Heather and I are both big fans of brainstorming. No idea is a bad idea. Just spill it out there. Use one ridiculous suggestion as a jumping off point for another one.
Today, we invite you to set your mind free, just for a moment. If you could make a list of ten things NOT to do, what would you do with the time you just gained back?
This post is inspired by TaskRabbit, a service that enables regular folks, without maids and butlers, to put an item on their to-do list into a website where “rabbits” will grab the opportunity to earn a few bucks and do the job for you. For example, our friend Christine in Boston told us that she’s already avoided three trips to IKEA by having task rabbits make the runs for her.
I made a little video on the topic. (The audio for my part came out really quiet, so turn up your speakers if you want to hear me!)
TaskRabbit is asking people to PROMISE they’ll do nice things for themselves with the time they’re getting back in their lives. I’d like to do one of the ten million craft projects I’ve bookmarked. I’d like to volunteer at my son’s school more regularly. I’d like to exercise for thirty minutes every day. (Enter your own promise on TaskRabbit.com and be entered to win a trip for two and other prizes.)
Here’s how it works: Enter a task on their website. One of the task rabbits will get an alert on their cell phone or email and review your needs. They’ll reply telling you when they can do your task. You may receive multiple offers. You are free to accept whichever offer you like best.
Heather has already lined up someone to safely dispose of her expired medications.
So let me ask you now: What would you outsource to a task rabbit?
Disclosure: TaskRabbit has awarded me and Heather credit on their website so that we can take it for a spin. We’re going to report back later.
Too bad they don’t serve my area!
I would outsource decorating the rest of my house. No time to do it.
I would outsource trips to Target because then I wouldn’t be tempted to get lots of extra non-list things (I try to enforce a no-cart rule – if I can’t carry it, I can’t buy it.)
Can you outsource bed time? I don’t want to leave the house like a babysitter, I just want someone else to deal with it since my husband is never here for it.
This is a pretty cool concept. I’ll have to check out if they serve my area.
I love Alina’s idea to outsource trips to Target. I have currently banned myself from the store. I honestly can’t spend less than $100 every dang time. Convinced they drug you through the vents.
gosh! I’d do so much…and yet nothing? i would probably end up at a park for a walk with my 6 month old. maybe run around the park so it counts as exercise? that would be nice.
Smoking Crayolas Blogspot
I just entered my promise on TaskRabbit:
I’d promise to train for and compete in a triathlon, something I did before I had two young children!
You go, Kelli!
My country to be able to outsource laundry! Especially the folding & putting away.
The kitchen. I wish I had funds to hire someone to come and thoroughly clean the kitchen once a month or so. I just can’t seem to keep up with it, even when I’m not pregnant.
Picking up and dropping off dry cleaning. Gather clothes, get in the car (if you live in suburbia), get out of the car, go into the cleaners, drop off clothes, pick-up clothes, go out to the car, get back in the car, drive home, put clothes away, repeat weekly. Drudgery when we have better things to do like hang out with friends and get work done!
Definitely dry cleaning! Maybe grocery shopping. Or scrapbooking. Poor baby is a year old and I made it to 3 months in his book.
I LOVE TaskRabbit. Love it. I use it whenever possible.