Don’t simply leave something on your nightstand; instead, create a space specifically for that item. Do the same for everything in your home so that things aren’t left lying around without a place to live. Keep something like a basket or small stand near the front door where you can place things you need to deal with when you have more time. This might include your mail, items from the store, or things from school and work.
Get organizational storage containers, folders, and boxes to help your place stay organized. You can buy items designated for organized storage from many department and furniture stores, or you can make your own using things like cups, shoe boxes, and dishes. Make these organizational pieces a bit more attractive with a coat of paint or a covering of fabric. Consider the last time you used the items you are sorting through. If it has been many months or years since you last needed it, consider throwing it out.
Keep your emotions separate from the items you are sorting. Sure, your great aunt may have given you that porcelain knickknack, but do you truly want or need it? Make steps to throw these things out, and don’t feel like a bad person for doing so. Separate things you get rid of into piles such as trash, donations, and things to sell. Then, process each pile accordingly. Hold a garage or yard sale to make some money on the things you are throwing out. Large items, such as furniture or electronics, can be listed on online selling sites like eBay or Craigslist so that you don’t have to host a large event in order to make your money. [2] X Research source
When you’re shopping, ask yourself where in your home that piece will go. Do you have a specific location for it, where it can stay permanently? When you go to the store, keep a list of the things you are looking for. Then, as you search for items do not stray from your list. You will come back with only what you need, rather than what you thought you needed. Consider the money you save by avoiding that sale. Although you may be making a bargain purchase, you are still spending money on something you might not need.
If the task you are considering takes less than two minutes, just do it right away. Getting it done will leave your house organized and give you less to do later. If there are several things laying around in the same area, take a few minutes to put them all back. This will keep the unruly pile from growing larger and more difficult to deal with.
If you do think that everything in your life needs to be organized choose one thing to focus on. Then move on to another thing. [5] X Expert Source Kathi Burns, CPO®Board Certified Professional Organizer Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.
Avoid filling out common activities that will clutter your calendar, but things that you have firm plans to actually do. This could include classes, your work schedule, doctors appointments, and major events such as weddings and funerals. Review your filled-out calendar and look at your typical weekly schedule. When are your breaks? Do you have short periods of time between events that you can use to your benefit? When are you busiest?
Try color-coding your planner to organize it even further. Use a single color to mark like events (such as homework or trips to the store) and some colors to mark important events (like using red to show something that must be done on time). Carry your planner with you everywhere. It does you no good to have a planner but then leave it at home or laying under a pile of things. In order to stay organized, keep it in your purse, your car, on your desk, somewhere that you will remember to grab it.
Add little check boxes next to each task, even if it seems silly. Ticking off the boxes as you work through your day will give you a visual reminder of your hard work, and leave you feeling fulfilled and proud of your work. Keep your to-do list someplace you will see it often, to remind you of the tasks you have to accomplish. You may even consider keeping it in your planner. Finish the biggest projects on your to do list before getting to smaller ones. For example, finish “scrub the fridge” before “sort the mail” to give you momentum and make yourself more productive.
Set a timer for fifteen minutes and work like crazy during that time. Don’t get distracted, take any breaks, or stop for any reason but an emergency during the time your timer is going. Then, allow yourself to stop working on your tasks when the timer goes off. Likely though, you will continue working because you finally managed to make headway on a project you’ve been avoiding. Remove your distractions, whatever they are. Often it is the internet, your phone, sleep, or even a good book. No matter what distracts you, set a period of time where you work on projects without them.
Learn to delegate projects to others. [13] X Research source If you know you have to go grocery shopping but are much too busy to consider the idea, ask a family member or close friend to run the errand for you. As long as you aren’t putting off major tasks or giving things that are important for you personally to do to others, delegating can be healthy. Don’t agree to everything you are asked to do if you know you don’t have time for it. Your friends won’t hate you, your boss won’t think you slack, and your significant other will understand if you need your free time to get some personal work and organization done. [14] X Research source
Don’t put off projects any longer, and know when a project is adequately finished and can be left alone. When you reach a point where it is “good enough,” settle for less and move on to your next item. If you have certain projects that you can’t seem to perfect, try taking a break from them and come back after you’ve finished a few other smaller tasks. You will accomplish more in the same amount of time, rather than getting bored and wasting time on a single unperfected task.
