Do you feel overwhelmed with everything you have to do and not enough time to do it? Do you tend to lose items easily, forget appointments, or miss the due dates? If this sounds like you then, it might be time to get organized! Here are 5 tips to help you get started!
- Tackle one area at a time
Getting organized isn’t something that happens overnight for most people. It’s honestly a lifestyle adjustment and you have to find the methods that work for you. Start with one area like your closet, your computer drive, or your bookshelf and clean. Once you have one area organized it’ll be much easier to work on other parts of your life as well.
- Get a PLANNER
Whether this is on your phone, computer, or a hand-written version. Find yourself a planner and use it. Write down class assignments, plans for the weekend, and upcoming events. I like to map out dates that I know at the start of the month and then update my planner each day when new items pop up.
- Set a Schedule
Utilize the calendar on your phone or your planner and organize your schedule. Schedule when you are working, when you are in class, and when you have extra activities. Look at what time slots you have available and utilize them! Give yourself a time to work out, a time to study, and a time to attend social events. Once you figure out a schedule, stick to it! This allows you to maximize your time every day.
- Label everything…
Label your folders, note books, files, or drives on your computer so that it is easy to locate everything and you are not wasting time searching for an item. Labeling is a quick and easy tool that can be done by purchasing a label maker, handwriting with an easy to read writing utensil or naming the files and documents on your computer.
- Folders people (IRL and on your computer)
Make a folder for each class on your computer, have a separate binder or notebook for each class or club you attend and then use it. Be sure to neatly save or file away any class notes, to do lists, or projects and be sure to place the date on the items to help with your organization.
Getting and staying organized can be a daunting feat at first, but after you start, you’ll never go back. Take one tip at a time and work your way through all 5. Give these tips a try, and enjoy the results of the new and organized you!
Written in conjunction with Christina Armbrester