10 Ways to Be More Organized

Organization is key to a happy and productive life. When you are organized, you can find what you need when you need it, you can stay on top of your commitments, and you can feel more in control of your life.

Just this past week, I needed to get more organized as I just started a new business as a wedding officiant. You can check out my new biz here . With that said, I ordered a new bookcase, (similar to the one pictured) and desk side file cabinet/shelf system. I needed a drawer with a lock since I am also a Notary Public for the state of Florida and want to lock up my stamps etc.

Read on and see how you can be more organized. 

1. Declutter your space. One of the best ways to get organized is to declutter your space. This means getting rid of anything you don't need or use. Start by going through each room in your home and getting rid of anything that doesn't spark joy. You can donate unwanted items to charity or sell them online. While re organizing my office, I put out a few things in my driveway for free and the rest was just old trash, junk that was not worth donating as it was too used. 
2. Create a system for managing your time. Once you have decluttered your space, it's time to create a system for managing your time. This could involve using a to-do list, a calendar, or a time tracking app. Find a system that works for you and stick to it. I bought a bulletin board from Amazon and have my calendar on there right at eye level to look at appointments/schedules in a glance.
3. Set priorities. Once you have a system for managing your time, it's important to set priorities. This means deciding what tasks are most important and focusing on those first. I make to do lists every evening for the next day and tack that onto my bulletin board. I highlight the most important.
4. Delegate tasks. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This can free up your time so you can focus on the most important things. If you have a family, you can delegate chores to your children/grandchildren. When we babysit the granddaughters, the three year old loves to help and we take advantage of that! Even the smallest of tasks can lighten your load. 
5. Take breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or meditate. Taking breaks will help you stay focused and productive. That's easy enough for me to do. Sitting for too long makes me stiff, so I need to get up and walk about the house. 
6. Automate tasks. There are many tasks that you can automate, such as bill paying, email management, and social media scheduling. Automating tasks will save you time and energy. I automate most all my social media posts. I do a weeks worth at once. I even do this blog a few days in advance and schedule when I want it to post. 
7. Use technology to your advantage. There are many great tools available to help you be more organized. Use technology to create to-do lists, track your time, and manage your files. I use folders in my email and even my downloads. This way when I need to refer to something quickly, I know which folder to look under and it keeps my desktop and email organized.
8. Find a mentor or accountability partner. Having someone to help you stay organized can be a huge help. Find a mentor or accountability partner who can offer support and guidance. My mother was my mentor. She was extremely organized. I often "channel my mother" to guide me. I make myself remember what she did and try to emulate that.
9. Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, reward yourself. This will help you stay motivated and on track. My reward for a good days work is a fudge pop! Seriously! I love those things. 
10. Make it a habit. The key to being organized is to make it a habit. The more you organize, the easier it will become. Start small and gradually build up your organizational skills. Some of us are born organizers and some of us struggle to organize and stay organized. 

Being organized is a skill that takes time and practice. But it's a skill that is well worth developing. When you are organized, you can save time, reduce stress, and be more productive. I can't function properly when things are a mess.

Here are some additional tips for staying organized:

• Use color-coding to help you keep track of different items. I like to do that with my to do list - one color is my 60 and loving it/Laurie's Colorful World, another color is for my Forever Tied Moments, LLC biz and other colors are for personal/family
• Label everything so you know where it belongs. This is one area I would like to improve on.
• Create a system for filing your paperwork. If you don't have a file cabinet, you buy cardboard or plastic bins for a file system. I keep folders for personal taxes, business, car expense, health insurance, utilities, etc..
• Set up a home office or workspace where you can focus on your work. I love my home office!

Remember, being organized is a journey, not a destination. There will be times when you feel like you're getting back on track. But don't give up! The more you practice, the easier it will become. It has for me!