We have all run errands and found ourselves going around in circles. Planning your errands will help you make the most of your time and will also help save you money in gas. This is a guide about saving money by planning errands.
Solutions: Saving Time by Planning Errands
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The night before you do shopping, errands, appointments, make a list of all of them and times of appointments and addresses. Then add the addresses and look at a map of city and plan accordingly, for example "Dr.'s appointment 10 am".
If you leave early, like taking kids to school you have a couple of hours to spare before appointment. Select all the errands you need to do in that area and get them done. This way you don't have to go back to that area, except to pick up kids and if you have errands you didn't get done. Do them with the kids or if they have school activities do those while waiting.
You don't retrace your steps and you save time and gas by plotting out your errand route. It also keeps stress down!
I use an online-mapping program like Mapquest or Google Maps to find out the mileage from my house to all the places I go on a regular basis. That helps me calculate how many miles I would drive to get somewhere. You can also use these programs to put in several destinations and the return to your house. My town is not laid out logically so this kind of thing helps.
When the doctor tells you he wants to see you in a specified time, don't have the receptionist automatically make the appointment then. You can ask if it is imperative that it has to be the exact date.
Check your schedule and coordinate other things you can do on the day you make your appointment, be organized and save on gasoline and your time.
Every time you have errands to run or a doctors appointment. MAKE A COMPLETE LIST. Or I promise you'll forget something. Especially questions you may have for the doctor. Keep a list of all your surgeries, medications, and any questions. (There is no such thing as a stupid question). I can't tell you how important this is. Even a grocery list is a real money saver.
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