Warm summer days are drawing to a close and cooler, damper, snowy winter weather looms in the not-too-distant future. Use your time wisely as fall approaches to create a routine that offers “you” time while also prepping your barn for the cold months ahead.

Try these five time savers at your farm to help you get through your daily checklist when you have fewer daylight hours in the day.

1. Schedule regular deliveries Reduce the amount of time devoted to picking up feed and ordering supplements. Ask your supplier about minimum order requirements for pre-scheduled deliveries.
2. Set your work hours Working fewer hours sounds like heaven given that running a stable is often a 24/7 job. However, if you mentally commit to working a specific time (say 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.) rather than simply staying until the chores are done, you will find you prioritize, work more efficiently, waste less time and get the work done more quickly because you have a “set” quitting time.
3. Plan ahead Test equipment and tools needed for the upcoming winter months now and make repairs immediately. This will allow you to get equipment fixed before you need it. Test run the snow blower, attach the snow blade and service any equipment now that you will need this fall and winter.
4. Plan for interruptions It’s inevitable that boarders, lesson riders and prospective clients will need your attention at some point during the day. Observe the time of day most interruptions occur and build time into your schedule to allow for these disruptions.
5. Run errands on off hours Go grocery shopping, fill the truck with gas and accomplish other tasks during times of the day that are “off peak” to avoid waiting in lines and navigating through traffic. Trying to run to the feed store over your lunch time might cost you more time than it saves.

There will never be 25 hours in a day. These five time savers can help you discover a little extra space to accomplish tasks on the to-do list and perhaps even provide less stress as you go through your busy day.