Life can get pretty hectic. Between work, family, hobbies, and everything else in between, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up.
But the good news is that I’ve got some strategies to get organized and help you turn that chaos into calm.
Whether you’re a busy parent trying to keep track of school schedules and soccer practices or someone looking to streamline your daily routine, there’s something in my post to help.
Key Takeaways
- When you organize your life, you find practical ways to consistently manage your time and priorities. It’s totally doable!
- Think of setting SMART goals, getting into good routines, and making plans that are flexible yet focused to build an organized life that works for you.
- Getting organized is about more than just tidying up your desk. It’s about organizing your work, home, digital life, social calendar, mental well-being, fitness goals, and even your finances!
- Using tools like free printables and checklists can help you get your life organized and give you free time.
9 Simple Steps For How to Organize Your Life Effectively
Ready to learn how to organize your life and kick chaos to the curb?
When you organize your life, you go further than decluttering your physical space (though that’s part of it!) by taking control of your time and priorities.
With some simple yet powerful strategies and being consistent, you can transform your life from chaos to calm, one step at a time.
1. Say Goodbye To Old Habits- Try New Habits!
Swapping out some bad habits for new good habits can work wonders for keeping stress levels low and helping you stay organized.
I’ve worked hard to build new daily routines around good habits, like exercise, time management, and self-care, so I can take care of myself without sacrificing the things that matter.
Here are a few bad habits and how you could change them to help you organize your life and incorporate healthy habits for personal well-being:
- Procrastination: Start tackling tasks as soon as they come up, breaking them into smaller steps to make them less daunting.
- Mindless Snacking: Swap out some snacks for more nutritious options like fruits, nuts, or veggies, and keep them handy. Have some chips or crackers, but limit if you snack on them mindlessly.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Incorporate movement into your day with short breaks to stretch, walks, yoga, or regular exercise sessions you enjoy.
- Negative Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive quotes and affirmations and focus on your strengths and achievements. Free up that mental energy!
- Skipping Breakfast: Instead of skipping breakfast, make it a habit to start your day with a nutritious meal, no matter how small.
2. Figure Out Your Goals
Setting goals is like creating a roadmap for organizing your life. It’s a practical tool for staying focused and on track.
My favorite way to set goals by using the SMART goal-setting method:
- S – BeSspecific. Instead of saying, “I want to be more organized,” try, “I want to declutter my closet by the end of the month.”
- M – Make goals Measurable. Break your big goal into smaller tasks. Then, decide the number of items you want to declutter each day or how many minutes you’ll spend organizing per day.
- A – Set goals that are Achievable. Dreaming big is fantastic, but keep it real. Don’t aim to organize your entire life in a week. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and organizing your life won’t be either.
- R – Keep it Relevant. Set goals that make sense for you, not because it’s what’s expected; do what needs to get done for you.
- T – Make it Time-bound. Set deadlines: “I’ll declutter my closet someday,” won’t cut it. Set a date, like “By April 30th, my closet will be clutter-free.”
Now, let’s get into action mode:
Create a detailed action plan. Break down each goal into actionable steps, like “Day 1: Sort through clothes, Day 2: Donate unwanted items,” and so on.
Visualize your progress with a timeline. Seeing how far you’ve come can be super motivating. Plus, it helps you stay on track and adjust your plans if needed.
Check-in regularly on your progress. Life throws curveballs, and that’s okay. Maybe you need to tweak your goals or change your timeline. Don’t get discouraged, Mama!
3. Create New Routines
Routines make it easier to tackle tasks and achieve goals. I started simple with a morning routine checklist, and I’ve been using it for a long time to get myself productive.
With routines in place, you can tackle tasks with confidence, knowing exactly what needs to be done and when.
I wanted to start off my day with a clean bedroom, get laundry going so it wasn’t piled up every weekend, and have a little me time.
The beauty of routines is that they’re totally customizable. You get to decide what goes into your routine and how you want to structure your day.
Start by setting a regular time for exercise or meal prep, or perhaps carve out a dedicated chunk of time for work-related tasks each day.
4. Make Plans & Strategies
Planning is key. Having a clear plan will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by everything you need to do.
Set aside some time to sit down and think about what you want to achieve.
Using calendars to jot down important dates, deadlines, and tasks. You can also use planners, like my Chaos to Control Bundle, to have a plan ready and laid out for you across multiple areas.
But I find that within my plans, I need to prioritize tasks in case I have busy days or get too busy. That way, I at least get the most important things done rather than odds and ends around the house.
Take some time to identify the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your life and focus on those first. This will help you make the most of your time and energy.
Like I said, with SMART goals, I break big tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes them feel less daunting, and I stay motivated and on task.
5. Work With Your Schedule & Needs
One of the biggest tips for how to organize your life is to work with your schedule and needs.
I’m always busier when there’s dance practice, Girl Scouts, etc., and I’ll get “less done” around the house because those are the important tasks for the day that matter to my girls and me.
It’s all about finding the balance between your responsibilities, commitments, and personal well-being:
- First off, take a good look at your schedule. Identify your priorities for the day/week, whether they’re work-related, family commitments, or personal goals.
- Once you have a clear understanding of what matters to you and what needs doing, you can organize your time accordingly.
- Next, be realistic about your schedule and needs. Don’t try to cram too much into your day or overcommit yourself because that’s how we get into burnout!
- Remember to leave some wiggle room for unexpected events or downtime to recharge.
Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned. I had to learn that lesson as our family grew, and we had more going on!
6. Use Free Printables!
Free printables are a fantastic resource on how to organize your life. These help you make a personal development plan without the extra work of planning everything alone.
I’ve shared dozens of free printable templates that are ready to tackle everything from meal planning and budgeting to goal setting and daily schedules – all without spending a dime!
These handy tools not only add a pop of personality to your planning process but also provide structure and clarity to your tasks, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your game.
Print out what you need, laminate it to make it reusable, and let the plans guide you as you tackle each task.
7. Declutter Your Life
Decluttering your life is a major step in how to organize your life.
Dealing with too much stuff around our house got me stressed out, and I know clutter can cause cognitive overload, stress, and a negative impact on anyone’s mental health.
I created a decluttering checklist (see below with my other printables!) to clear out the physical clutter, make space for what we really needed and cared about, and tell myself I can’t buy more stuff unless I donate more.
But you might be dealing with more clutter than just the stuff in your house- you may have mental and emotional clutter holding you back.
You need to let go of things that weigh you down – whether it’s too much stuff, toxic relationships, or negative thoughts.
8. Organize Yourself
Now that we’ve created goals and plans and reduced the stressors, we can organize what remains and tidy up.
To organize yourself, start by evaluating areas where you feel things get cluttered and thinking about how bins, baskets, and other storage solutions would keep things where they should be.
I make sure everything has a “home” where it belongs, and we’re all getting into the habit of putting everything away when we’re done with it and picking up right away.
If this goes beyond your personal life and you need to be more organized with work and time management, it’s time to get helpful tools.
Put everything into the calendar, use task lists to complete projects, and avoid distractions.
Try using apps like Asana for a visual reminder to help you get organized, plan ahead, and be focused with less stress.
9. Aim For Consistency
Instead of chasing after perfection, maybe focus on just what you need done and then be consistent.
I needed to focus on laundry more, and it is a huge part of my morning routine, so I don’t have to stress about doing five loads on Saturdays anymore.
When you’re consistent with your organizational efforts, you’re setting yourself up for success to keep things organized after all your hard work.
Organizing Different Areas
From your work and home to your online presence and business endeavors, staying organized is key to success and balance in all areas of how to organize your life.
Work
Work is a major part of our lives. I mean, if you work outside your home, you spend over half your time there, so it’s important to keep things organized and prevent stress.
Effectively organizing workdays is crucial, regardless of whether you’re working from an office, from home, or running your own business.
How do you stay on top of things at work? Well, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between long-term planning and daily action.
Setting clear priorities that line up with your big-picture goals helps us stay focused and get stuff done.
Don’t forget about lists—they help you organize your life. Whether you’re jotting down daily tasks or planning out your entire week, lists keep you on track and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Home
As you’ve read, most of my article is about organizing at home since that’s what I have to tackle the most.
Keeping your home clean and organized is not just about having a Pinterest-worthy space (although that’s a nice bonus).
It’s about boosting your overall well-being and making your daily life a whole lot smoother.
One trick? Use organization in your decor if you want things to look nice but be functional to stay clutter-free.
Find stylish storage solutions for your frequently used items, so they’re not just cluttering up your space—they’re part of the vibe.
Phone/Social Media
Organizing your phone and setting limits are sneaky ways to get back to productivity.
First up, those pesky notifications. They’re like little attention thieves, constantly pulling you away from what’s important.
Take back control by turning off any non-essential notifications, especially at times when you need to focus on work and not your phone. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Next, let’s talk about those social media apps. Sure, they’re fun, but let’s be real—how many of them do you actually need?
Consider doing a little spring cleaning and deleting the ones that don’t add much value to your life. Your future self will thank you for it.
Social Life
Your social life is the friendships, gatherings, and memories that make life more enjoyable. It’s where you connect with others, share laughs, and create lasting bonds.
But here’s the thing: without a little TLC, your social life can quickly become overwhelming. It’s all about making sure your social calendar doesn’t spiral out of control.
You need to set aside time with people you love, but overbooking yourself is a recipe for disaster that can negatively impact your home and other responsibilities.
Keep track of social events in an agenda or planner. This way, you can avoid over-scheduling and make sure you don’t miss out on any important gatherings.
Plus, it’s a great way to get organized and on top of your commitments in the same place for every aspect of your life.
Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical well-being. When my mind is clear and organized, everything else falls into place, and I can think through things in a better mental space.
It starts with acknowledging and addressing the sources of stress in our lives. Take a moment to pause and reflect on what’s weighing you down. ‘
It takes into account all the things above and reminds you to add free time and pamper time to take care of and nurture yourself.
Eating & Fitness
Eating and fitness- two pillars of our daily lives that keep us feeling our best, inside and out. They’re not just about looking good; they’re about feeling good, too.
Meal prep is your best friend here, and I added it to my weekend routine to shop, cut, and do whatever I need to make my weeknights go faster.
Spending a little time planning and preparing your meals in advance can save you tons of time and stress during the week.
Plus, it helps you stick to a balanced diet, so you’re fueling your body with the good stuff.
Now, onto fitness. Whether you hit the gym, go for a run, or do yoga or Zumba at home, find something you enjoy and stick to it.
Sleep & Self-Care
Enough sleep and self-care are essential to get organized and be at your best.
A peaceful night’s sleep leaves you feeling refreshed and energized, ready to tackle the day with clarity and focus. I do better on days when I sleep better, and I’m sure you feel the same!
By carving out time for quality sleep and nurturing self-care, you’re giving yourself the gift of rejuvenation and setting the stage for a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Think cozy bedtime routines for proper rest, relaxing baths, and indulgent moments of pampering – all designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul.
Plus, when you’re well-rested, properly rested, and taking care of yourself, you’ll find that staying organized becomes a whole lot easier.
Free Printables To Clean & Organize
To help you on your journey towards an organized life, let’s get into my collection of free printable resources.
Feel free to download and print these resources, including post-it notes, to start organizing your life today!
Decluttering Checklist
A decluttering checklist can be a great tool for guiding you through the process. It provides a systematic approach, ensuring you don’t miss any areas.
My checklist goes through every room in your house to give you ideas of what to go through and say goodbye to.
Deep Cleaning House Checklist
Ready to conquer clutter once and for all? My deep-cleaning house checklist is here to guide you every step of the way.
I know how overwhelming it can be to tackle messes around the house that you haven’t kept up with, but let me break it down and make it easier on you.
From tackling overflowing closets to sorting through that mysterious junk drawer, this handy checklist breaks down the decluttering process into manageable tasks.
Monthly Goals Checklist
Get ready to turn your dreams into reality with my monthly goals checklist!
Whether you’re aiming to crush career milestones, cultivate healthier habits, or simply make more time for self-care, this handy tool will help you stay accountable all month long.
My printable has space to outline your goals, break them down into actionable steps, and track your progress along the way.
To-Do List Collection
Tackle your day like a pro with my to-do checklists!
I’ve got daily, weekly, monthly, project, and more to-do lists so you can easily plan your goals and tasks.
My to-do checklists are designed to help you prioritize your tasks, stay focused, and track your progress throughout the day.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a go-getter at work, or just someone with a lot on their plate, these handy lists are your secret weapon for staying organized and on top of your tasks.
Bedroom Cleaning Checklist
A bedroom should be a sanctuary, a peaceful space where you can relax and rejuvenate.
My Bedroom Cleaning Checklists provides a detailed guide to help you maintain a clean and organized bedroom.
I’ve got a deep cleaning checklist as well as a daily checklist to help you maintain the cleanliness you just created.
Cleaning Schedule Templates
Keep your home sparkling clean with my cleaning schedule templates!
These handy tools are designed to streamline your cleaning routine and keep your space looking its best. They break down your tasks into manageable chunks.
Whether you prefer to tackle your cleaning all at once or spread it out over the week, my templates offer flexibility to fit your needs.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition that involves giving your home a thorough cleaning.
Get ready to welcome the freshness of spring into your home with my spring cleaning checklist!
These handy checklists break down everything you need to tackle to give your home a thorough seasonal refresh.
Grocery List Templates
Never forget an essential item at the grocery store again with my handy grocery list printables!
Whether you’re a meal-planning pro or a last-minute shopper, these customizable lists are your ticket to stress-free grocery shopping.
Simply print out our template, jot down your must-have items, and head to the store with confidence.
There are sections for all your grocery categories – from produce and dairy to pantry staples and household essentials so you’ll never wander through the aisles again.
Budgeting Template
Take control of your finances and achieve your money goals with my budgeting templates!
Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, paying off debt, or just looking to control your spending more effectively, these customizable templates are your ticket to financial success.
With my budgeting templates, you can easily track your income, expenses, and savings goals all in one convenient place.
From monthly budgets to debt repayment plans to savings trackers, we’ve got everything you need to create a personalized budget that works for you.
Bill Organizer
Stay on top of your bills and never miss a payment again with my bill organizer!
You can track your expenses, see where your money needs to go and make sure bills are paid and set without late fees.
With my bill organizer, you can easily track due dates, payment amounts, and recurring expenses all in one convenient place.
FAQs
What does it mean to organize my life?
Organizing your life means creating systems, routines, and habits that help you manage your time, tasks, and priorities effectively.
It’s about finding balance and structure in all areas of your life – whether it’s work, home, relationships, or personal well-being.
At its core, organizing your life is about bringing order to chaos. It’s about decluttering your physical space, streamlining your schedule, and prioritizing what’s most important to you.
Being an organized person isn’t just about being neat and tidy (although that’s certainly part of it). It’s about creating a life that feels balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling.
What parts of my life can be organized?
Almost every aspect of your life can benefit from some organization. Here are a few tips where you can organize your life and make a big difference:
- Personal Space: You can organize your life by organizing your home, office, and any other physical spaces you occupy.
- Time Management: Organize your life by prioritizing tasks, scheduling activities, and setting goals to make the most of your time each day.
- Finances: Tracking your income, expenses, and savings goals is essential for financial organization and can reduce financial stress.
- Health and Wellness: Organizing your health involves things like meal planning, exercise routines, and self-care practices to make sure you’re taking care of your well-being.
- Work and Career: Organizing your work life helps you manage repetitive tasks, deadlines, and projects effectively to maximize productivity and achieve professional success.
- Digital Life: This includes managing your digital devices, files, and online accounts to reduce digital clutter and improve efficiency.
- Personal Growth: Organizing your personal growth involves setting goals, learning new skills, and cultivating habits that support your personal development and fulfillment.
How can I get organized mentally?
To organize your thoughts and improve mental clarity, it’s important to:
- Stop and take a moment to identify the cause of your stress. Remember, it can be multiple problems to tackle physically, work-related, mentally, and more.
- Prioritize doing things to help yourself and tackle what is stressing you out as your priority.
- Channel attention and energy into productive activities that would make your life easier
- Schedule quality time with family members, and remember it’s also productive to do things that make you feel better.
- Accept that negative outcomes are possible while maintaining a mindset of not giving up without a fight.
How can I get organized in my daily life?
When you organize your life, it can make a huge difference in how smoothly your days go. Here are some simple tips to help you organize your life:
- Take a few minutes each morning to plan out your day. Write down your tasks and priorities, and schedule them into your calendar. Having a plan in place will help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.
- Not all tasks are created equal. Identify the most important tasks on your to-do list and tackle them first. This way, even if you don’t get everything done, you’ll have accomplished the most critical things.
- Large tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes them easier to tackle and helps you make progress more efficiently.
- Keep your workspace tidy and clutter-free. A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, so take a few minutes each day to tidy up your space.
- Take advantage of tools and resources to help you stay organized. This could be anything from a digital calendar and task manager to a physical planner or notebook.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your life may seem like a big task, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s entirely achievable, and you can manage your home and life.
You can create a system that works for you by setting goals, developing habits, decluttering, and managing different areas of life.
Using free printables can aid in this process, providing a visual and hands-on approach to organization. Remember, consistency is key, and it’s okay to make adjustments along the way.
