Lifehack has some pointers they’re sharing from WiseGeek on how to make your life offline easier.
- Hoard stamps. It’s true that snail mail is becoming less and less important, but every once in a while, you do need a stamp. – I rarely use stamps which means when I need one it usually means I have to take time to go to the post office to do it.
- Outsource your chores. Your time and sanity are worth way more than that kid’s hourly wage. If you have the means, ask your friends and neighbors for a referral for a housekeeper that is trustworthy. – I’m a huge fan of this idea. $15 – $20 for someone to clean house or do chores once a week could be a huge help.
- Never travel without a swimsuit. Period. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to enjoy a hot tub or sauna because they won’t let you go commando. – I used to be better at this when I was a kid. I need to get back in the habit.
- Park far away from entrances. Walking across a parking lot isn’t necessarily the most pleasant thing, but it’s still walking. Walking is exercise and therefore reduces stress. Waiting patiently for a spot near the front, only to have that yellow H2 ignore you and pull into your spot will have the opposite effect. – I usually have pretty good luck finding close parking spots but I need to be willing to walk when time comes.
- Change the billing cycles on your monthly bills so that they’re all due at the same time. Usually this can be accomplished with a quick phone call if it can’t be done online. This can prevent forgotten or lost bills, since you’ll have to go through your entire list of liabilities at the same time. If one of your accounts won’t allow you to change the billing cycle, then change all the others to match that one. The other useful thing about this practice is that it makes it easier to calculate your monthly expenses and make good decisions about your budget. – Mine are divided into two due dates so I can pay them with the corresponding check. Any thoughts?
- Feel free to let the phone ring. Many people don’t realize that you don’t have to pick up the phone, or you can just turn off the ringer. The point is that people often call at bad times because they don’t know that it’s a bad time. Rather then let them interrupt you and complicate your life, simply ignore the call and get back to them when it is a better time for you. – I have no problem doing this. My mom and aunt obviously do.
