Top 5 Simple Strategies for Staying Organised Every Day

Staying organised can feel overwhelming, but it can be much simpler than it seems! By adopting a few basic strategies, you can streamline your daily routine and foster a more efficient environment. Whether you're balancing work, family, or personal projects, these tips will help you maintain clarity and focus in your everyday life. Let's explore five effective ways to stay organised daily.

1. Create a Daily To-Do List

Creating a daily to-do list is one of the easiest ways to stay organised. This method allows you to prioritise tasks and ensures nothing is overlooked. Each morning, or evening take a few minutes to write down the tasks you aim to complete. Research shows that 83% of people feel more accomplished at the end of the day when they check off items on their to-do lists.

You can use a physical notebook, a planner, or a digital app like Todoist or Microsoft To Do - whichever fits your lifestyle best. Try to keep your list realistic by limiting it to 5-7 tasks daily, so you don't feel overwhelmed.

I like to use my journal to create a list for the next day. My journal isn't pretty, but I write in it every night before I go to bed, often in a slapdash manner. It allows me to empty out my head, and creates my to do list for the next day.

Then, I classify my tasks. I circle the important ones, and then number them, paying attention to what I think I can realistically do the next day.

That night, I cross off any that I've managed to do, and make another list. It's so satisfying when you get to draw that line through something.

A colourful planner filled with handwritten notes

2. Declutter Regularly

A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind. Make decluttering a routine part of your week. Set aside 15 minutes a week (say every Saturday) to tidy up your workspace or living area. You would be surprised how much a clean space can boost your productivity.

Studies suggest that people with organised workspaces are 25% more efficient. Keep only what you need visible and store items that are not frequently used. This way, you'll find things faster and enjoy a clearer mindset.

A neatly organised bookshelf with colourful books

3. Use Digital Tools

In our tech-savvy world, numerous tools can aid your organisation. Calendar apps like Google Calendar or project management platforms like Trello can help you track deadlines, appointments, and tasks efficiently. In fact, studies indicate that using digital organisational tools can save you up to 2 hours per week by enhancing your time management.

Experiment with different options to find what best matches your needs. Synchronising your calendar across devices ensures you have access to your schedule anywhere at any time.

4. Set Reminders

Don’t let important tasks slip through the cracks! Setting reminders is a practical way to ensure you stay on top of deadlines and appointments. You can use your phone or computer to create alerts for meetings, project due dates, or even for regular daily tasks, such as water breaks or exercise.

A simple reminder can be the difference between forgetting an important deadline and completing it on time. Research shows that reminders can improve productivity by as much as 30%.

I like to keep mine analogue. I have a standard calendar that hangs in the kitchen. Everything that the whole family is doing gets written there, and then I check it every morning. This helps me to know what's coming up.

5. Establish a Routine

Establishing a daily routine can profoundly enhance your organisation skills. Aim for a consistent schedule for your mornings, working hours, and evenings. A well-defined routine helps you manage your time effectively and fosters a sense of predictability.

For example, starting your day with a quick review of your to-do list can set a positive tone for productive work. Studies show that having a routine can reduce decision fatigue - leading to increased focus and efficiency.

I can definitely testify to this too. Having lived for a long time without a routine after having a breakdown at work and suffering an allergic reaction to any form of rigidity, I have finally started picking up routines again. And life is suddenly much easier!

Take Action for a More Organised Life

Staying organised can be straightforward. By implementing these strategies - creating a daily to-do list, decluttering regularly, using digital tools, setting reminders, and establishing a routine - you can boost your productivity and decrease stress.

The key is to stay consistent. Begin with small changes, and soon, you’ll find that staying organised is second nature. Happy organising!

As always, thank you so much for reading!

Nx