Life as a grown up is hard, right? There are bills to pay, there’s washing to be done, the kitchen always needs cleaning and you may also have tiny humans (and/or furry animals) to keep alive. We could all do with a little less stress in our lives.

As I write this, I am keenly aware that it is coming from a place of great privilege. Not everyone can afford to do these things. But if you can afford it, here are some things we do to make our lives easier.

• Upstairs/downstairs: now you might not live in a big, draughty rectory like us but you still may find it helpful to have upstairs and downstairs things. For example, we have an upstairs changing mat and a downstairs one, upstairs nappies and downstairs nappies, I’ve just purchased downstairs toothbrushes for the kids to see if that helps us to actually brush their teeth in the mornings (please tell me we’re not the only ones who struggle with this??), I even have upstairs and downstairs books (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it). Not having to trek all the way upstairs/downstairs when you need something saves time and stress.
• Asda delivery: we have our groceries delivered to us once or twice a week. Yes we have to pay and it’s probably a bit more expensive than Aldi or Lidl, but since it would be a ten minute drive to get to those shops, we choose convenience over cost. As I said before, we have that choice and not everyone does, I’m grateful we can sacrifice some money to save some time.
• Buy presents and cards at the beginning of the year: I did this for our son’s Reception class after hearing it recommended on a podcast. I got a delivery from The Works of some book bundles (they do 10 books for £10) and a few crafty items in August and stuffed them all in a box. Then, each time there’s a birthday party (sometimes once a week, that kid’s social calendar is busier than mine), I just get out a couple of presents, and ask my son to choose which one to give to the friend. Saves trekking to the shops each time, was nice and cheap and prevented an overwhelm of choice. I also bought a multi pack of birthday cards for the same reason.
• Hello Fresh: we were getting bored of eating the same as the kids (sausages/pesto pasta/jacket potato on repeat), but we always struggled to decide what to cook. In walks Hello Fresh. We get 3 meals a week and it’s honestly so nice to eat proper grown up food that’s different every week. Plus if you have Amazon Prime, you get free delivery for a year.
• A cleaner: OK so this one can be difficult for some people because of the cost, but now we’ve had a cleaner I’m never going back. She comes for 3-4 hours once a fortnight and deep cleans the bathrooms and kitchen, changes our bedsheets, occasionally puts a wash on and is an all round angel. Worth her weight in gold. She is our 3rd cleaner after the first 2 didn’t work out for separate reasons (I didn’t murder them…) and we’ve definitely got lucky the third time. If you’re going to be shelling out for a cleaner you have to be happy with the work they do and the attitude they bring to your home, otherwise it’s not worth the money!
• Ask for and accept help: I’ve been getting better at this over the years as our need for help has increased, even if I’m asking through tears! It may be asking our parents for a bit of financial help to make it through until pay day, or letting other people do some washing for us, or asking to borrow a fan in a heatwave. But also, if someone offers help but you don’t think it would be helpful, you can say thanks but no thanks! You don’t have to accept help when someone offers it unless you genuinely think what they are offering would help you. Let people in and let them help you carry the load that is life.

What are things you and your family do to make your life easier? Please share!