Staying organised can sometimes feel like a full-time job in itself. Between work responsibilities, family obligations, and personal goals, it’s easy for things to spiral into chaos. However, being organised isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding systems and habits that help you stay in control of your time and keep on top of your responsibilities. The real key is consistency and a willingness to adjust when life throws its little surprises your way.
Here are some practical and detailed tips to help you stay organised throughout the year while keeping stress at bay.
Keep a Calendar
It’s common knowledge that a good calendar is the foundation of staying organised. It’s where you track your commitments, appointments, deadlines, and important dates. Without a reliable calendar, it is far too easy to double-book yourself or forget small but crucial tasks.
If you prefer digital tools, apps like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook allow you to set reminders, colour-code events by category (e.g., work, personal, family), and share schedules with others. For instance, you can sync your calendar with colleagues or family members to avoid miscommunication.
For those who prefer a tactile approach, a paper planner can be a satisfying option. Look for planners with dedicated sections for daily, weekly, and monthly views. Use different coloured pens or stickers to visually organise tasks and events.
A Sunday evening habit of reviewing and updating your calendar for the week ahead can help you mentally prepare for what’s coming.
Declutter Your Space
Physical clutter can have a direct impact on your mental state. It’s difficult to stay organised when your surroundings are chaotic, so creating a habit of regular decluttering is essential.
Start small—perhaps with a single drawer or one section of your desk. Take everything out, assess what you truly need, and sort the items into categories.
For example, office supplies like pens and sticky notes can be stored in one drawer, while cables and chargers can go in another.
Storage solutions can make this process easier. Use labelled bins, drawer dividers, or hanging organisers to keep everything in its place. If you’re tackling larger spaces like your wardrobe, consider adopting a one-in, one-out rule: every time you bring something new in, remove something old.
A seasonal declutter—spring cleaning, for example—can also help reset your space and keep it functional throughout the year.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination or disorganisation. Breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps can make even the most daunting projects feel manageable.
For example, if you’re planning a home renovation, don’t focus on the entire project all at once. Start with smaller tasks like researching contractors, choosing colour palettes, or budgeting for materials. Each completed step brings you closer to the larger goal without feeling paralysed by its size.
Create a Daily Routine
As much as we all enjoy a bit of spontaneity, routines provide structure and a sense of stability in an otherwise busy life. An established daily routine can help you stay organised by turning essential tasks into habits, reducing the need for constant decision-making.
Start your day with a morning routine that sets the tone for productivity. This could include reviewing your calendar, writing a quick to-do list, or spending five minutes tidying your workspace. In the evening, use a bedtime routine to reset for the next day. You might spend ten minutes preparing your clothes for the morning, packing lunches, or reflecting on your accomplishments.
Routines don’t need to be rigid. Flexibility is important, especially when unexpected events arise. However, having a basic structure in place ensures that essential tasks don’t get overlooked, even during hectic times.
Use Lists
While it might seem simple, lists are an incredibly effective tool for organisation. Writing things down helps you prioritise tasks, remember important details, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to do.
Create different types of lists to suit your needs. For example, a daily to-do list can focus on immediate priorities, while a master list can capture longer-term goals or projects. Shopping lists, packing lists, and even “someday” lists for future ideas can keep you focused and productive.
If you prefer digital options, apps like Todoist or Microsoft To Do offer features like task reminders, categorisation, and deadline tracking. For a more visual approach, consider a whiteboard or sticky notes that can be rearranged as needed.
Reflect and Adjust
No system is perfect, and what works for you at one stage of life might not work as well at another. Regularly reflecting on your organisational habits and making adjustments is crucial to staying on track.
Take time at the end of each week or month to evaluate how well your systems are working. Are you consistently meeting deadlines and staying on top of tasks? Or do you feel like things are slipping through the cracks? Adjust your approach based on what you notice.
Staying organised all year round is less about following rigid rules and more about finding your own way and learning what works for your unique needs and circumstances.
If you incorporate tools such as calendars and lists into your life and be willing to adapt your day-to-day slightly, you can create systems that make life smoother and more enjoyable.