For some of us, organization just comes naturally. We keep things tidy and stay on top of tasks with ease. For others, being organized isn’t quite as easy. But just because you struggle to stay organized, doesn’t mean you can’t adopt the habits needed to live a more orderly life. Follow these tips to make your life more methodical…
1. Keep a calendar.
It may seem obvious, but keeping a calendar makes a huge difference in helping you to get more organized. You can utilize a digital calendar via an app on your phone or go the traditional routine with a paper planner.
To have a more efficient day, take the time to schedule your day based on what needs to be done. When you block off time for specific tasks, it helps you to stay on track. It’s also a great idea to give yourself deadlines as an extra bit of motivation to get your to-dos done in a timely fashion.
To get really organized, schedule appointments for everything from going to the gym to washing your car to cooking dinner. You’ll be more likely to do something if it’s on your schedule, even if you’ve only made the appointment with yourself.
2. Identify your goals.
Setting goals for yourself is so important to ensure you’re progressing in the right direction. Regularly set new short and long-term goals for your work, personal development, finances, etc.
Give yourself a deadline and create an action plan to help you work toward them one step at a time. Just make sure you give yourself a realistic deadline so you have enough time to accomplish your goals, but not so much time that it’ll allow you to slack off. Keep this quote in mind: “Time plays no favorites and will pass whether you act or not.” Make sure you’re using the time you have to the best of its advantage.
3. Find storage solutions for the items in your home and office.
Having a designated place for everything is essential in keeping things neat and tidy. You’ll be able to easily find things when you’re looking for them instead of having to spend hours searching for something that has seemingly gone missing. Knowing where everything is will save you time.
Come up with storage solutions in your home by creating a labeling system for your storage boxes, files, and drawers. While it may take time to get things organized, it’ll be worth it in the end.
4. Don’t let clutter pile up.
That “I’ll deal with it later” mentality is not serving you. Instead of letting things pile up, insisting you’ll take care of it in a few days, get into the habit of being tidy. Make time on a regular basis to clear out the clutter from your home and office. Keeping your home organized requires some maintenance!
5. Shop strategically.
Impulse shopping is something that many of us ladies are guilty of, but after a while those things start piling up. It would be wise to stop picking up new items every time you go out or just because it’s on sale.
Ask yourself whether you truly need something before you make the purchase. Only allow yourself to buy what you need to avoid an excess of unused stuff taking over your home. And not only will this help keep things organized around your house, but it will also save you some hard-earned cash!
6. Don’t hoard.
Holding onto items that you are no longer using will only cause clutter in your home and chaos in your mind. Take an inventory of the things you have in your closet, cabinets, and drawers. Know what you already have so you don’t buy excess later. Get rid of anything you are no longer using.
You should do this a few times throughout the year to keep things clean. Donate items in good condition that you no longer need to a local charity. Not only will you be clearing out items from your home, you can feel good about giving to someone else who needs them.
7. Delegate tasks when it makes sense.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything yourself. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Delegate tasks to someone who can help. You’ll be able to focus on other things while a friend, family member, or hired help will lend a helping hand to check things off your to-do list.
Try outsourcing a few of your weekly tasks to someone. Whether they clean your house, take care of your laundry, or help out in another way, it will be worth the expense if it saves you the time and headache.
8. Make the most of your time.
Work hard and use your time wisely. When you can successfully accomplish the tasks at hand, you’ll have less responsibility hanging over your shoulders and you’ll be able to enjoy your time more. More time to enjoy your newly organized life!
