As the current year comes to an end you are probably pondering how to organize your life. I don’t just mean organizing a cluttered closet or the kitchen pantry. I’m referring to all of it. I’m referring to the cluttered desk and your social calendar. most people tend to think about incorporating simple habits that will help them stay organized in the new year. I’ve been glossing over what new habits I would like to incorporate in the upcoming year as I’m finalizing my vision board. I also have a few bad habits that I need to get rid of.
If you are like most people then you may end the year feeling cluttered and disorganized. If you are constantly feeling as though you’re running out of time and falling behind on tasks, then it’s time to take control of your life and get organized! These simple habits will change your disorganized life and get you back on track to organizational bliss.
Here Are 21 Simple Habits That Will Help You Stay Organized:
Household Organization
- Make the bed. Make your bed every morning. A small task like making your bed can set the tone for a more organized day. I’m ex-military so making my bed before I do anything else is ingrained in my DNA at this point. There is something about having a bed that is nicely made that simply sets the tone for the day. There are actual studies that show individuals are more productive when they make their bed in the morning. I highly recommend that you read “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe The World.
- Set aside time each day to organize and tidy up. Whether it’s in the morning, before bed, or during your lunch break, setting aside dedicated time to organize and tidy up can help you stay on top of clutter. I set aside 15 min per day to clean my house. Sometimes I may vacuum, other times I may deep clean a bathroom. It doesn’t really matter what I clean as long as I get my 15 minutes of cleaning in daily.
- Organize Your Closet. Tackling a cluttered closet just makes you feel like you have accomplished so much in life. Think about it! We have all felt the exhilaration that comes when we organize our closets.
Begin by sorting through your clothes and deciding what you want to keep and what you can donate or throw away. Next, group similar items together and consider purchasing storage solutions like bins or shelves to help keep everything in its place. You can also use this opportunity to create a system for your closet, such as organizing by color or season.
Everyday Organization
These are simple how to organize your life on a day-to-day basis that you need to incorporate. These are simple but effective techniques that will to organize your thoughts and life.
- Make a to-do list. A to-do list can help you stay focused and prioritize tasks. Write down everything you need to do, and check items off as you complete them. You can use tools such as Todist or create a to-do list on your desktop. I have a to-do list on the Centered App.
- Keep a calendar. A calendar can help you keep track of important deadlines, appointments, and events. Set reminders for yourself to stay on top of tasks.
- Use a planner. A planner can help you organize your schedule, to-do list, and important notes in one place.
- Declutter regularly. Set aside time each week to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or use. My declutter time is Sunday morning for 30 minutes while I’m listening to a podcast.
- Store items in designated places. Make sure each item has a designated storage place, and try to put things back in their designated spot after using them.
- Use storage bins and baskets. Storage bins and baskets can help you keep smaller items organized and contained.
- Keep a clean and organized workspace. A cluttered workspace can be distracting and make it harder to focus. Make a habit of cleaning up your workspace at the end of each day.
- Use labels. Labeling your storage bins and other containers can help you easily find what you need and keep things organized.
- Set limits on how much you buy. Avoid impulse purchases and only buy what you really need.
- Bulk Shop. I just told you to set limits and now I’m saying bulk shop. Let me explain. At the beginning of the year, I bulk shop for certain items that I know I will need on a regular basis. I shop once a year for these items. It keeps me from having to run back and forth to the store, which ultimately results in me spending unnecessary money-
Laundry Detergent, Toilet Tissue, Paper Towels, Toothpaste, Mouth Wash, Trash Bags, and Dishwashing Liquid - Don’t procrastinate. Tackle tasks as soon as you can to avoid letting them pile up.
- Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Use a filing system. Keep important documents and papers organized with a filing system.
- Use a digital task manager. Apps like Trello and Asana can help you stay organized and track your progress on tasks.
- Use a password manager. A password manager can help you keep track of all your login information and keep it organized and secure.
- Use a timer. Set a timer to help you stay focused and on track.
- Take breaks. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take breaks to rest and recharge so you can stay organized and focused.
- Incorporate me time. Do not allow yourself to get so overworked and overwhelmed that you do not schedule any time to simply decompress.
Organization Rules
- Use the “touch it once” rule. When you handle an item, make a decision about what to do with it right away, rather than setting it aside to deal with later.
- Follow the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item, you bring into your home, get rid of one that you no longer need or use.
- Use the “two-minute rule.” If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it right away.
- Donations Rule- Schedule Donation Pick-Ups Monthly. I had two organizations that would come out monthly on designated days to pick up donations. This really helped to keep me on task with going through stuff and decluttering items. Each month I had a bag of stuff ready to go.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can take control of your life and stay organized. It may take time and practice to develop these habits, but the benefits of being organized are well worth the effort.
Resources
2023 Divine Life and Home Planner: A Guide for Creating a Beautifully Decorated and Organized Life and Home.
This is such a cute planner that covers so many aspects of organizing your life. This will definitely keep you on track. If you are anything like me, then I absolutely use a planner to keep me on task.
———- PRODUCTIVITY TIP ———-
- Everyone that knows me personally knows about my 15-minute rule. I only spend 15 min per day cleaning my home. With over 5000 sqft of space, it can become time-consuming. Not at all! Outside of cleaning my kitchen, I only commit to 15 min per day. Mondays, I may clean bathrooms, and Tuesdays I may be vacuuming. Regardless of the task, I’m only doing 15 minutes per day! I never feel overwhelmed.
Resources
DIY Adjustable Bathroom Makeup CarouselÂ
One of the hardest areas to keep organized tends to be our make-up counters. This round organizing station is by all means giving my bathroom vanity new life.
Aromatherapy: Diffusers & Essential Oils
There is something amazing about walking into a home that smells good
A diffuser can be a great addition to your home as it can help improve your mood and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
Final Thoughts On How To Organize Your Life
Organizing your life can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. It’s important to remember that everyone’s needs and priorities are different, so it’s okay to tailor your organization systems to what works best for you. It’s also important to be patient with yourself and recognize that it may take some time to develop a system that works for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out resources like books, podcasts, or professional organizers if you need additional guidance. Finally, be sure to take breaks and reward yourself for your progress. Remember that organization is a journey, not a destination, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t fall into place perfectly right away. By focusing on the big picture and staying consistent, you’ll be well on your way to a more organized and fulfilling life.
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