Becoming organized is a great way to take control of your life. If your home or workspace is cluttered and chaotic, you will likely feel overwhelmed and stuck. It’s hard to decide what to do next when so many things need your attention immediately. As a result, you may find it difficult to prioritize tasks and achieve your goals.
There is some good news, though. Your life will run more smoothly once your space is clear and well-organized. Focusing, being creative, and finishing projects is easier when you aren’t distracted and mentally weighed down by your cluttered environment and out-of-control schedule.
In short, becoming organized will set you up for long-term success. Here are 10 Great Ways to {Finally!} Get Organized:
#1 Focus on One Project at a Time
Multi-tasking might seem productive, but it splits your focus and slows you down. Instead of bouncing between tasks, focus on one project at a time. You’ll complete it faster, produce better results, and feel less overwhelmed. The key to staying organized is giving your full attention to what matters most in the moment.
If you’re unsure where to start, brainstorm a list of all the areas of your life that need attention. Then, pick just one area to focus on first. This could be a relatively small task, such as organizing your kitchen junk drawer, to give yourself a “quick win.” Or you could choose a larger project, like organizing your office or closet, that will have a more immediate and noticeable impact.
#2 Purge & Pare Down
Once you’ve chosen an area to focus on, the next step is to get rid of anything you no longer need, use, or love. For example, if you decide to organize your closet, remove and get rid of any items that no longer fit, need repaired, or you haven’t worn in a while.
Tip: One of the biggest mistakes you can make is shopping for storage solutions before decluttering. Focus on clearing out and get rid of items that no longer serve you first, so you’ll know what you actually need.
#3 Designate a Place for Everything
Once you’ve pared things down, it’s time to find a logical place for everything. The goal isn’t to shove items out of sight into closets or drawers, however. Instead, focus on finding solutions that make sense.
For example, keep cleaning supplies together in a portable carryall for easy access, or store supplies for each room in their respective spaces. A place for everything means less time spent searching for what you need - and more time enjoying a tidy, functional space.
#4 Create Effective Systems
Systems simplify your life by creating easy-to-replicate routines for tasks you do repeatedly. For example, here’s a simple system for handling mail:
Open and respond to items that are timely and important
Designate a single place for items you need to address later
File what you need to keep
Shred (if necessary) and discard what you don’t
Other systems you could create include meal planning, weekly cleaning schedules, and pet care.
#5 Backup Important Files
Chances are you have a lot of important files stored on your computer, including family photos, personal finance records, favorite recipes, and other significant documents.
Protect your files by backing them up regularly. Use cloud storage services and/or external hard drives to ensure nothing gets lost. A daily or weekly backup routine is essential, especially if your work or personal life relies on digital files.
Take Action: Take 10-15 minutes right now to review your file backup system. If you don’t have one, check out services like BackBlaze or something similar to get started.
#6 Use Financial/Accounting Software
Finances are one of the most common areas where people feel disorganized. The solution? Find a financial tool or app that works for you.
Choose something you can access on both your computer and phone, if you need to use it on the go. Look for one that helps you budget, track spending, pay off debt, and plan for taxes. Knowing exactly where your money stands at a glance will reduce stress and help you stay on track.
#7 Use a Calendar or Planner
A reliable calendar or planner is key to staying organized and on top of your priorities. Whether you prefer a digital solution, such as Google Calendar or Evernote, or an old-school pen and paper option, choose something simple and easy to use that works for you.
Finding the right system will keep you focused, organized, and prepared for what lies ahead.
#8 Create a List of Current Goals
You are much more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. So, take some time to outline what you want to achieve, why it matters to you, and how you’ll get there.
For greater success, use the popular SMART framework for goal setting. That means making your goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Then, break each goal into smaller, manageable steps with deadlines. Add these steps to your planner so you can tackle them one at a time.
Don’t forget to have some fun with this process by rewarding yourself when you reach certain milestones and accomplish your goals.
#9 Dedicate 15 Minutes Every Day
Spending just 15 minutes each day tidying up can make a big difference. You can make it a habit by blocking out time at the end of each day to straighten your home or clear your workspace.
This one daily habit will keep clutter from piling up and ensure you wake up to a clean, organized environment. This quick daily cleanup routine will help you start off each day on the right foot.
#10 Establish Daily Priorities
Look at your goals and calendar each day and identify two to three tasks you want to accomplish above all else. These are the tasks that you’ll focus on and tackle first.
Establishing priorities helps you organize your day, manage your time, and increase productivity. Prioritize tasks that have the biggest impact on your success.
By taking these steps, you’ll create spaces and systems that reduce stress and boost productivity so you can focus on what truly matters. Getting organized doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. All you need to do is start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life.
