How to Make Better Use of Your Time

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Timing Is Everything
By Mitch Lipka, Consumer Ally

There's no better time than the present, right? Well, that's one saying that might not always hold true. Maybe there is a better time than the present to do things like eat out, work out or even clean.

The new book "Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon," by veteran journalist Mark Di Vincenzo, offers insight into why there are specific times that are best for taking on certain tasks.

Based on Di Vincenzo's exhaustive research, here are a dozen of the best times or days to do some of the basic things most of us do.

First Up: The Best Time to Go to DMV

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time to Go to a Motor Vehicles Office?It's all about the middle. Go in the middle of the month, middle of the week and either mid-morning or mid-afternoon. The offices tend to be the busiest at the end of month, when people are rushing to beat expiration deadlines and when working people are most likely to happen by including Saturdays, early mornings and lunch time.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time of Day to Get a Prescription Filled?
Late morning between 10 a.m. and noon. Most pharmacies are extremely busy when they first open, as well as at lunch time and in the late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) when working people are likely to stop in before heading home for the day.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time of Day to Buy Shoes?
Late afternoon. The reason: Your feet will have swelled to their largest size, so you can find a shoe that isn't too tight when the later part of the day comes around.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time of Day to Get an Oil Change?
Just before closing time, particularly when going to a national oil change company's location. Why? Earlier in the day, when they have more time, they will give you car a quick look and recommend a variety of repairs or replacement parts that is part of their goal to upsell you. At the end of the day, they are more likely to just get the oil change done and send you on your way.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

The Best Time of Day to Return Merchandise?
At 10 a.m. on any day but the day after Christmas. Chances are the store will have just opened and the staffers responsible for accepting returns won't be as busy. They also tend to be the more senior, experienced workers.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time of Day to Have Your Picture Taken?
Late morning or early afternoon when puffiness is gone from the previous night's sleep and fatigue of the day hasn't had a chance to set in.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time of Day to Go to the Post Office?
About half an hour after it opens. You'll miss the line of the people there when it opens and still get there early enough to avoid the other typical rush times -- including lunchtime and near-closing time.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time to Fly?
Noon. You'll avoid the biggest crowds and the rush of business people during workdays. Best day of the week: Saturday. There are fewer flights, shorter lines, less hassle and flights are more likely to be on time.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here

Best Time to Clean Your House?
Starting in the afternoon around 4 p.m. Energy and mood levels tend to be high in late afternoon. Early afternoon is the worst time.

Best Time to Buy This, Do That, Go Here