My Non-Negotiable Life Hacks as a Full-Time Working Mom

When I became a full-time working mom, I knew I couldn’t do it all. Not without burning out. Not without sacrificing the moments that matter most.

I started looking at the things that drained my time and energy and asked myself, “What would actually make life feel easier?” From there, I created my non-negotiables. These aren’t luxuries. They’re decisions that protect my time, my sanity, and help our household function without me constantly drowning.

These are the habits and systems that help me show up as the mom, wife, and woman I want to be.

1. A Monthly House Cleaner

I’ve always worked full time, but going back after my first maternity leave was a whole new experience. I was breastfeeding, pumping every few hours, barely sleeping, and trying to re-adjust to the pace of work while keeping a tiny human alive.

I remember thinking, "Something has to give."

That’s when I told Julian we needed a house cleaner. Once a month, just to help us stay above water. I didn’t want to spend my only free hours on the weekend scrubbing toilets while running on caffeine and adrenaline.

At first, he was against it. He even said he’d take it on himself. And, to no one’s surprise, he didn’t.

So I laid it out in simple terms. If we canceled cable, we could afford someone to come once a month and do the deep cleaning. Clean bathrooms. Scrubbed floors. Fresh carpets. A home that felt cared for. That felt more valuable to me than anything we were watching on TV.

Once we tried it, he got it. He saw the difference it made. It also holds us accountable. We tidy up before the cleaner comes and do a better job maintaining things in between. It’s not about having a perfect house. It’s about protecting our time, preserving our energy, and letting our weekends be for our family instead of our to-do list.

2. Grocery Delivery with Walmart Plus

Grocery delivery is one of the most underrated sanity savers for working moms. I’ve used King Soopers before, but I prefer Walmart Plus. I can get groceries delivered for free within 3 to 5 hours.

Even better, I can check the fridge while I’m shopping. Forgot if we have enough milk? I just walk over and look. No guesswork, no dragging toddlers through the store, no forgotten items. Grocery delivery keeps us stocked and saves us time.

3. Run the Dishwasher Daily

Yes, even if it’s not full. With two kids, an au pair, and two adults working full time, dishes pile up fast. We run the dishwasher every day, sometimes twice.

It actually uses less water and energy than hand washing, and it keeps the sink from getting out of control. It’s easier to unload when it’s not jam-packed, and we rarely go to bed with dishes in the sink.

4. The 30-Minute Reset

Every night, after the kids go to bed, Julian and I reset the house together. We tackle dishes, wipe counters, sweep, and pick up toys. It helps the next morning feel less chaotic.

Our au pair helps with dishes and playroom resets during the day, but if you’ve had toddlers, you know it never stops. This reset isn’t just about cleaning. It’s become a time for Julian and me to talk, catch up, and feel like a team. There’s no resentment. We’re in it together.

5. Weeknight Warrior Meals

I keep a running list of meals that take under 30 minutes to prep and under an hour to cook. They are high in protein and easy to rotate. Crockpots, instant pots, casseroles — anything that keeps weeknights running smoothly.

I get the kids involved too. Rylie helps measure and mix ingredients. Easton gets a bowl of water and a whisk so he feels like he’s part of it. Sometimes Julian takes them outside while I cook. It works because we make it work.

And yes, I’m putting together a post soon with our favorite go-to meals. Stay tuned.

6. Laundry Days for Everyone

Laundry has a dedicated day in our house. The kids, our au pair, and Julian and I each have our own assigned day. Our au pair handles and puts away the kids' laundry, which is a huge help, but we still stick to the schedule for all of our stuff too.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency. Having a designated laundry day helps us stay on top of it without it piling up into something overwhelming. And if someone misses their day, we keep Saturdays and Sundays open as catch-up days.

That’s also when I run things like sheets, towels, washcloths, and blankets. It’s become a rhythm that keeps things moving and manageable. Even if laundry doesn’t get folded right away, at least it’s clean and out of the way. Grace over guilt, always.

7. Something Just for Me, Every Night

After the reset and bedtime routines, I make time for something just for me. Sometimes it’s a Yasso greek yogurt bar and scrolling TikTok. Other nights, it’s a book, a bath, or a little skincare.

It doesn’t have to be long. It just has to be mine. It helps me unwind, recharge, and feel like a person outside of work and parenting.

8. Weekends Are Sacred

We are busy people by nature. Between birthdays, weddings, friends, and extended family, it’s easy for weekends to get swallowed up.

That’s why we are intentional about keeping chores to a minimum. We protect our weekends so they actually feel like rest. It’s our time to reset, relax, and be together as a family. Even when we have plans or activities, we try not to pack every hour with catch-up tasks.

Letting our weekends be weekends again has made a huge difference. It helps us feel grounded and gives us space to enjoy each other in the middle of all the chaos.

Final Thought

These aren’t perfect systems, but they make a difference. They give me more space to be present, more energy to enjoy my family, and a little more peace in the chaos.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, I hope you’ll take one of these and make it your own. You deserve rest. You deserve support. You deserve rhythms that work for your life.

You are doing a great job.