Day 21: Keeping Up With Routine Appointments

We all have regular appointments that we need to take care of, from doctor’s check-ups to haircuts to visits with the tax accountant. One way to simplify your calendar is to schedule these appointments well in advance, particularly if you’re in charge of coordinating several people’s schedules. Booking appointments early can help you nab the best timing for your calendar, plus since the appointment is already made, it’ll ensure that you actually make it in for important meetings that might be otherwise delayed or missed entirely.

• The easiest way to keep on top of routine check-ups, such as with primary care doctors, specialists and dentists, is to make your next appointment while you’re there. If you’re at the dentist and they want to see you again in six months, go ahead and make that appointment before you leave their office, and add it to your calendar right away. As the appointment approaches, it’s much easier to reschedule an appointment you already have than it is to remember to make it in the first place. Chances are good that since you know so far in advance and were able to select a convenient time (before work, over lunch, etc.), you won’t need to reschedule anyway. 
• For kids’ appointments, scheduling in advance can ensure that you get your first-grader in after school and your toddler in before her morning nap. Considering scheduling kids together for back-to-back appointments to reduce the number of trips you have to make.
• Haircuts and the like can be treated the same way, particularly if your salon fills its schedule quickly – book your next appointment when you check out. This works well for pet grooming, car oil changes and similar tasks as well. 
• For appointments too far out to schedule (such as an annual meeting with your tax accountant), set a reminder in your calendar for two or three months before your desired appointment, then call to schedule when the reminder pops up. If your doctor’s office won’t let you schedule your child’s school physical until summer, make a note in your calendar in June to call and schedule.
• For routine household appointments, such carpet cleaning, house cleaners, spring window cleaners, quarterly pest control, etc., ask your service provider if you can preschedule appointments. For appointments that can’t be scheduled in advance, make an entry in your calendar to call at the appropriate time.
• Take some time this week to schedule any appointments you may be behind on or have been postponing. 

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.