Life Admin Hacks: The step-by-step guide to saving time and money, reducing the mental load and streamlining your life AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS 2022 FINALIST

We also use a window-cleaning service for the same reason. We have a two-storey home, and considering the safety issues and equipment required, this is a no-brainer. They also clean the gutters at the same time for a little extra cost. This takes another item off our home maintenance to-do list.

We use a local handyman for small repair jobs around the house, including hanging pictures. This used to be a source of tension in our house, because I don’t feel confident hanging pictures but my husband doesn’t share my sense of urgency to hang a picture as soon as it is framed.

however, having people over is what I actually prefer. I like the cosiness and the fact that shoes are optional. Having people over used to mean a monthly dinner party or BBQ but now, ordering takeaway, cracking a bottle of red and chatting while the kids play is more my speed.

Maintaining a nourishing social life is an aspect of life admin that takes conscious planning. The key is working out what you need from your social life and engineering something that sustains rather than depletes you.

With repetition, these traditions have become effortless to organise, and I look forward to them each year.

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There is real merit in taking a year-long view on your holiday plans. The people you know who always seem to be off doing something fabulous are probably the types who made a grand plan 12 months ago.

We use a local garden service to do a major garden prune twice a year. This means we don’t have to invest in a ladder and the other equipment required, and I don’t have to hold the ladder and worry about my husband breaking bones or butchering our trees.

Fire off a bunch of emails, texts or phone calls with suggestions to fill your month ahead with the right amount of activity for you. Be specific with your idea, date, time and venue, rather than offering a vague suggestion for a catch-up – people appreciate the thought and detail. Batching this task means you can set your schedule and enjoy the re