How To Get Organized: 99 Ways To Get SERIOUSLY Organized In Your Life

Oh, do I love lists of everything!

They are concrete, they are concentrated and you can soak up a ton of helpful information in just a few minutes.

They are also a great way of organizing and getting organized is one of the key elements to becoming more balanced and calm.

How so? – you may ask.

Because organizing is incredibly therapeutic.

It feels so satisfying to take messy chaos and make it orderly, tidy, and clean…

And when everything is tidy, you’re simply less stressed.

Today’s topic is how to get organized and I want to share a whopping 99 of my favorite organizing ideas – including both physical and non-physical things.

 

How To Get Organized: Your Ultimate Guide To Getting Your Life Back In Order

 

How Do I Begin To Organize My Life?

 

Got energy, resources, and a helping hand around?

Read this list and dive into the first thing that seems most important.

Now, if you’re an anxious person, I recommend taking things slow – there’s absolutely no need to get organized in just a few days!

Take it one step at a time and you’ll benefit more.

Read more about it: How to get organized if you’re an anxious person

I’m an anxious person myself and it took me 3 rounds to fully declutter my home but at least I didn’t lose my mind in the process.

Update: I have spent some time updating this huge list with extra valuable links to fitting products, tools, and resources.

They will appear as purple text and I really recommend you to check them out since I’ve found some pretty cool stuff to help you seriously organize everything!

 

How To Get Organized Like a Boss: The Master List of Best Life Organization Tips

 

Getting organized starts with ideas.

This (incredibly long) organization list will give you plenty of thoughts on how to organize your life, declutter your home, and make everything in between tidy.

If it feels overwhelming, remind yourself that you can always get organized step by step.

You certainly don’t have to do or try it all.

The organization process is supposed to set you free, not bring you down.

Choose what fits your situation today.

 

1. Write everything down

 

If you’re looking for some fundamental principles on how to get organized, start with a habit of writing things down.

You can’t organize your information and tasks if you are storing them in your head.

Or maybe you can but it will be incredibly hard.

Instead, write every piece of information that comes to your mind and then organize it into lists, plans, and checklists.

 

2. Declutter your purse

 

Keep your purses and handbags clean, tidy and organized to save yourself some sanity whenever you need to find something in your beloved bag.

A great way to keep your bag organized is by using a simple bag organizer.

These are very inexpensive and beneficial.

You can also use a few of them in your suitcase while traveling.

Purse Organizer Insert, Felt Bag

 

Luxury Purse Organizer, Felt Bag

 

3. Set and have a laundry day every week

 

Having a laundry day will help you to get organized by tackling the entire clothes situation at your home.

You will always have clean clothes but you won’t have to bother yourself with laundry on the other days – it’s a win-win!

 

4. How to get organized when you don’t know where to begin?

Try it with a planner!

 

If you really want to get organized, my totally free minimalistic planner can be your holy grail.

A planner is not only about setting schedules or appointments.

It can also include financial trackers, health trackers, project planners, and everything you need to stay as organized as possible.

 

5. Organize your closet

 

Closets are one of the most unorganized things you can find in a person’s home (here’s how I found out about it).

They are also a perfect source of morning frustration.

Having a clean, organized, and decluttered closet will give you a nice, stressless start of the day.

Want to learn how to declutter a ton of clothes you have?

Learn the KonMari method – it literally saved me HUGE amounts of closet space (and time!) when I was decluttering my apartment.

It is truly one of the best things you can learn in your life.

Related: How To Organize Your Closet In One Afternoon + Best Closet Organizers

 

6. Use containers to sort things in your drawers

 

If you want to learn how to get organized, you just can’t skip those cluttered drawers (I’m sorry!).

Now, a divided drawer is an organized drawer.

Here’s what you can use.

 

• Hard dividers for drawers where most objects are hard;

 

• Soft dividers for underwear and sock drawers;

 

• Ready-to-use divided boxes made of mesh or fabric (Ikea has a great choice of them).

 

Organized order can make a huge difference in your drawers and if you can use dividers in every drawer of your home, it will feel very organized.

Whitmor 6-Section Drawer Organizer

 

madesmart Value 8-Piece Interlocking Bin Pack

 

Homyfort Foldable Cloth Drawer Organize, Set of 6

 

7. Go wireless wherever you can

 

Cables are one of the hardest (and most boring) things to organize so the less there are, the easier it is!

For most small household devices, there’s a wireless option today.

You can find a wireless mouse, printer, lamp, charger, epilator, coffee grinder, you name it.

 

8. Create a yearly goal calendar for your planner

 

A yearly planner is something you create for medium-term goals.

A great time to do this is around New Year.

You can decide what you would like to achieve in different months, or simply “this year”.

This way, you know what your bigger goals are and what you should work on every month.

 

9. Always wash your dishes after eating

 

This one is easy and also very important.

It’s annoying to deal with a mountain of dishes, so instead of piling them up (or even worse – “soaking” them for hours), simply deal with them right after eating.

If you have a dishwasher, put dirty dishes in it right after eating.

Collect throughout the day and run a load at night.

In the morning, empty the dishwasher to have it empty and ready to receive your breakfast plates.

This will keep your kitchen clean and clutter-free.

 

10. Take out the trash in the morning

 

Don’t wait until it’s too late – just take the trash out in the morning while you’re on the way to your car or other transport.

If you have the option to recycle, it’s a huge bonus and I love you for this.

“Wait, but my trash can is not full yet”.

Great!

It means you can postpone until the next morning.

 

11. Plan your goals

 

How to get organized while also being mindful of your future?

You can do that by planning your goals.

Planning your future helps to organize your decisions and schedules.

One of the easiest ways to fail at your goals is to think of them, but never really start doing anything about them!

So get organized by deciding on those goals beforehand and start taking (even the tiniest) steps towards them.

 

12. Develop a morning routine

 

Mornings are hectic but if you have a morning routine, it can help you to start your day in a streamlined, organized, and stress-free way.

You can read about this in-depth in these articles:

• Soothing Morning Routine For Anxious People
• How To Become a Morning Person

 

13. Hang a grid wire panel board in your room

 

Corkboards, wire boards, and bulletin boards work great to organize your work or study room.

White magnetic boards work just as well!

I use one in my home office and it really helps me to get organized whenever my work clutter accumulates.

I usually print separate task lists and attach them to the board to save some board space.

GBYAN Grid Wall Panel Decorative Iron Rack

BULYZER Grid Wire Panel

 

14. How to get organized at work?

Start with trashing spam e-mails immediately!

 

No, seriously – trash them right away, the second you see them in your inbox!

Moreover, make sure to unsubscribe from all those newsletters you never actually read.

This will keep your mailbox clean and tidy, and reduce mental clutter that can be brought on by too many notifications.

 

15. Declutter files on your computer

 

This is particularly important if you’re someone who works on the computer a lot.

It’s incredibly easy to clutter your computer with all the files until one day you find yourself doing a simple computer task three times longer than you could.

 

16. Sort your photos into folders

 

This can be applied to all kinds of photos, including digital ones.

Some devices can do organization for you by sorting your photos by date, which is great if you have a lot of pictures.

And if you are using physical photos, put them into pretty albums!

 

17. Close unused accounts

 

I sometimes find myself having around 10 accounts of online services and tools that I don’t really use.

The best way to tackle this mess (and avoid deleting hundreds of unnecessary newsletters in the future) is to simply dedicate an hour or two and delete all the accounts on their websites.

P.S.

Talk to your financial advisor before closing bank accounts.

 

18. Spend 10-20 minutes a day tidying up a little

 

Having a few minutes of cleaning or organizing every day is a simple way to get organized and stay organized.

It’s quick, it doesn’t take up a lot of your time and it will help you to get organized a little faster.

 

19. Spray your bath with a scale remover after you shower

 

More of a cleaning tip, but certainly something to help you keep your bathroom clean and organized-looking.

It takes just a few minutes and saves you some unwanted embarrassment if surprise guests pop up.

Related topic: How To Organize a Small Bathroom

 

20. Plan your self-care routine, and stick to it for physical and mental benefits

 

If you want to get organized, it’s important to plan and organize the must-have basics too, like your self-care routine.

Self-care is something that can help us recharge our batteries and make sure we don’t burn out.

At this point in my life, I couldn’t imagine myself functioning well without a little bit of time to myself daily.

I have a lot of helpful ideas on self-care in these articles:

• A guide to self-care basics – learn where to begin
• 50 self-care activities to boost your overall wellbeing

 

21. How to get organized with your nutrition?

Plan your meals in advance!

 

Plan and prepare meals ahead to enjoy healthy and organized nutrition.

Once you start planning your meals, you’ll find that it takes much less time to shop for groceries and cook your meals every day.

It helps you to consume the food you bought and save some money if you are willing to search for discounts in different stores.

You can also prepare your meals in advance and keep them in a fridge or freezer to save even more time.

You can learn more about meal planning and get my free meal planner template here.

 

22. Take time every week to clean your makeup brushes

 

Dirty makeup brushes look unsightly and can harbor a ton of bacteria that enter your pores every time you use them.

It’s a good habit to clean them once a week.

To protect the bristles, dry them downwards so the water is dripping down.

It’s hard to find a way to keep them in a downward position, so things like a brush holder come in extra handy.

BEAKEY Makeup Brush Drying Rack

DUcare Makeup Brush Storage Holder Organizer

If you keep your makeup brushes in a cosmetic bag with cosmetics, it can be helpful to keep them in a separate container (it prevents a lot of hassle).

 

23. Make your bed as soon as you get up

 

Get organized from the first minute of your day by setting the right mindset.

Surprisingly, making your bed works pretty well for that!

As soon as you get into the habit of making your bed, it will become automatic.

 

24. Donate things you don’t need anymore

 

Most of us really own too much.

Take a look at your belongings every season and check if there is something you haven’t used much (or at all) – then donate it.

It will help you to organize and declutter your home.

Also, the things you don’t need anymore might be really needed by someone else, so you will be doing a good deed too.

 

25. Have a designated place for things in your home

 

It is much easier to get organized when every little thing in your home has its own home.

Divide your rooms into zones, and those zones – into smaller zones.

Give each of the zones something to hold.

For example, you can decide that one shelf in your bathroom will collect all your skincare, and another – all your hair products.

Your hair care shelf can then be divided further: the left side for dry shampoos and leave-in conditioners, the middle part – for your hairdryer, right side – for a hairbrush, and pins.

A 3-part divided box helps to keep everything in place.

Once I implemented a similar method throughout the house, it became so much easier to stay organized, and the cleaning time became much faster too!

Read about this more: How to organize your home once and for all

 

26. Make a project plan before any bigger task

 

To become seriously organized, it’s important to learn how to get organized with your work too.

The best way to do that is by using simple project planning techniques.

Essentially, project planning helps you to take big tasks and divide them into smaller, more achievable steps.

It also acts as a motivation booster, since every task you finish gives you those good hormones that help you move forward.

More about it: How to complete any task you’ve been putting off

And a free tool to try: Project Planner printable

 

27. Shop mindfully and evaluate your purchases

 

It’s hard to get organized if you keep adding to your possessions list.

When purchasing anything, think twice – is it really something you need?

Will you use it and benefit from this thing?

Or will it just take up extra space in your home?

 

28. Use separate laundry bags for colored, white, and black clothes

 

An absolutely perfect idea that helps you to save some time while dealing with piles of laundry – use a laundry sorter!

They look put together and have little wheels attached, so you can literally drive your laundry to the laundry room without having to lift it (and laundry can get really heavy sometimes).

Plus, pre-sorted laundry means no more annoying sorting before washes.

135L Laundry Cloth Hamper Sorter Basket Bin

SONGMICS URLS90Z Laundry Sorter Cart, Brown

Seville Classics Mobile 3-Bag Laundry Hamper Sorter

 

29. Create a habit of putting things back in their place

 

Everywhere – in your car, at your work desk, in your bathroom…

Once you master this organizational habit, it will help you every single day.

You will notice less clutter around your space, and it will save you time when cleaning.

 

30. Track your income and spending

 

If you are seriously committed to learning how to get organized, it’s very important to organize your finances as well.

After all, financial health is intricately connected to our physical and mental health.

You can start organizing your personal finance with a browser tool, mobile app, or by using a printable finance tracker.

Creating a budget, tracking your income and expenses will be one of the most important things in your life organization journey.

 

31. Keep your notes tidy, if possible

 

This is optional, of course, but things like tidy notes on pretty paper can inspire you to actually use your planners and to-do lists.

Once you form a habit of writing things down, you can also create a full filing system for your home, work, life and other important things.

 

32. Have a cleaning hour every week

 

Just one hour every week can help your home stay a nice, tidy, and organized sanctuary.

Well, unless you made it a mess before then it might take more than an hour…

And in this case, I really don’t judge!

It happens to me too.

Regular cleaning prevents clutter and dirt from sticking around, thus helping you to feel less stressed.

 

33. Have a concealed trash can in every room

 

Organized life needs practical solutions.

Concealed trash cans make it so much easier to keep rooms tidy and mess-free!

I have one in every room in my apartment and it really helps.

“What do you mean by concealed trash can?”

A concealed trash can is simply a bin or box that is placed somewhere completely out of sight.

It might be the furthest corner under your table, a small box behind the curtains, or a paper-collecting trash bin in a corner of your closet.

Just make sure to use these trash collectors for dry trash only (paper, metal, plastic).

Anything organic should be kept out of the rooms.

 

34. Get rid of the clothes that are damaged, unrepairable, too small, too big, or faded

 

Admit it – you have a few of these goodies in your closet.

When making a decision of purging old clothes, think like this – would I be okay if a stranger saw me in these clothes?

Can I wear it comfortably, with the body I have right now?

Remember – clothes should work for us, not the other way around.

If the item doesn’t fit, is it still good to donate?

If not – consider throwing it away since it’s merely a placeholder.

 

35. Stock up on things you use regularly

 

If you’re wondering how to get organized and prepared for any situation, stocking up might be your thing.

Make a list of things you use up regularly and stock up on them by buying them in bulk.

You will save money (scout for discounts!) and you will also have everything you need at all times.

 

36. Use marked storage boxes in your basement or garage

 

It doesn’t really matter if your basement is tiny or huge – having your things neatly organized in boxes makes it so much easier to find them when you need them.

Here’s what I’m talking about:

Sterilite 76 Liter Gasket Box, 4-Pack

 

37.  Keep a to-do list

 

A master to-do list works like a brain dump.

Just take it, and write all the things that need to be done, no matter the category.

This helps to take all the overwhelming thoughts out of your head, and it relieves a lot of tension.

Written on paper, unfinished tasks become something you can start taking action on.

 

38. You can even keep lists of everything

 

Listing is so helpful if you tend to miss a lot of things or simply when there are so many things to remember.

As you can see, this “how to get organized” article is also a list because it was a lot easier for me to organize all the information I wanted to say, when I presented it as a list.

You can keep separate lists for so many things!

Here are a few ideas:

• Shopping list;
• Skincare or similar beauty-related list;
• Important numbers list;
• Birthdays list;
• Appointments list;
• Household inventory list;
• Expense list;
• Party list, etc.

 

39. Hang a clock in your bathroom so you don’t get late preparing

 

More of a time organization tip, but this one is a lifesaver if you tend to lose a sense of time while getting ready in the morning.

Remember that being late is also a sign of being unorganized.

If you don’t want to send a message of being careless, prioritize being punctual.

Hanging a visual clock where you spend the most time in the morning can help.

 

40. Plan your next day’s outfits in the evening

 

To keep those clothes separated and wrinkle-free until the morning, hang them on a clothes rack.

Simple clothes rods are great if you want to hang clothes that aren’t dirty yet, but not clean enough to add back to the closet too.

They also come in handy if you like to iron your clothes with hand-held steam devices.

 

41. Collect and sort your bills & receipts

 

I try to save all receipts for at least 2 years.

I know this may sound extreme but this habit helped me (majorly!) a few times when I needed to prove important purchases (like health insurance that “somehow got lost”).

Collecting all those bills and receipts can get a little messy so you might want to organize them with pretty binders.

Alternatively, just have a designated box for them.

 

42. Get insurance for your home, car, and health

 

Having insurance for important things is like taking your organization’s game one step higher.

If you want to be on top of everything in your life, this is one of the steps you can take for extra financial safety and peace of mind.

It’s very important – don’t miss this, as it can save you a lot of nerves if something happens.

 

43. Designate a holy place for your keys

 

Okay, it doesn’t have to be “holy”, but it should be in an easily accessible place.

To me, it’s a pretty key plate next to my apartment door.

It’s a nice home decor item and it saves time because I never have to guess where my keys are.

 

44. Create an emergency kit with things like band-aids, extra pantyhose, hairpins, etc.

 

Pack it tightly and keep it in your bag, along with other helpful things to have in your bag.

Having an emergency kit can save you a lot of unnecessary hassle while on the go.

 

45. Plan your daily tasks

 

Every morning, write down things you have or want to do today.

Be mindful and include just the amount of tasks you really, physically can do.

If you have more tasks on your mind but can do them another day, write them down on the master list.

You can come back to them another day.

 

46. Create a life binder

 

Planners can help you to organize your whole life.

A life binder is a big planner that holds all of your smaller planners, task lists, and other lists in one place.

It’s not for everyone, but if you like things like that, it can feel very rewarding.

 

47. Track your stress levels

 

Sounds weird?

I know!

But tracking stress levels can help you to spot the signs of burnout.

If you get burnout, you won’t get organized.

You simply won’t care about getting organized, and you won’t have enough energy for even the smallest organization tasks.

Remember that organizing should work for you.

It’s your tool to improve your life, but you should never become too overwhelmed with organizing.

If you do, it’s a sign to slow down and take a step back.

Have a break, and then come back when you feel ready.

 

48. Clean up your desk and keep it tidy

 

An organized desk is the first step to productive work.

I have been planning to get a desktop organizer that looks like a mini shelve.

It allows you to expand desk space upward which means more space on your desk and less clutter around.

I can’t find the exact one at the moment but I found a ton of other desk beauties and I don’t even know what I want now, eh.

Rose Gold Desk Organizer with 6pcs Metal Paper Clips

 

Simmer Stone Desktop Letter Sorter

 

Simmer Stone Rose Gold Magazine Holder, Desktop File Sorter

49. How to get organized in your digital life?

Back up important files on the cloud

 

Get organized digitally – back up everything that’s important to the cloud storage and keep the files organized there too.

Such storage is clever, long-lasting, easily accessible, and generally safe unless you use a funny, easily guessable password.

 

50. Organize your thoughts

 

Sometimes, there are just too many of them.

Sometimes, important insights can be hidden under a clutter of random negative thoughts.

If you need to sort your thoughts and emotions out, try journaling.

It’s a perfect way to toss out unhelpful beliefs, explore your inner world and organize what’s left to finally feel at peace.

 

51. Get rid of unhelpful home subscriptions

 

Beauty boxes you don’t like, magazines you don’t read, discount catalogs you never use – get rid of the things that aren’t giving you any real benefits.

They are just cluttering your life and your home further.

 

52. Get rid of expired make-up, medications, or food

 

Those tend to sneak into our fridge or cabinets and create “invisible clutter”.

They’re also not suitable for donation (again, they’re expired), so throwing out and learning a lesson (that is, to plan our purchases better) is the best we can do.

 

53. Always do just one thing at a time

 

This may be a personal preference, but I found that getting organized is a lot harder if I’m jumping from one thing to another.

Multitasking can be a great option for some people, but for others, it just creates overwhelming feelings.

Start with one thing, finish it, and then do another.

One step at a time (and with reasonable breaks!).

 

54. Use color-coded organizing

 

I love color coding!

Colored folders (they’re sometimes called file pockets) make it so much easier to sort papers, bills, binders, and tasks.

You can also use colored stickers, markers, sticky notes, inserts, pens – anything!

Decide on what each color represents and soon you’ll find yourself moving through papers and files faster than ever.

 

55. Keep a food diary

 

A part of having clean, healthy, and organized nutrition is writing down what you have eaten.

This may not be for everyone but it’s especially useful for those who are trying to lose weight or have to keep a specific diet because of their health issues.

It was life-saving when I was going through a specific diet for my IBS (I could easily spot which foods made me feel worse).

A food diary is also important for anyone dealing with eating disorders like overeating or forgetting to eat.

 

56. Plan and track your exercise progress

 

For the same reasons, having a simple exercise tracker can help you to see if you are exercising enough, and keep you motivated to move more.

Did you know that just a simple act of tracking your steps with a pedometer can help you to walk more?

It’s beautiful!

 

57. Keep a birthday and anniversary calendar

 

If you’re forever guilty of forgetting birthdays and anniversaries, this is something you really want to have.

If having a separate list for that doesn’t sound cute, you can simply set reminders with your phone calendar.

 

58. Declutter your mind by letting go of the past and future

 

The psychological, and mental organization is just as important.

If your mind is constantly cluttered with thoughts about what did or might happen, it becomes hard to function at all.

I know this because it was something I used to do all the time.

Basically, I was living in my head instead of living here and now.

Here are a few thoughts on letting go of the past.

If you struggle with your mood or negative feelings, please consider talking to a therapist.

It can feel incredibly overwhelming to understand that just as your life gets cluttered, your mind can get cluttered too.

Some things are too hard to sort on your own (but you don’t have to do it alone).

 

59. Make a clear decision to get organized

 

This should have been my number 1!

This “how to get organized” list could be a little more organized, right?

Duly noted!

Anyway, if you really want to get organized, make a decision.

Write it down if you need.

Decide to change for a better life – make it your lifestyle to be an organized person.

 

60. Use expandable dividers in your cupboards

 

An alternative to separate containers and an easily diy-able solution to cupboard organization.

Plastic, expandable drawer dividers are easy to use and they allow you to divide your drawers or cupboards just the way you need.

Your cupboard sizes won’t even matter anymore!

 

61. Use sticky notes or washi tape for extra organization in your planner

 

This one is self-explanatory and super beloved by bullet journal enthusiasts.

Washi tape is usually inexpensive and can work as a visual divider in your planners.

Need to separate the page into two parts?

Roll some washi tape in the middle!

Need four?

Roll some more!

Sorry, I will stop now.

 

Yubbaex 16 Rolls Washi Tape Masking Set

 

Dalus 6 Rolls Gold Foil Washi Tape – 15mm Wide

62. Recycle your trash

 

Recycling seems to be pretty easy and important, but there are still a lot of people who aren’t doing that.

If you don’t have enough space for several trash bins, check IKEA – they have great recycling bins that stack on top of each other and won’t take up a lot of space.

Need a budget option?

Use several card boxes, lined with trash bags.

 

63. Get rid of unpleasant relationships

 

These can clutter your life too.

I’m not someone to tell you who is worth having in your life and who is not.

However, when people think about it, they usually come up with answers to this easily.

 

64. Just learn the KonMari already!

 

I know I’ve mentioned this in the beginning…

But learning KonMari was one of the best things I have done in my life and I am recommending this to you guys again.

I used to struggle so much in my small apartment.

I never had enough space for my stuff but I didn’t have enough space to buy new furniture or organizers either.

KonMari Method helped me to radically declutter, tidy up and keep only the things that are giving me joy.

Suddenly, I had enough space for everything because I realized that I truly didn’t need so many things in the first place.

You can imagine how much happier I am now!

If you want to learn how to get organized from a real organizational genius, definitely at least watch Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix – it’s fun and can help you immensely.

 

65. Shop for holiday gifts on Black Friday

 

I hate to leave gift shopping for the last day so I always recommend doing it much earlier, like on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

This allows you to shop for gifts in a more organized way, prevents overspending (those “last minute” gifts tend to get pretty pricey), and prevents a ton of holiday stress.

Simply make a list of what you want to gift a few months before the holiday season.

Then, look for great deals around Black Friday, Cyber Monday (online), and Thanksgiving week.

You will have enough time for everything!

No more gift-related craziness.

 

66. How to get organized in your pantry

 

That’s something you’ve probably seen online, or Instagram already, but it’s just a reminder.

Keep fine, dry things (like cereals, nuts, and oats) in clear glass or plastic containers!

Glass jars look nice, they’re affordable, hermetic, help you to see what’s inside, and keep your pantry beautifully organized.

Buy them in sets to save money and keep your home decor consistent.

Need a budget option?

Save glass or plastic jars from various sauces, jams, and other food items.

Wash them with hot water, dry them fully, and reuse as containers.

 

67. Automate everything you can

 

Get organized and save time and energy with automation.

You can automate things like bill payments, e-mails, grocery delivery, insurance renewals, subscriptions, and many other things.

 

68. Keep a home shopping list

 

For organized and mindful shopping, keep a categorized home shopping list.

When you notice that something needs to be purchased, write it down.

You can have categories like devices, cleaning items, pet items, personal care items, and similar.

This way, you are keeping a helpful list of what you need, and can easily pinpoint which part of your home life needs to be prioritized.

Here’s a free shopping list printable!

 

69. Schedule appointments in advance

 

A part of an organized schedule is setting and taking appointments when they are needed.

For example, if you know you need to check your health every two months, schedule it in advance and put it in your schedule so you won’t forget about it.

If you go to your hairdresser every month, book in advance and save the dates in your calendar.

 

70. Deep clean your whole home once a month

 

Throw out everything unnecessary along the way.

If you have helping hands around, turn on some music, share tasks (or rooms) and you’ll be done in a few hours.

The trick to making deep cleaning easier is to get everything you need before starting.

Get cleaning mists, cloths, scrubs, air fresheners, candles, vacuum filters, laundry softeners…

Of course, only the things that have run out, to prevent extra clutter.

When deep-cleaning your home, consider cleaning out the air you breathe in too.

If your home’s air quality is not the best, or if you are living in the city, consider an air purification system.

The one on my dream list is EOS system.

This buddy can filter out various kinds of mold, pollen, chemicals, dust mite allergens, food smells, formaldehyde, even RNA + DNA viruses, and tiny airborne pathogens that get us sick.

I hope I can get it one day for my family!

 

71. Clean your fridge regularly

 

It’s very hard to keep a fridge organized if it’s full of products that are old or never used (I’m talking about you, condiment shelf!).

Take a look at your fridge regularly and if you see something that is not fresh, dispose of it.

 

72. Put away, sell, or donate books that you never read

 

Marie Kondo is applauding this hard.

Books that don’t provide you any value, are also clutter.

Donate them to your local library or give them away.

Nowadays, you can also sell used books online or swap them with other readers for something you like.

 

73. Organize your studies

 

If you’re a person who consistently learns, you probably spend a lot of time studying your materials.

It’s a nice idea to organize them too.

You can organize your notes with different color markers, colorful binders, or sticky notes.

No need to go crazy – just a few organizational actions can make your studying much more tidy and pleasant.

 

74. Start a decluttering challenge

 

An interesting and fun approach to organization – start a challenge!

Decide on tasks and set up a challenge calendar to keep yourself motivated.

If you have friends or relatives who are struggling to stay organized too, invite them to join you.

You can decide on something you will organize this week and keep each other accountable and motivated through the process.

 

75. Track your moods and sleep patterns

 

For those who struggle with emotional rollercoasters or sleep hygiene, I’m with you.

Tracking my moods was an important part of improving my mental health.

If you notice that your moods are going down for several days, it’s a sign to do something about it.

And if your moods are good lately, it means you are doing something right.

Try to find which things are giving you happiness and do more of them!

 

76. Keep track of your period

 

You can use an app on your phone, or a simple paper tracker, like this free minimalistic, reusable period tracker.

It’s just something every female should do.

A period tracker can also come in handy if your cycle is irregular and you have to show it to your ob-gyn.

 

77. Prioritize keeping your house hot spots clean and tidy

 

I think I forgot to mention that keeping everything clean is one of the best practices that teach you how to get organized.

Cleaning is the simplest form of decluttering since you are getting rid of dirt and trash.

If you learn to keep things clean, it will become a lot easier for you to declutter your possessions and keep them neatly organized.

Now, the hot spots in your house are the places that are used the most.

It can be your kitchen sink, the room near your front door, or the kitchen table.

Wherever you spend a lot of time – strive to keep those places tidy by putting things back in place, cleaning right after and using organizational containers where needed.

 

78. Set a time daily to sort out your emotions

 

Only a calm and organized mind can lead you to an organized and calm life.

Spend some time every day asking yourself honest questions: hey, am I okay?

If not, why?

How can I help myself to feel better?

What can I do to improve the situation?

If I can’t do anything about it, is it meaningful to overthink it?

Can I ask somebody for help?

Is there anything my body needs at the moment?

How about my mind?

 

79. Declutter your habits and replace unhelpful ones with something better

 

Good habits are another, big topic that requires a separate article.

There is one, of course!

Read more about healthy habits in another article called 99 habits for a better life.

 

80. Tone down your room decor for less visual clutter and cleaning

 

This is a personal preference, but it’s much easier to keep your home visually tidy when everything is more or less in the same color palette.

Even a simple act of using fewer decor items in the room can make it look more peaceful and tidy.

When in doubt, remember the simple rule: less is more.

 

81. How to get organized if you’re DROWNING in papers, documents, and letters

 

A very important home organization tip.

Keep all important documents in binders and put those binders in a safe place, like a lockable drawer, where children, pets, and prying guests won’t reach them.

Sort your papers by theme and keep them in beautiful ring binders as well.

This will keep your home tidy and organized.

It will also be a lot easier to find the documents you need.

Here are some of the paper things you should organize:

• Personal documents;
• Work notes and work-related documents;
• Bills and payment letters;
• Bank documents;
• Housing documents;
• Insurance documents;
• Receipts and invoices;
• Various instructions and warranty cheques;
• Car documents;
• And so on!

 

82. If you can, put on matching bed sheets (optional!)

 

This one is more of a visual organization tip.

Not only does it look great but it also helps you to keep your linen closet more organized.

Pro tip: fold and put matching sheets into the pillow sheets of the same style.

Pro tip No. 2: use bedding sheets that snap together to keep them perfectly aligned on your mattress.

 

83. Wear matching-color lingerie (totally optional!)

 

Now this one may seem controversial and I really want to emphasize that this may not be for everyone, but for me – it is one of the ways to get organized.

Organizing isn’t just about decluttering your drawers.

It’s also about paying attention to the details.

Wearing matching lingerie doesn’t directly make you more organized but it helps you to start your day in an organized mindset, by paying attention to the details right from the start of your day.

Again – totally optional!

 

84. Decide on what you value the most

 

It’s hard to go on with your life and get organized if you don’t know which direction to choose.

One non-physical, but really important aspect of life organization is setting your values and priorities straight.

Once you have these in place, it becomes so much easier to plan your days, weeks, and months.

It’s like having a sign which helps you to choose your activities.

Things that matter land on your to-do list easier, and anything extra can wait for it’s place.

 

85. Learn to say no to things (and people)

 

How to get organized when it seems like you’re drowning in demands and requests?

Start by setting healthy boundaries.

Sometimes we give too much of our time to things and people that don’t really need it as much as we do.

Have anyone in mind?

Try to gently refuse when you feel like you already have too much of your own.

And remember – you don’t have to apologize for needing more time for yourself.

Your needs are just as important as everyone else’s.

 

86. Delegate things when possible

 

If you feel like you have way too much on your shoulders, delegate as much as it’s possible.

You can’t keep pouring from an empty cup and taking on the organization when you’re all tired – it is the worst idea.

But if your life is drowning in mess and there’s anything that could be improved with an extra hand, it’s worth considering.

Of course, make sure the person you are asking for help is doing it voluntarily.

 

87. Declutter your wallet

 

Busted!

I know it’s full of receipts and discount cards you don’t use.

Review your wallet and keep only the things you need regularly.

Anything else can live in a separate, less important wallet.

 

88. Keep your car organized too

 

You can use a car organizer that attaches to the back of the seat and holds all the random things you need in your car (like wet wipes, water bottles, parking cash, etc.).

Also, a sturdy trunk organizer goes a long way with you to store trips, family vacations, and picnics, keeping your trunk 100% organized (and your goods protected).

Starling’s Car Trunk Organizer

Related topic: Car Organization Hacks You Need In Your Life ASAP

 

89. Declutter your nutrition

 

I know, this seems off-topic but if you’re wondering how to get organized 100%, you can tidy up your nutrition too.

The point here is not the organization itself, but your health, and the things you can do to stay healthy and energized.

You can reduce the amount of fast food, chips, added sugar, and salty snacks for a cleaner, healthier diet.

Taking care of yourself is even more important than organizing your life.

 

90. Have separate storage for seasonal items

 

If your living space and budget allow it, having storage for seasonal stuff can be very helpful.

Winter or summer clothes, Christmas decorations – anything else that is not needed now, can peacefully wait for its turn in a separate closet or dresser.

Once the season has changed, swap the items and enjoy your new season!

 

91. Track your income and expense every month

 

This is one of the basics of organized financial life and is pretty easy to do, even for a beginner.

 

• Simply write down what you have earned and subtract what you have spent;

 

• If you get a surplus, put it in your savings jar;

 

• If you spend more than you should, it’s time to think about ways to earn more or minimize your spending.

 

92. Create schedules for seasonal preparations

 

This will help you to keep things clean and organized all year round.

Is spring cleaning coming?

Plan it in advance and you’ll have more fun than work once the time comes!

Is fall setting in?

It’s a good idea to wash the windows before winter, rake the leaves, and do other Halloween preparations.

 

93. Plan your weekends

 

In order to have a productive weekend and avoid a two-day Netflix marathon, plan your weekend activities in advance.

It’s so much easier and cheaper to plan your weekend activities a few weeks prior!

This way, you can pre-order tickets or book hotels in advance, which usually means better prices.

Also, having something to wait for is a beautiful way to boost your mood.

 

94. Have a list of health self-checkups

 

Sort of a self-care organization, and incredibly important.

Regular self-checkups can help you to notice any unusual things at the earliest.

I try to check up on things like moles, breasts, and teeth every month.

You can also try at-home health testing kits that are getting very popular lately.

And of course, any checkups that are demanded by your doctor should always be a priority.

 

95. Clean doorknobs, light switches, and TV controls often

 

Again, keeping things clean is one of the organizational priorities.

It’s so much easier to clean a little bit of dirt instead of trying to decrust a years-worth build-up.

Simply go through things that are touched often every few weeks.

Use a disinfectant if the surface allows it for extra hygiene.

 

96. Reuse various boxes and containers for organization

 

If you think well, we are often surrounded by things and items that can be recycled or reused as organizational things.

Small cardboard boxes, paper bags, plastic boxes, and even cereal boxes can be used as containers for something in your house.

Personally, I love saving pretty, clean, and sturdy boxes that come with various purchases.

I use them to organize my cleaning items, kitchen drawers, the basement, shoes, devices, and other stuff.

Also, paper bags work especially well for clothes storage.

If you want your clothes to smell super nice too, put a piece of dry, perfumed soap into the bag.

 

97. Create skin, body, and hair care routines

 

A great way to get organized with your beauty care is to create a routine for each of these things.

This is especially useful if your skin or hair care routine is quite extensive and involves a lot of steps.

You can write your beauty routines in your planner, on your phone, or hang your routines inside your bathroom cabinets.

Recommended free tool: Self Care Planner printable

 

98. Stop buying duplicates

 

Some people like to purchase the same skirt in all 5 colors.

If you like it too, always think if you really need all of the color versions of the same item.

Many times you may find yourself wearing one or two and skipping the others.

This can also be applied to lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, bags, shoes, and similar items.

 

99. Allow yourself to be imperfect and not 100% organized

 

Being organized is awesome but always remember that life is happening here and now.

Don’t miss it!

Find joy in what you have right now.

Go on adventures.

Cherish beautiful, small moments.

These things will forever be more important than being organized.

Even with this organizing list, choose only what seems reasonable, appropriate, and useful to you.

You don’t have to do them all.

These are just ideas.

Feeling overwhelmed?

No worries, I got you.

In the next sections, I will help you start with a healthy, mindful, and thoughtful approach.

 

How To Get Organized If You Feel Overwhelmed?

 

Again, remember that you don’t have to get organized overnight.

It’s impossible and incredibly stressful – don’t do this to yourself.

Instead, try to organize it little by little.

Start small!

Grab a few ideas from this list and make them a habit, then take a few more if it feels good.

If your goal is a very organized house, take one room or even less – just one counter or closet.

The smaller the steps, the less overwhelmed you will feel while trying to get organized.

 

How To Get Organized If Your Home Is Drowning In Clutter?

 

Getting rid of clutter first will make the process easier.

Just imagine how different can it be if you tried organizing a room full of clutter (things you don’t or rarely use), and a room that has a big part of clutter sorted out.

If you feel like there are way too many items around, consider decluttering first.

Then, you can organize whatever is left.

I have a helpful list of things you can declutter, give away, donate, or simply trash if they’re not usable anymore.

Thankfully, getting rid of stuff you don’t use anymore feels quite therapeutic, and instead of making you overwhelmed, it can help you to feel lighter and happier!

 

How To Get Organized If You Have a Big Household?

 

If you have a big family and house to take care of, it can get really hard to get organized with your own effort only.

The best option here is to make home and life organized a shared family goal.

Talk to your loved ones and express your wish for your family to become more organized.

Teach your kids how they can make their rooms organized and ask them to do a small organizational chore every day (like putting their toys back in boxes after they’re done playing).

It’s good to encourage them to put things back in their places.

Of course, kids need to learn, so be patient if they forget to do one thing or another.

Gently remind them and playfully show them how to do it one more time.

If your kids are in their teenage years, they are capable to organize their rooms themselves.

Provide them with organizational tools (like boxes and drawer dividers), show them how to do it, and be compassionate.

This thing might be new for them so they also need to learn.

Gently explain to them what can be done and then let them do it themselves.

A teenager is also capable of using a basic planner.

A simple printable daily or weekly planner can help him or her to stay organized with school, after-school activities, and appointments.

It also teaches your kids to be independent, which is a very valuable skill to learn in their teenage years.

Once your family members put some effort into this whole “organized family plan”, it will get a lot easier for you to organize everything else.

Just remember – it’s never helpful to ask someone to do things they don’t really want.

If your family thinks that your ideas are too demanding, ask them what’s the least they can do to help your effort to keep your family organized.

And if they like the changes – you can ask them to help you even more, just as long as they enjoy it.

 

Getting Organized Is Worth It.

 

Wow… Congratulations – you made it to the end of this ultimate organizing list!

If you will read this article to the last word, you can rest assured that you finished reading 8436 words of organizational talk.

I hope you found a lot of fun ideas on how to get organized, start an action plan, and take that first step.

I know this may seem like a lot of things, but again, you can always make things easier with a little bit of planning and not doing everything at once.

Organizing your life is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family, and your career.

If you still have doubt about whether you should do it, try it!

Just choose one small thing you want to organize today.

Can it be your wallet?

Maybe a corner of your work desk?

A shelf in your fridge?

Start small.

Start tiny if small seems too hard.

Soon, you’ll find yourself breathing easier with every organized inch of your life.

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