As a property manager, you have a lot on your plate. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of your property or properties, you also have to deal with maintenance issues, repairs, accounting, and more. It’s no wonder that time management is such a challenge for property managers!
The key to being a successful property manager is to master the art of time management. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Make a list of everything you need to do
One of the first steps to better time management is getting all of your tasks out of your head and onto paper (or into your phone). Make a list of everything you need to do in a given day, week, or month. Include both big and small tasks, as well as any deadlines you need to meet. Once everything is down in black and white, you’ll be able to see exactly what needs to be done and when.
2. Create a daily schedule—and stick to it!
Once you have your list of tasks, it’s time to create a daily schedule. Plot out when you’re going to do each task and how long you think it will take. Of course, things rarely go according to plan, but having a schedule will at least give you a general idea of how your day should play out. Plus, the act of creating a schedule will help you become more mindful of how you’re spending your time.
3. Delegate, delegate, delegate!
As a property manager, it’s important to know when to delegate tasks—especially if you’re trying to free up some time in your schedule. If there’s someone on your team who is capable of handling a particular task or project, don’t be afraid to pass it off. Not only will this free up some time in your schedule, but it will also give your team members some valuable experience.
4. Take breaks—and make sure they’re productive!
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help you be more productive overall. When you’ve been staring at the same screen for hours on end, it’s easy to start feeling unfocused and unproductive. Taking brief breaks throughout the day can help refresh your mind and improve your focus. Just make sure that your break activities are productive—a ten-minute walk around the block or five minutes of stretches might be just what you need to come back recharged and ready to work again!
5. Learn to say “no”
One of the biggest challenges for many people is learning when to say “no.” If you’re constantly saying “yes” to new projects and responsibilities—even when you’re already stretched thin—you’re only going to end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Learning when (and how) to say “no” can be difficult, but it’s an important skill for anyone in a position of responsibility. The next time someone asks you to take on something new, think carefully about whether or not you really have the time—and if not, don’t hesitate to say so!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering time management as a property manager! Just remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day—it takes practice (and trial and error)to find what works best for you and your team. Eventually, with enough effort (and maybe even a little help from time-tracking software), managing your property will feel like a breeze! And if you ever need to delegate tasks to a professional contractor, we have over a decade of experience to help you, call us today.
