As a single mom, I know firsthand the struggles and challenges that come with raising a child on my own. It can be tough to balance work, household responsibilities, and parenting duties while also caring for yourself. That's why I wanted to share with you some of the hacks and tips that have helped me along the way.

After 18 years of being a single mom, I can safely say that it doesn't get easier, you just get better at managing your everyday life!

These hacks aren't just things I've read in a book or online - they come straight from my own experiences as a single parent. I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, and I want to help make things a little easier for you.

Whether it's developing a morning routine that works for you and your child, or using delivery services to save time, these hacks are designed to make your life easier and more manageable. They may not solve all your problems, but they can certainly make a difference in making your life easier and more manageable.

I also want to remind you that you're not alone. There are so many other single parents out there who are going through the same things you are. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or online communities for support and advice.

50 CLEVER LIFE HACKS FOR SINGLE MOMS

Meals

01. Have a weekly meal plan and buy your groceries based on this.

02. Pre-chop all aromatics like ginger, onions and garlic over the weekend to save time for weeknight dinner preparation

03. Marinade chicken and beef in ziplock bags and keep them in the freezer until you're ready to use them.

04. If you can spare a couple of hours in the kitchen over the weekend, meal prep for the week ahead.

05. Keep extra cooked rice in the freezer for a quick fried rice dinner.

06. Store extra basic food essentials in the cupboard, like long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned foods, just in case.

07. Make pesto with leftover leafy greens like spinach and kale.

08. Store snacks in easy-to-reach baskets in the pantry.

09. Use a vacuum sealer to store your prepped meals in the fridge or freezer. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent freezer burn.

10. Use a slow cooker to cook large batches of food that you can portion out for the week.

Cleaning

11. Do a general clean every night.

12. Leave the vacuuming and mopping for the weekends, if at all possible.

13. Clean as you go, especially in the kitchen.

14. Baskets are great for collecting, toys, clothes, knick-knacks and electronics.

15. A toothbrush is a great cleaning tool for small spaces and crevices i.e grout, bottle caps, keyboards, around faucets and many more.

16. Rub the dryer sheets along baseboards to remove dust and dirt, and leave a fresh scent behind.

17. Use a hairdryer to remove water rings from wooden furniture. Blow hot air over the ring until it disappears.

18. Use a squeegee to remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery.

19. Use a lint roller to clean lampshades, curtains, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Clothes & Laundry

20. Create a capsule wardrobe not only for yourself but for your kids as well!

21. Keep a basket in the kid's closet for clothes they don't use and that are too small for the donation box later.

22. Use wool balls in the dryer to save on drying time.

23. Add a tennis ball or two to the dryer to help fluff up pillows, comforters, and jackets. This will also help to reduce static cling.

24. If you don't have a lint roller, use a microfiber cloth to remove lint and pet hair from your clothes.

25. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any lingering odors and soften the fabric. Vinegar can also help to brighten colors and remove any residual soap or detergent.

26. Cut off the bottom of a pair of jeans to create shorts. You can also use fabric glue or iron-on patches to add embellishments or create unique designs.

27. If you accidentally shrink a sweater, try soaking it in a mixture of hair conditioner and water for 30 minutes before gently stretching it back to its original shape.

Save money online shopping

28. Use a cashback site or credit card rewards program to earn money back on your purchases.

29. Use price comparison sites like Google Shopping or PriceGrabber to find the best deals on the items you want to buy.

30. Use a wishlist to track the items you want to buy and receive notifications when they go on sale. Many retailers offer this feature on their website or you can use a third-party app like Shopper.com.

31. Use social media to find exclusive discounts and sales. Many retailers offer social media-only discounts or promotions, so follow your favorite brands on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

32. Abandon your shopping cart to receive a discount code. It's not guaranteed, but many retailers will send you a discount code or offer free shipping if you leave items in your cart without completing the purchase to entice you to complete the purchase.

33. Use coupon code websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com to find discount codes for online retailers. These sites offer a wide range of coupons and promo codes that can save you money.

34. Use browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping to automatically apply coupon codes at checkout. These extensions scan the web for valid coupon codes and apply them for you.

35. Use a price tracking tool like CamelCamelCamel to track price changes on Amazon. This tool will send you an alert when the price drops on a specific item you're interested in.

Safety

36. Create a safety plan with your kids that includes what to do in case of a fire, natural disaster, or home invasion. Practice the plan regularly so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

37. Use a GPS tracking device or app to keep track of your child's location.

38. Keep a spare key hidden outside in case you get locked out, but make sure it's in a secure location that only you and your kids know about it.

39. Keep a fire extinguisher in a visible and easily accessible location, and make sure you and your kids know how to use it.

40. Use outlet covers and cord organizers to prevent your kids from playing with electrical cords and outlets.

41. Keep emergency contact information and medical records for you and your kids in a safe and easily accessible location.

42. Use a baby monitor to keep an eye on your kids when you're not in the same room.

43. Keep your car keys nearby when you're at home, so you can use the panic button to draw attention in case of an emergency.

Traveling with kids, near or far

44. Keep a spare set of clothes for you and your child in your car or at work in case of spills or accidents.

45. Pack a small carry-on bag for each child with their favorite snacks, toys, and activities.

46. Pack a small first aid kit specifically for traveling with kids, including items like children's pain relievers, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

47. Bring a small night light for your hotel room to help your kids feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.

48. Use a backpack or crossbody bag to keep your hands free when traveling with kids.

49. Use technology to its advantage! Do all your necessary reservations, and tour bookings online. Save all confirmations in a folder on your phone and e-mail them to yourself too. Save time by mapping out your itinerary as well.

50. Scan and e-mail yourself passports and travel insurance.

Remember, every parent's journey is different, and what works for one may not work for another. These hacks are just suggestions to help make your life a little easier. Feel free to adapt them to your own needs and situation.