girl, I get it. Life is busy, and it can feel like you’re always playing catch-up. But here’s the truth: you can get ahead and stay ahead without burning out. And no, it doesn’t mean working around the clock or sacrificing your sanity.

These five simple habits are exactly how I save 25 hours every single week. Yep, you heard that right — 25 hours. They’re the same strategies I teach inside Systemize Your Life, and I promise you, they work.

These time management habits aren’t complicated or overwhelming; they’re practical, easy to stick with, and most importantly, they’re designed with busy moms in mind who want to take back control of their time and their peace.

So, if you’re ready to start feeling like you’ve got time to breathe, let’s dive in! These habits could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

Time Management Habit #1: Automate Your Home Management

I don’t leave my life up to memory anymore. Trust me, I used to try, and let’s just say it didn’t work out too well. Now, I live and breathe by my home management system — the very one I teach inside Systemize to Scale.

My paper planner, my Google Calendar, and a recurring schedule for everything (grocery shopping, laundry, gym time, family fun) are the backbone of my sanity. It’s what keeps my life organized and running smoothly, even when the chaos starts to creep in.

This habit has been a total game-changer. It drastically cuts down decision fatigue and prevents me from living in reaction mode, always scrambling to catch up. When the basics of life are on autopilot, suddenly, you have the mental space to think, dream, and enjoy your time instead of just surviving it.

Pro Tip:

Build a recurring “fundamentals” list — things that need to happen every week (or every day) but don’t require a lot of thought. This could be things like meal prep, house cleaning, or getting groceries.

Stick to your paper planner and digital calendar every single day. When you make a habit of checking and updating these tools, your entire life becomes less overwhelming.

Create rhythms that run on their own, without you having to “start from scratch” each week. This is how you build systems that work for you, not the other way around!

Habit #2: Build Routines That Your Kids Can Stick To

Routines aren’t just for you — they’re for your kids, too. I know, it might feel like one more thing to add, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. When you have clear routines—before school, after school, dinner, and bedtime—it means less chaos, less nagging, and more peace. Simple truth: If you don’t know the drill, they won’t either.

Making routines a natural part of your kids’ day teaches them structure and responsibility. The best part? They become more independent, confident, and cooperative. Less time spent reminding them means more mental space for what truly matters—thanks to this simple habit.

And, as a bonus, these routines take the mental load off of YOU. You’ll stop feeling like you’re constantly in “mom mode” and start feeling like the family leader you are — in a calm, collected, and peaceful way.

Action Steps:

1. Set up 4 anchor routines for the key parts of your day—before school, after school, dinner, and bedtime. Focus on the chaotic moments and create routines around them for more peace.
   
2. Write them down and teach them step-by-step. Don’t just keep it in your head—get clear and visual so your kids can easily follow along.
   
3. Stay consistent, even when it’s hard. I won’t lie—consistency can be tough, but it’s where the magic happens. The more you stick with it, the smoother your days will flow.

This may take some time to fully implement, but trust me, it’s so worth it. When routines are in place, you’ll see less stress and more calm, and that’s exactly what we’re after.

Time Management Habit #3: Teach Responsibility Sooner Than You Think They’re Ready

This one might sting a little… but this habit is the biggest time-saver you’ll ever give yourself.

I teach my kids how to handle tasks way earlier than you might think — sometimes two years before they “should” be able to—pouring milk, clearing plates, folding laundry, making simple meals — all of it. And yes, it’s messy at first (hello, syrup soup and spilled cereal!), but that’s how they learn.

The more you let them take on, even when it feels like it’ll take longer or get a little chaotic, the more they’ll grow.

Every time you resist doing it for them, you’re gifting them independence and, in turn, freeing up your own hands and mind. You’re not just getting tasks done; you’re raising kids who can eventually take care of themselves, and that’s priceless.

Shift Your Mindset:

• Assume they are more capable than you think. Kids are resilient and they thrive when you give them the chance to step up.
  
• Allow room for mistakes and learning. Perfection isn’t the goal — growth is. They’ll get better with practice.
  
• Celebrate their growth, not perfection. Every time they try, they’re one step closer to independence, and that deserves recognition.

Habit #4: Run An Operating System in Your Business

No more flying by the seat of your pants, friend — especially when it comes to your business. Whether you’re running a full-blown team or squeezing in work between nap times at the kitchen table, you need an operating system. Every thriving business does.

Mine is called TOBOS — the Total Online Business Operating System — and it’s the heartbeat of how I keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

From onboarding to marketing, project planning to weekly workflows, everything in my business has a home and a structure. I’m not the bottleneck anymore. I’m not waking up each day trying to figure out what needs to be done — and I’m definitely not reinventing the wheel.

Because of this system, I’m able to finish my work earlier, take actual guilt-free breaks, and keep my business growing even when I’m offline, spending time with my family.

If you’re running a business, here’s where to start:

• Create systems for recurring tasks. Think of everything you do over and over again — client emails, podcast prep, content creation — and build a system around it. Stop starting from scratch.
  
• Organize your projects and deadlines in one place. Whether it’s a project management tool or a good old notebook, make sure you’re not keeping it all in your head.
  
• Focus on daily, weekly, and monthly rhythms. This is what keeps your business flowing consistently and frees up your brainpower for creativity and growth.

When you systemize your business, you stop running in circles and start moving forward with purpose. It’s time to work smarter, not harder.

Time Management Habit #5: Clean As You Go

It sounds ridiculously simple. And honestly? It is. But it’s everything when it comes to keeping your home and your headspace in order.

Cleaning as you go — while cooking, getting dressed, doing your makeup, folding laundry — it’s the one time management habit that keeps the mess from piling up and stealing your evenings and weekends. Instead of spending hours catching up on chaos, you’re staying on top of it in little bits all throughout the day.

This tiny mindset shift changes everything. And here’s the best part: you can teach this to your kids, too! In fact, it’s one of the greatest life skills you can pass on. When your kids learn to clean as they go, they grow up understanding personal responsibility and the value of caring for their space — and that takes a huge load off your plate.

Ways to Start Today:

• Put items away during tasks, not after. When you take something out, make it a habit to put it right back when you’re done. Simple, but so effective.
  
• Wipe counters while dinner simmers. Waiting for water to boil? Use that moment to tidy up the kitchen.
  
• Clear your workspace after each use. Whether it’s your desk, the bathroom sink, or the dining table, make it a habit to leave things better than you found them.

These small actions may not seem like much in the moment, but they build up to a home that stays clean and calm, without you having to give up your precious free time to make it happen.

Ready to Get 25 Hours Back This Week?

Each one of these time management habits might feel small on its own, like something that couldn’t possibly make a huge difference. But together? They’re an absolute powerhouse.

These are the time management habits that have completely transformed the way I show up in my life, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they’ve given me freedom in ways I never thought possible.

Because of these habits, I’m able to:

• Run a business without burning out.
  
• Be fully present with my kids — not just physically there, but emotionally available.
  
• Actually enjoy my evenings and weekends, instead of using them to catch up on everything I didn’t get done during the week.

And that’s what I want for you, too.

So here’s your challenge:

Circle just one of these time management habits. Pick the one that feels most doable or most needed right now. Commit to it this week. Show up for it every day, even if it’s not perfect.

Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll be amazed at how much time — and peace — begins to open up in your life.

You’ve got this, friend. Let’s make it happen.

“Small shifts lead to big change.“

Want My Full Home Management System?

If you’re ready to finally systemize everything — your home, your business, your daily routines — and learn the time management habits that help me do it all without burning out, now is your time, friend.

While the doors to Systemize Your Life officially closed for good on April 30th, I’ve got something even better for you…

You can now jump into my exclusive group coaching program: Systemize to Scale!

Inside this program, you’ll get everything you need to build a strong foundation at home and grow a business that runs without taking over your life.

Here’s what’s waiting for you inside:

• My complete Home Management System — the exact one I use every single day
  
• 12 months of group coaching with me and other ambitious, like-minded women
  
• Access to a private community where you’ll get support, accountability, and encouragement
  
• And a bunch of juicy bonuses designed to help you get organized fast and stay that way

This is your opportunity to take back control of your time and create systems that work. Whether you’re juggling kids, laundry, dinner, and deadlines — or just trying to keep your head above water — this program is your roadmap out of survival mode.

Head on over to chelsijo.co/systemizetoscale and grab your spot NOW!

I truly cannot wait to meet you inside and walk alongside you as you reclaim 25 hours (or more!) in your week.

Not ready to jump into a program just yet? No worries, friend! Come hang out in my FREE Facebook Community — it’s packed with like-minded women who are ditching the overwhelm and getting systems in place at home and in business. I’d love to see you inside!

You are so capable of this, Mama. And I’m cheering you on every single step of the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results with these habits?

Most moms notice a huge difference within just 2–3 weeks of staying consistent. You don’t need to do it all — just pick one habit, commit to it daily, and trust the process. Small steps lead to big change, and that’s where the magic happens!

I'm already so overwhelmed. Where do I start?

Start with Habit #5 — cleaning as you go. It’s hands-down the easiest one to implement, and you’ll immediately feel the difference. Just this one habit instantly reduces clutter, cuts down on overwhelm, and brings a surprising sense of calm to your day. Start there, build your confidence, and then layer in the rest. You’ve got this!