5 Things You Can Do on the Weekend to Prepare for the Week

I spent 4+ hours yesterday doing chores, grocery shopping, meal prepping, etc. to help me prepare for a successful week.

Did I enjoy it? Not necessarily. But I enjoy knowing that all of that is done and out of the way and that I don’t have to stress over it come mid-week when my schedule is a little busier.

It’s a sacrifice. Give yourself a few hours on Saturday or Sunday to save a few hours (and stress) throughout the week.

So here are my top 5 things to get done over the weekend to make the week way easier for yourself:

1. Meal Plan

   Sit down and plan the ENTIRE week out - your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks for the next 6-7 days. I use a magnetic notepad that I keep on the fridge. I take off the top sheet to start my grocery list and use the next sheet to write my meals for the week, which gets put back on the fridge. You can make this as basic or detailed as you want, just make it happen.

2. Grocery Shop

   Take your meal plan list and write down all of your groceries needed for the week. By making a list for the store, you reduce the risk of buying unnecessary things and/or wasting food. I know some of you like to shop throughout the week, so that it’s fresh. While I get that, also remember that most fresh fruits/veggies can keep for up to a week. If this still makes you nervous, use frozen options! As for meats, if you aren’t going to use them within 3-4 days, put it in the freezer as soon as you buy. Costco is where I buy nearly all of my meat/fish because they have an awesome frozen section.

3. Meal Prep

   This doesn’t have to be complicated. All I did yesterday was chop veggie, wash fruit/veggies, and my husband grilled chicken for me. I’m making a big ole salad for the week, so didn’t need to do too much to prep lunch. By pre-chopping all my veggies, I’m saving myself at least 30 min throughout the week. Having all of these things pre-cut/washed makes my life way easier throughout the week. Remember, this can be super simple! The goal of meal prep isn’t to stress you out - it’s to make your life easier.

4. Clean

   This doesn’t have to be excessive (and if you know me, it’s definitely not lol). But at least consider wiping down the counters, cleaning up any random mail or other things that have piled up, clean off your desk if you work from home, etc. Do some simple things to start off the week refreshed.

5. Peak at Your Schedule

   I always look at my schedule for the coming week to remind myself what I have going on. I also tweak things and move things around if I need to. Looking at this helps me feel that much more prepared for the week and that I have a grasp on everything going on!

Overall, I keep everything as simple as possible, but I also keep my Sundays sacred. They’re for prepping for the week and feeling that sigh of relief when you realize that you just made your life way easier. YES, it’s a lot of work at once and a couple of hours of sacrifice, but if you find yourself continuing to fall apart week after week, Door Dashing multiple times, going to the grocery store every night, and so on, you’re wasting precious time (and money).

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.