I think the key to an organized life is a bullet journal. Getting things down on paper and out of your mind helps to build a stable, organized life. If you’re constantly thinking about the shoe cupboard that you have to organize you probably won’t ever get it done. But if it’s there, in your journal, with a clear date and approximate time, you’ll probably do it.
Besides that, there are lots of little tips and tricks to help you live a more organized life. Here are a couple I swear by…
1. Start a bullet journal
Bullet journaling is the ultimate way to get your life together. You can start with a few points, things you need to do, appointments you need to make and people you need to see or call. All you need is a notebook and a few minutes to plan your week out. Different symbols mean different things so keep a key at the top of your notebook. Get started by reading the guide here.
2. Stop putting things off
On average, our motivation to do something slows down after 8 minutes of procrastinating. If you regularly put things off, by now you probably have a long list of things to do – so start at the top and work your way down. Don’t feel overwhelmed, pick a thing and do it, then reward yourself.
3. Create a rule for every action
It’s so simple, but it’s something we never stick by. If you use it, put it back. If you move it, make a note of it. If you finish it, throw it out. Before you leave a room, do a quick check, is everything organized? If you used anything is it put back? Taking a second glance over a room before you leave helps you feel more mindful, too, as you suddenly become aware of your surroundings and the objects you interacted with. Even something as simple as fluffing up the cushions you were sitting on can help you feel more organized.
4. Use an app
Clipix is a bit like Pinterest, it allows you to save photos, inspiration, recipes, and articles to a clipboard, the difference is you can also add emails, pdfs, important notes and other useful documents to a clipboard. If you’re trying to organize your life, we recommend creating boards for documents relating to taxes, your car, the doctor, job hunting and everything in between. Upload all the files there and you can always access them!
5. Automate as you tidy up
Cleaning in the shower and using a metal basket to tidy up your clutter are just two of the genius tips I discovered from researching my last organization article. Automating tidying so you can multi-task saves time, energy, and stops it feeling like a chore. From cleaning the mirror while you brush your teeth to emptying the dishwasher while you make a coffee, read the full guide here.
6. Create a keep and lose system
My favorite part of organizing is throwing stuff out. It feels so good to let go of things that you don’t need. The best way to do this is to get two boxes and label them “Keep” and “Lose”. Put things into each box, but remember to ask yourself if what you’re keeping you really need. If you aren’t sure, put it in a box and re-asses in a few months. Some people put a date on the box, and if they haven’t used the contents by that date, they throw it out without looking inside!
7. Go paperless
The last thing you need is a cluttered desk. Change your bills and bank statements to online documents only, but create reminders that they’ll be ready to pay so you don’t get fines. Creating folders on your desktop to organize all your documents is the best way to stop paper from overtaking your life.
8. Don’t buy impulsively
After detoxing your entire life, you need to be smart about your buying habits. If you’re buying something, do you really need it? Are you being impulsive? Will you need it in one year? Question yourself before you buy something to stop clutter piling up, buy things that bring you joy and help you feel more organized!
LET’S CHAT
How do you organize your life? I’m moving house soon and need some serious tips, share some in the comments below…
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date
I think the key to an organized life is a bullet journal. Getting things down on paper and out of your mind helps to build a stable, organized life. If you’re constantly thinking about the shoe cupboard that you have to organize you probably won’t ever get it done. But if it’s there, in your journal, with a clear date and approximate time, you’ll probably do it.
Besides that, there are lots of little tips and tricks to help you live a more organized life. Here are a couple I swear by…
1. Start a bullet journal
Bullet journaling is the ultimate way to get your life together. You can start with a few points, things you need to do, appointments you need to make and people you need to see or call. All you need is a notebook and a few minutes to plan your week out. Different symbols mean different things so keep a key at the top of your notebook. Get started by reading the guide here.
2. Stop putting things off
On average, our motivation to do something slows down after 8 minutes of procrastinating. If you regularly put things off, by now you probably have a long list of things to do – so start at the top and work your way down. Don’t feel overwhelmed, pick a thing and do it, then reward yourself.
3. Create a rule for every action
It’s so simple, but it’s something we never stick by. If you use it, put it back. If you move it, make a note of it. If you finish it, throw it out. Before you leave a room, do a quick check, is everything organized? If you used anything is it put back? Taking a second glance over a room before you leave helps you feel more mindful, too, as you suddenly become aware of your surroundings and the objects you interacted with. Even something as simple as fluffing up the cushions you were sitting on can help you feel more organized.
4. Use an app
Clipix is a bit like Pinterest, it allows you to save photos, inspiration, recipes, and articles to a clipboard, the difference is you can also add emails, pdfs, important notes and other useful documents to a clipboard. If you’re trying to organize your life, we recommend creating boards for documents relating to taxes, your car, the doctor, job hunting and everything in between. Upload all the files there and you can always access them!
5. Automate as you tidy up
Cleaning in the shower and using a metal basket to tidy up your clutter are just two of the genius tips I discovered from researching my last organization article. Automating tidying so you can multi-task saves time, energy, and stops it feeling like a chore. From cleaning the mirror while you brush your teeth to emptying the dishwasher while you make a coffee, read the full guide here.
6. Create a keep and lose system
My favorite part of organizing is throwing stuff out. It feels so good to let go of things that you don’t need. The best way to do this is to get two boxes and label them “Keep” and “Lose”. Put things into each box, but remember to ask yourself if what you’re keeping you really need. If you aren’t sure, put it in a box and re-asses in a few months. Some people put a date on the box, and if they haven’t used the contents by that date, they throw it out without looking inside!
7. Go paperless
The last thing you need is a cluttered desk. Change your bills and bank statements to online documents only, but create reminders that they’ll be ready to pay so you don’t get fines. Creating folders on your desktop to organize all your documents is the best way to stop paper from overtaking your life.
8. Don’t buy impulsively
After detoxing your entire life, you need to be smart about your buying habits. If you’re buying something, do you really need it? Are you being impulsive? Will you need it in one year? Question yourself before you buy something to stop clutter piling up, buy things that bring you joy and help you feel more organized!
LET’S CHAT
How do you organize your life? I’m moving house soon and need some serious tips, share some in the comments below…
Hello Beth! I really liked the post. I love organising my room and throwing away stuff as well, it’s so refreshing! I want to read one of those books such as “The magic of tidying up” or something like this, but your tips where very inspirational to set me in the mood to start cleaning and organizing. I also want to try the bullet journal, but not in a very fancy way, I don’t have time to decorate it. I think, however, that you can have a simple and functional journal with this technique.
xx Cecile // http://www.wednesday19th.blogspot.com
Great tips!! Definitely love the bullet point journal tip.
ArteresaLynn.com
This is awesome! I personally use a bullet journal and after a year of doing so, I know it’s the perfect way for me to stay organised. Love it!
https://oursummary.com
These are actually pretty good tips.
http://www.KacheeTee.com