Picture this: It’s Sunday evening. Instead of winding down and recharging for the week ahead, you’re staring at a calendar that looks like a game of Tetris gone wrong, and your inbox is so cluttered you don't know where to begin.

Sound familiar?

This isn’t just “being busy.” It’s that constant undercurrent of stress—the kind that hums in the background, even when you’re trying to relax. It's the feeling that no matter how much you do, you’re always one step behind. Always struggling to keep the balls in the air. Never switching off.

And sadly, you're not alone. 57% of us are reported to be "somewhat or extremely stressed," and 60% of us don't think we have a good work-life balance.

But what if things could be different?

What if you didn’t have to carry it all?

What if you could offload a big chunk of your personal to-do list—without sacrificing quality or control? What if there was someone who helped you stay on top of everything behind the scenes, so you could breathe a little easier each day?

That’s exactly what a personal virtual assistant (VA) can do.

What is a virtual assistant?

A virtual assistant is a remote professional who helps lighten your load by taking on a range of administrative tasks without ever needing a desk in your office space.

Compared to hiring a full-time employee, the magic of virtual assistance is in its flexibility. Whether you need a few hours of support each week or a consistent right-hand person you can rely on daily, a virtual assistant is there to help you protect your time, reduce your stress, and keep things moving forward on your terms.

Not only that, support can scale up or down depending on your needs and grow alongside you as your business (and life) evolves.

Many founders think of virtual assistants as purely business support—things like data entry, organizing documents, arranging meetings, and so on. And while they certainly can do all that, it’s really just the beginning...

Why do founders need virtual assistant services for personal tasks?

Virtual assistants are becoming an increasingly indispensable tool for individuals like you—people juggling demanding careers, families, and the ever-growing mountain of personal responsibilities.

Think about it like this: you may already outsource things like laundry or house cleaning. Why? Because it saves time, reduces hassle, and let’s be honest—someone else often does it better.

Now, apply that same logic to your personal to-do list. That’s where a virtual assistant comes in.

They take on the tiny, nagging tasks that clutter your headspace, so you can concentrate on what really matters—whether that’s work, family, hobbies, or simply having a moment to breathe.

You're not just buying back a few minutes here and there. You're investing in mental space, clarity, and a more fulfilling life. That feeling of constantly being "on," of always having something else to remember, starts to fade away.

And the best part? It’s not just automation. It’s a real person who gets to know you—your preferences, your priorities, your pace—and supports you like a trusted partner.

How a virtual assistant can support your personal life

So now that we've discussed the why, let's get specific about the what.

We've broken it down into five key areas, with 20 examples of personal tasks you can start offloading today.

Scheduling and appointments

Tired of feeling like your schedule’s running you? Here's how a virtual assistant can help you flip the script.

1. Organizing your personal calendar

Be honest, how many times have you double-booked yourself without even realizing it?

Maybe you agreed to a coffee catch-up, a parent-teacher meeting, and a Zoom appointment—all on the same afternoon. It happens more often than we’d like to admit, especially when personal and professional commitments start to blur.

A virtual assistant can:

• Sync all your calendars—work, personal, shared family schedules—so everything lives in one organized hub.
• Block off personal time, whether it’s for workouts, date nights, or just a quiet hour to recharge.
• Avoid clashes and double bookings by cross-referencing appointments and making sure your investor call doesn’t land on your anniversary dinner.
• Coordinate with others on your behalf to find mutually convenient times, sparing you the back-and-forth email chains.

No more awkward reschedules, no more last-minute scrambles. Just a streamlined schedule that actually works for you—with space to breathe, connect, and show up fully present.

2. Scheduling appointments

Need to get your car serviced? Schedule that long-overdue dentist appointment? Rebook the Pilates class you missed last week? Your VA’s got it covered.

All you have to do is let your assistant know what you need—what type of appointment, preferred days or times, and any location preferences—and they’ll take it from there.

One less thing on your plate, one more thing actually getting done.

See: How A Virtual Assistant Can Help You With Scheduling And Calendar Management

3. Making travel arrangements

Planning a quick business trip or a much-needed getaway shouldn’t feel like a second job—but let’s be real, it often does. Sifting through flight options, comparing hotels, figuring out time zones... it’s a lot. Thankfully, a skilled virtual assistant can take the wheel on all of it.

• Researching flights, hotels, and transportation—whether you’re chasing the best deal, the most direct route, or a pet-friendly stay.
• Comparing prices and reviews so you get the best value without the guesswork.
• Creating a detailed itinerary with everything in one place: confirmation numbers, departure times, check-in instructions, local tips—you name it.
• Coordinating with colleagues or family members to make sure everyone’s on the same page (and on the same flight).
• Adding personal touches—like restaurant reservations, entertainment options, or reminders for things you might forget to pack.

Whether you're trying to unplug on vacation or gear up for that big pitch, your VA makes sure your travel plans are smooth, stress-free, and exactly how you like them.

See: 5 Ways A Virtual Assistant Can Help You Plan Your Next Vacation

4. Pet care coordination

Your furry (or feathered, or scaly!) friend is part of the family, and a virtual assistant can help make sure your pet gets the same level of care and attention you give to everything else in your life.

Your VA can schedule regular vet checkups, handle grooming appointments, and even find a reliable pet-sitter or dog walker—especially when a meeting runs late or you’re heading out of town.

The result? A well-cared-for pet, a clean rug, and one less thing for you to worry about during your workday.

5. Reminder services

In the constant whirlwind of life as a business owner, it’s easy to lose track of even the most important dates and to-dos. From birthdays and anniversaries to deadlines and renewals, missing any of those things can lead to serious headaches.

With the right guidance and a bit of upfront instruction, your VA can help make sure you’re never caught off guard again.

• Set up custom reminders for everything from renewing your driver’s license to filing quarterly taxes or renewing that software subscription before the auto-renew jumps in price.
• Send timely nudges via your preferred method—text, email, calendar pop-up, or even a Slack message—so things don’t sneak up on you.
• Remind you about personal milestones, like birthdays, anniversaries, or that dinner reservation you promised to book weeks ago (flowers included, if you’d like!).
• Track recurring deadlines, like annual reports, insurance renewals, or even trash day, if that’s constantly slipping your mind!

Communication management

Think you can't stay connected with the people who matter most at home and stay focused on what matters in your business?

Think again!

6. Email management

An overflowing inbox isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s one of the top causes of stress for busy founders. Thankfully, this is where a virtual assistant can make a huge difference.

Your VA can sort through your personal emails, triage messages based on urgency, and flag anything that genuinely needs your attention. They'll archive or delete what doesn’t, respond to routine messages on your behalf, and quietly unsubscribe you from the flood of newsletters you never remember signing up for.

See: 10 Email Tasks To Outsource To A Virtual Assistant Today

7. Checking voicemails

Let's be honest, does anyone actually enjoy listening to voicemails?

Your VA can take this task off your plate entirely.

They can check your voicemails, transcribe them, and send you a quick summary of only the messages that matter—whether it's a client follow-up, a delivery update, or that call you’ve been waiting on.

8. Managing personal correspondence

In the whirlwind of running a business, it’s easy to forget the small gestures that make a big difference.

Whether it’s drafting a heartfelt birthday message, sending flowers after a big milestone, or replying to wedding or dinner invitations, your VA can take care of it all.

They can help you maintain that warm, human touch that people remember, without the mental overhead of keeping track of all the dates and details. It’s a simple way to stay connected and make sure your relationships thrive, even when life gets busy.

9. Personal social media management

Staying active and responsive on social media can be great for personal connections and networking—but let’s be real, it’s also a slippery slope into the "scroll hole".

If you want to stay connected without the distraction, your VA can help you strike that balance.

Your virtual assistant can monitor your personal social media accounts, flagging important DMs, comments, or mentions so you never miss a message that matters. They can help you draft thoughtful responses, schedule posts for birthdays, events, or special announcements, and even curate content if you’re looking to stay visible without being glued to your phone.

See: 10 Social Media Tasks To Delegate To Your Virtual Assistant

Household errands

With a virtual assistant handling these routine tasks behind the scenes, you can free yourself from the mental burden of constantly thinking about what needs to be done around the house—and actually enjoy your free time at home.

10. Online orders

Whether it’s restocking the fridge, hunting down gifts for the endless stream of kids’ birthday parties, or replacing yet another missing phone charger, online errands can quickly pile up.

That’s where your VA comes in. They can handle your online shopping from start to finish—finding discount codes, placing orders, arranging gift wrapping, and making sure everything arrives on time. It’s like having a personal shopper who handles all the little details, so you don’t have to.

11. Home service coordination

When something breaks, leaks, or just really needs a deep clean, a virtual assistant can take the stress off your plate by researching and booking trusted local providers—whether you need a cleaner, plumber, electrician, handyman, or all of the above.

They can coordinate schedules, compare availability and pricing, and make sure the appointments work around your calendar. After the job’s done, your VA can even reschedule recurring services or handle payments if needed. It’s hands-off home management, so you can focus on the big stuff without letting the little things pile up.

12. Meal planning and delivery coordination

After a long day of decision-making, figuring out what’s for dinner shouldn’t feel like one more mental marathon. If you’re tired of staring blankly into the fridge or ordering takeout (again), your virtual assistant can step in to take the guesswork—and the stress—out of mealtimes.

From curating recipe ideas tailored to your dietary needs and schedule to setting up meal kit subscriptions and coordinating grocery deliveries, hiring a virtual assistant means you get to eat well, save time, and skip the stress.

See: What’s Feeding Your Stress? The Worst Foods for Founders Under Pressure

Research and recommendations

Let your virtual assistant do the digging while you make the decisions.

13. Gift ideas

Meaningful gifts take time and thought—two things that are in short supply for most founders.

Thankfully, all you need to do is give your virtual assistant a budget and a few details—who the gift is for, the occasion, and any preferences or interests—and they can take it from there.

Whether it’s a client thank-you or an anniversary surprise, your assistant can research unique and meaningful options, compare prices, and even handle the ordering, gift wrapping, and delivery tracking.

14. Product research

Need a new coffee maker, laptop, noise-canceling headphones, or just the best brand of whole-bean espresso? Instead of falling down a rabbit hole of reviews, let your VA do the digging for you.

Your virtual assistant can research products based on your preferences and priorities—whether that's budget, performance, aesthetics, or durability. They’ll read customer reviews, compare top brands, makes, and models, and even track down the best deals or discount codes. You’ll receive a curated shortlist of top options, complete with pros, cons, and purchase links, saving you hours of scrolling and second-guessing.

15. Service providers

Need a new internet provider? A reliable handyman? Or maybe a personal trainer?

When it comes to personal services, it’s not just about who’s available—it’s about who you can trust, what it’s going to cost, and whether the quality lives up to the hype. Finding options that tick all your boxes can take a lot of Googling. And who has time to sift through pages of comparison sites or chase down quotes?

Your virtual assistant can take care of the entire search process for you. All you have to do is make the final call—or let your VA go ahead and schedule it for you!

16. Events

When you finally carve out some free time, the last thing you want is to waste it scrolling aimlessly for something fun to do. Whether you're in the mood for a live concert, a weekend festival, a cooking class, or a creative workshop, your virtual assistant can help you make the most of your downtime.

Your VA will research local and virtual events based on your interests, availability, and location—curating options that align with your vibe, whether you're looking for something adventurous, relaxing, or just totally new. They can also book tickets, add the event to your calendar, and even coordinate logistics like transportation or dinner reservations before or after.

Financial admin

Let’s be real—personal finances can feel like a never-ending chore. Between tracking expenses, paying bills on time, and keeping tabs on those sneaky subscriptions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed (or just plain avoid it).

That’s where your virtual assistant comes in, helping you stay organized and on top of things.

17. Expense tracking and budgeting

Gaining control of your personal finances starts with clarity—knowing where your money’s going, what’s working, and where things might be slipping through the cracks. But when you’re busy running a business and juggling life, tracking every receipt or reviewing your personal spending can quickly fall to the bottom of the list.

With your explicit permission and secure protocols in place, a skilled virtual assistant can help organize receipts, categorize expenses, and monitor your spending habits over time. With a VA keeping an eye on the details, you get a clear, up-to-date snapshot of your finances—without the stress of doing it all yourself.

See: 5 Financial Admin Tasks To Delegate To A Virtual Assistant

18. Bill payments and reminders

Late fees, missed payments, or service interruptions can be more than just annoying—they can impact your credit, your cash flow, and your peace of mind. When life gets hectic, even something as simple as paying a bill on time can slip through the cracks.

That’s where a skilled virtual assistant can step in to keep everything running smoothly.

With your permission, your VA can keep track of all your upcoming bills—from utilities and credit cards to memberships and subscriptions. They’ll send you timely reminders so you can stay on top of due dates, or, if you prefer, handle the payments directly on your behalf using secure and approved methods.

19. Subscription management

From streaming platforms to software tools to those sneaky “free trials” that quietly convert into monthly charges, subscriptions can quickly multiply—and silently drain your wallet. It’s easy to lose track of what you’re paying for, especially when charges are scattered across different accounts or billed irregularly.

Your virtual assistant can audit all your active subscriptions, whether personal or business-related, and track down recurring charges you might’ve forgotten about. They’ll flag unused or underused services, highlight duplicate tools, and—with your approval—cancel what’s no longer serving you.

20. Refunds and disputes

Wrong size? Damaged item? Missed delivery? Overcharged?

We all know that dealing with refunds, returns, or customer service issues can be one of the most frustrating and time-consuming tasks in modern life. When you've already got a million other things to do, the last thing you need is to spend hours on hold, writing emails to customer support, or explaining the same issue to five different reps.

With a virtual assistant in your corner, they can step in and take the entire process off your plate. They can reach out to customer support, file return or refund requests, handle all the back-and-forth communication, track progress, and follow up persistently until the issue is resolved.

What's the bottom line?

While you’re building the next big thing, there’s still laundry to be done, birthdays to remember, groceries to order, and appointments to schedule. But just because you can handle it all, it doesn’t mean you should.

In a world that constantly demands more from us, hiring a virtual assistant offers the support and flexibility you need to maintain balance, reduce stress, and stay on top of your personal and professional life. It’s a simple, effective solution that makes all the difference.

Because the truth is, a virtual assistant isn’t a luxury, and outsourcing tasks isn’t about losing control—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. With the right support, you’ll not only feel more balanced but also more focused, productive, and present in every area of your life.

Need a top-tier virtual assistant to take care of your personal tasks?

You’re in the right place.

At Time etc, we connect busy founders like you with experienced, reliable virtual assistants who can take the weight off your shoulders.

We know just how busy life gets, so finding the right support shouldn’t be another stressful job on your list. That’s why we’ve made it all quick, easy, and hassle-free.

Partnering with us means you can:

• Save 3-6 weeks of recruitment time
• Cut hiring costs by up to 90%
• Skip the day-to-day hassle of managing your assistant once they join your team.

Getting started is simple:

• Speak with our expert team—we’ll take care of everything for you!
• Or, answer a few quick questions to receive personalized recommendations tailored to your unique needs, and enjoy $150 off your first month of virtual assistant support.

Let’s make your life a little easier. You deserve it.