Create good habits to organize your life. Sounds simple, right? Problem is you need to break your old habits and stick to the new routine. It may be tough at first but when you realize how much easier your life has become, you’ll want to keep it up. If you try one method and it doesn’t seem to work for you, then change it up!

How To Organize Your Life?

1. Write it down

Whether you use a notepad and pen or electronics, always make a note of what you have to do. Don’t rely on your memory to keep track of every task.

Choose one tool and stick to it. Don’t make lists on post-it notes, in notebooks, on your phone and on that napkin that you’re not sure if you threw away or not. Having everything in one place will make it easy to refer back to later.

I recommend having a dedicated notebook or an app on your cell where you can make a note of your thoughts as they occur. I personally use an app on my phone called Google Keep which allows me to make notes, checklists, drawings, voice notes and to add images. (Click here for the Apple version and here for the website.) As I usually have my cell with me everywhere I go, this is the most convenient option for me. Notes are synced to the Google account that is connected to the app so they can be accessed on other devices anywhere and reminders can be set if needed.

I prefer electronic to-do lists and notes because I can easily organize and shift tasks around without creating a mess that leaves me feeling chaotic.

2. Don’t procrastinate

Create an easy to-do list and place the most urgent tasks at the top. Tackle your most important tasks first even if they’re not things you want to do. Getting the important jobs done early in the day will make you feel accomplished and ready to take on the simpler chores.

3. Create a home for everything

Give all of the items in your home a special place to live. Subdivide drawers, shelves and cupboards using storage containers, baskets or trays. Store items of similar nature in them and label each container so you, and everyone else in the house, knows exactly what goes where. For example, one large desk drawer can be dedicated to stationery and divided using small baskets which separate pens, post-it note pads and printer paper.

After you have used an item, put it back in its rightful place immediately. This prevents the build-up of clutter and aids in keeping organization easy to maintain.

4. Learn to delegate

If you’re anything like me, you believe that if you want something done right, it’s best to do it yourself. Over the years, I’ve been slowly and sometimes painfully, learning that I can’t do everything myself and that I need help. You can’t work a full-time job, take care of your kids, do laundry, cook three meals seven days a week, sleep eight hours, exercise daily and have leisure time too. I’m tired just thinking about it. You need to call in reinforcements and work out a system.

If you can’t hire help to clean the house, then assign chores weekly or monthly to the others in your household. Maybe this week, you only cook dinner three nights and use the leftovers the following days. Whatever you choose to do, just know that you can’t do it all yourself.

5. Utilize the recycling bin and the trash

This applies to both the physical and digital world. Don’t waste your time organizing items that you don’t need in the first place.

Create folders on your computer, where you can sort files and emails that you need. When you read new emails, either move them to the appropriate folder for later reference or delete them straight away. I had hundreds of emails just sitting in my inbox and one day, I sat down and sorted through them. I deleted more than I kept. Now my inbox is empty and all the emails that I need to keep are categorized in labelled folders.

Repeat this same method with your physical mail. Create a filing system that works for you and store important documents only. Shred any paper items with your personal information before discarding them.

You can apply this to your entire home, not just the mail. Sort through your closets, kitchen, medicine cabinets. You will probably be surprised at the amount of stuff you have that you don’t use or that’s expired.

Why Organization Is Important

1. You’ll be more productive

Whether it’s your daily to-do list or your yearly goals, writing tasks down is a great way to prevent you from floundering. You’ll save time because you’re focused and you know what you need to do and when you need to do it. You will spend less time doing things you have to and more time doing activities you want to.

2. Save money

Never buy the same thing twice because you can’t find the one you have at home or you didn’t realize you already owned one.

Schedule bills you need to pay or items that need to be returned by a specific due date to avoid late fees.

3. Reduces clutter

Maintain a clutter-free home that will leave you feeling peaceful.

Now tell me, what are some of the ways you stay organized?