Being organized is the best way to take control of your life, and it’s not just something you do at the start of every year – it’s something you can do at any day, and at any time. Ideally, the best time you can start is right now, at this moment.
Here’s how you can get started making your life more organized:
1. Get everything written down.
The first step to remembering something is getting it written down, and this is where planners, or even a simple notebook, can really come in handy.
In a lot of cases, a simple notebook is even better than a planner as it could help you jot down almost anything that you came across but don’t want to forget, such as sudden chores, tasks, or things could help you get closer to your goals.
2. Give your things a place where they should be.
The phrase “getting rid of clutter” doesn’t always mean “throwing away stuff” – it also means putting stuff back in their place after using them. If you find that your room or desk is messy, now is the best time to put things back in order.
Once you see that you room is a lot cleaner and more organized than before, you can start to appreciate the amount of space that your room actually has.
3. Know when to get rid of things you don’t need anymore.
If your room is bursting with stuff, it might be time to start getting rid of the ones you don’t need or haven’t used for a long time. While this usually means getting rid of physical things to include only the ones you use, this also extends to other aspects of your life.
You should also make it a point to de-clutter regularly. Because stuff doesn’t organize on its own (instead, it either clutters or builds up), you need to take the time to clean house.
4. Get an app.
An app that reminds you of the things in your to-do list for the short- or long-term is one way to motivate you to get started on your track. The good news is that there are all kinds of these organizing apps that can help you out, and they’re both easy and fun to use.
5. Lay out your clothing for the next day.
Being prepared for the day ahead and laying things out for easy access when you need those lets you reinforce your other habits, which can help you become a more organized person.
For instance, you can lay out next day’s work clothes or uniform the night before, or before getting into the shower, which can save you a lot of time when getting ready for school or work.