With our busy lives, it can feel impossible to keep track of it all. Organisation is a challenge for almost everyone, so there are endless ways to help us daily. Here are five tools that will help you keep your days organised.
#1 Make Lists and Use a Planner
Keeping track of everything you want or need to accomplish in a day can be hard if you don’t write it down. Nothing is more frustrating than having that thought of ‘I feel like I’m forgetting something but I don’t remember what it is!’ To avoid this feeling, keep ongoing lists. Make a new one every day and don’t check anything off until you’ve completed it.
To keep your list organised, try making category titles like, “Don’t Forget,” “Important Dates,” and “To Do.” These headings can be tailored to your daily activities, whether for work, school, or parenting. Be sure to leave a few extra lines blank if you have to add things to your lists throughout the day. Whatever you don’t check off one day can be added to the next day’s list. You can also use apps on your phone to make lists, and assign tasks to your partner or children, and it cuts down on paper usage.
Try a planner if you’re looking for one home for all your lists. This might seem like an obvious one, but there are many options when it comes to planners. Do you want daily, weekly, or monthly sections? Each planner is different and has elements that others may not, so choosing one is all about personal preference. Get one that you like to keep you organised for the whole year instead of just using it for a month.
While planners are a place to write down lists and events, you may find that you need reminders sent to you. A digital calendar can create events, set reminders, and send alerts for them on your mobile phone. They’re also shareable which is perfect for families and friends. Keeping your calendar updated will help you remain organised day-to-day and week-to-week.
Eye-catching Stationery
If you have a home office or a workspace in your home, chances are you have some sticky notes lying around waiting to be used. A fun, cheaper alternative to planners, sticky notes can be used for organising just about anything. Leave notes to yourself on the bathroom mirror, on your computer, or even in the refrigerator to remind you to add milk to the shopping list if you’re the type of person who walks into a room and occasionally forgets why sticky notes are your friend. You can also set reminders on your phone to remind you of something too.
Another office tool that you might not think of as being helpful is a whiteboard. They can be a place to make lists, leave sticky notes, or just brainstorm your ideas. Different coloured markers can be used to colour-code or separate ideas. They help keep classrooms organised, so why not try it out at home?
Focus Apps and Music
If time management is a challenge for keeping yourself organised, consider setting timers throughout the day. This can help you work or study for a set amount of time to keep yourself on track to check off items on your lists. Your phone probably has one built-in, but there are others out there.
For organisation, music can help you focus, too. If you have a favourite album or playlist, note how long it would take to play it all the way through, and play it in the background of whatever you’re doing. This can instantly make any task you’re doing more enjoyable. For some people, music can be too distracting, so sticking to a timer may be a better option.
Don’t Forget to Eat
This may seem like an odd organisation tip, but eating and moving regularly can help your brain and body to feel better and take on the day. Eating in the morning helps fuel your body and gives you the energy you need to start the day. Taking lunch breaks around the same time each day will help you create a routine. Making dinner in the evening can be a great way to wind down from a hectic day. Don’t forget fluids too – drinking enough water every day is important for your brain and body. Yes, coffee will wake you up in the morning, but over time caffeine will hinder your day rather than help it.
Keep It Tidy
Whether it’s cleaning off your desk at the end of the day or sorting your refrigerator in the morning, remember to keep your spaces clear. It’s easy during the week to let dirty dishes, laundry, and other things pile up. But set aside some time or a certain day to get a handle on everything. That way your piles don’t overtake you and leave you feeling unorgnised during the day.
Remember these tools the next time you feel unorganised. If at first, you don’t succeed, try again. We can learn from our mistakes and improve our organisation habits. We hope these tools will help you be more organised and productive in your daily life! If we can help you further then do please get in touch.
Guest blog: Sara Carter is a co-founder of Enlightened Digital. She enjoys spending her days writing about technology and business, writing code or chasing her kids and dog.
