Errands

An errand is a short trip or task undertaken to complete routine chores or commissions, typically away from home. Errands are generally practical in nature, such as buying groceries, dropping off mail, or picking up a prescription. They differ from longer trips, formal work assignments, or leisure travel and usually involve visiting one or more local businesses or public offices.

Common types of errands include shopping for groceries and household supplies, visiting banks or post offices, collecting or returning packages, picking up medications, taking items to the dry cleaner, and handling government services such as renewing licenses or filing forms. Errands may also involve coordinating with others, such as delivering items to a friend or running a task for a relative.

Planning and time management are important for efficient errands. Making a concise list, grouping tasks by location to minimize backtracking, and estimating time for each stop helps. Digital calendars, maps, and reminders can improve organization. For routine errands, people often combine several tasks into a single outing or use delivery services to substitute for in-person trips.

Social and economic aspects: errands shape daily life and retail logistics, influencing store hours, inventory, and service design. Some individuals hire errand-running services, personal assistants, or couriers to save time. The growth of e-commerce and on-demand delivery has shifted many errands toward doorstep fulfillment and remote handling of tasks.

Etymology: the word "errand" derives from Old English ærende, meaning a message or commission.