5 Common Time-Wasting Tasks and How to Avoid Them

As a solo interior designer, your time is your most valuable asset.

But if you’re like many designers, you probably spend hours each week on tasks that feel necessary but don’t contribute to growing your business.

Imagine if you could reclaim that time and focus on the creative aspects of your work.

The good news? It’s possible.

Here are five common time-wasting tasks that most solo designers do—and how you can avoid them:

1. Sourcing Materials without a System

How much time do you spend tracking down the perfect materials for your projects?

Without a system in place, this can easily eat up hours of your week.

The solution? Use a material tracking template to organize your suppliers and products, making it easy to find what you need, fast.

2. Manually Managing Client Communications

Replying to every client email manually can feel like a full-time job.

Save time by setting up automated email templates for common inquiries and project updates.

This ensures that your clients always feel informed, while freeing up your time for design work.

3. Letting Paperwork Pile Up

From invoices to project timelines, it’s easy for paperwork to pile up.

The trick is to stay on top of it with a simple project tracking template.

By automating as much as possible, you’ll reduce the chance for errors and free up more of your time.

4. Project Timelines Slipping

Without a clear system for managing deadlines, it’s easy for project timelines to slip.

Keep everything on track by setting up automated reminders and tracking your progress with a timeline template.

This way, you can focus on design while staying on schedule.

5. Disorganized Finances

Not knowing where your money is going each month can lead to financial stress and wasted time.

Use an expense tracking template to keep an eye on your finances, and you’ll feel more in control—plus, you’ll avoid financial mistakes that could cost you down the line.

By implementing these solutions, you can save hours each week, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most—your design work.

Want to see how these templates can help streamline your business?

Check out the digital template collection designed specifically for solo interior designers!