Whether you’re trying to organize your whole life or just a couple aspects of it, no amount is too small! Even if you just start with decluttering, it has the ability to clear your mind and motivate you to start other projects. If you’re interested in the other benefits of organizing, which can be extremely motivating, check out Neat House Sweet Home’s list of ten reasons why you should be organized.
Feeling motivated to organize? Great! Even if you’re not a naturally organized person, get started down the path to a simpler life with some inspiration from nine habits of organized people that you can integrate into your day.
How to be organized: 9 easy habits
1. Don’t just put things down; put them away
The next time you start to set something down, stop. and ask yourself: Is this where it belongs? It only takes a few moments to put something away versus hours to put away the piles that otherwise accumulate.
2. Declutter
It’s easier to get organized—and stay organized—when you have less stuff. Consider how each item serves you. Aim to surround yourself with only those things you love and use. Let go of the rest. Not sure where to start? Check out our 13 tips for stress-free spring cleaning that covers the important step of decluttering.
3. Embrace routines
Get in the habit of doing routine things in a routine way. When you enter your home, for example, where do you put your coat or purse? To create a new habit, like making your bed every morning, do it right after something you do already, like brushing your teeth. This practice is called “anchoring”, and is proven to lead to success in maintaining habits.
4. Make daily to-do lists
Determine your top three most important things to do each day. Then schedule blocks of time to complete each one. Take advantage of free apps such as Wunderlist or Todoist to keep track of your master to-do list.
5. Build in buffer time
Leave some buffer time between activities (say 30 minutes) to accommodate unexpected delays such as weather, mechanical problems or traffic jams.
6. Plan ahead
Are you always scrambling at the last minute to hit deadlines? Whether you’re packing for a move or hosting a party, plan to have as much as possible done as early as possible. Do at least one thing every day that moves you closer towards your targeted end date.
7. Slow down
Just as driving too fast can result in an accident, hurrying through projects and tasks can sometimes result in costly mistakes. Avoid do-overs and unnecessary expenses by slowing down.
8. Focus
It’s possible to manage multiple projects and tasks—just not all at the same time. Give your full attention to the task at hand, whether it’s driving, preparing dinner or having a phone conversation.
9. Know when to say no
When your calendar is already full, saying yes to another task, project, or event, often means saying “no” to something you really wanted to do. If you find it difficult to say no, simply ask if you can think about it, then it will be easier to say no later on.
