Are you struggling to find ways to get organized and stay organized? Does the thought of even beginning to organize your life seem daunting? Not to mention keeping it that way.
I’ve struggled with getting organized for years, and I still do in certain areas of my life. I probably always will. Because as your life changes, you need to adjust and change the way you organize. For example, moving to a smaller house last year required me to make some new changes to my routines. It’s a continual process.
But, I do believe staying organized is essential to living a simpler, more purpose-filled life. And, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
So try adding the following techniques below to your routine. You’ll be able to get organized, stay organized, and have more time to spend on what’s meaningful to you.
Twelve Must-Do Methods to Get Organized and Stay Organized
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Create an Organizing Goal and a Plan of Action
Everyone has their own opinion on what it takes to be organized. What does it mean to you? Is it a spotless home with color-coordinated labeled baskets in the closet? Or is it just being able to find something when you need it? Perhaps you’d like to remember when and where your appointments are for the day. Or, maybe you wish to get more things done each day with less hassle.
The first step in organizing your life is to write down what it is you want to accomplish. Take some time to think about it and be specific about what you want.
Next, decide what you need to do to achieve that goal. Do you need to remove clutter, create better systems, or choose better habits such as straightening your house every morning or putting something back where it belongs after using it?
Divide Your Organizing Plan Into Small Do-able Tasks
Once you have your goal and plan of action written down, create simple, doable tasks to complete it in less time. It’s much easier to devote a few minutes a day to clean a small area than it is to schedule an entire day to clean your home. If you spend a few minutes each day focusing on smaller tasks, you’ll have your whole house organized in no time.
Also, create a list of tasks you can do quickly and place it where you will easily see it. Then as time permits, complete a task and check it off your list.
By doing this, you’ll feel an immediate sense of accomplishment each time you check off a task. It will give you the encouragement and momentum you need to keep going.
Focus on One New Habit at a Time
Begin incorporating new habits into your routine. Establishing habits is the best way to ensure you stay organized.
However, don’t start a bunch of new habits all at once. Instead, focus on one new routine at a time. Stick with that routine until you do it automatically, without even thinking about it. Once that is accomplished, add your next habit to your schedule.
Get Rid of the Clutter!
You can’t organize clutter. You can only move it around a bit to create a sense of orderliness. But it won’t last. Soon your room will be just as disorganized as before. Probably more disorganized. Why? Because clutter is like rabbits, it multiplies.
That’s why if you want to organize your life and keep it that way, the clutter must go. There’s no other way. No routine or new habit will work unless you eliminate the excess stuff in your life.
And, clutter doesn’t consist of just excess physical items. It can be a calendar filled with too many appointments and time commitments. It can even be having too many things on your mind causing you to worry and lose sleep. Clutter is anything in your life that is excessive or overwhelming. Weeding out excess stuff from your life is essential to achieving an organized life.
For more information on decluttering your home and life check out The Best Way to Declutter Your Home Fast When Downsizing
Take Care of Yourself
Make it your top priority to take care of your health (physically, mentally, and spiritually). Too many appointments on your calendar can cause you to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Let go of some of those commitments and learn to say no to things that aren’t in your best interest.
Limit Distractions and Time Wasters
In this age of cell phones, social media, and tv, it can be challenging to stay focused and on task. If you find yourself easily distracted by the abundance of information being thrown at you each day, turn off the technology. That’s right, turn off the television and silence the phone. Devote 100% of your attention to whatever you are working on. You’ll achieve more in less time.
Organize in a Way That Makes Sense to You
The best way to organize is the one that works for you. No one can tell you the exact way you need to go about organizing your home and life. Sure, someone can give you suggestions or ideas, but you have to decide how you will do it.
And the best way to organize is the one that makes sense to you. It involves eliminating things that no longer have a purpose in your life. It’s placing an item within easy reach and then returning it to its place when you’re finished with it. And, it’s developing the best morning routine to get you out the door on time.
It’s also finding ways to make your life run smoother and be more manageable, so you have more time and energy to devote to the meaningful things in your life.
Write Everything Down – Don’t Rely on Memory
We have so many things to remember these days it’s unwise to rely solely on memory alone. Instead, its best to write down all those little snippets of information in an easy to reach location such as your phone, datebook, or small notebook.
Use a Daily Planner and Calendar
One of the easiest methods to get organized is using a daily planner. It allows you to plan your day, your week, and your month ahead of time. If you want to make the best use of your time, you need to use a daily planner.
You need to select a planner or calendar in the same way you choose your organization style. There are many options available; make sure to find a planner that works best for your needs. My personal favorite is the Planner Pads . I’ve used it for more than five years, and it fits well with my lifestyle. It provides everything I need and want in a daily planner.
Keep Your Organizing System Simple, Flexible, and Stress-Free
Don’t try to create elaborate organizing systems. The best one is a straightforward system that is flexible, simple to do, and easy to maintain. Don’t overcomplicate this. Stick with a simple routine you’re more likely to use.
Keep Going
Getting organized and staying organized takes time, energy, and persistence. It can be easy to slip back into old habits and practices. But don’t. Stick with it. Adjust your routines as needed and keep going. Your reward will be a more organized and stress-free life.
Do you have a unique way that’s worked for you to get organized and stay organized? If so, I’d love to hear it. Please comment below.
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