Looking for tips for staying organized that make life easier? These are the go to habits I’ve built over time – daily checklists to stay focused, time blocking to protect my schedule, brain dump sessions to clear mental clutter, and simple systems for email, digital files, and even my phone.
I’m not a pro organizer, just someone who’s tested a lot of methods and kept what works. If you’re starting out fresh or refining your routines, you’ll find practical, low pressure strategies here to help you stay on top of things without the overwhelm.
Why Organization Matters
You don’t have to be a “planner” to see why organizing can make life easier. You don’t have to use color coded schedules or fancy tools, the point is finding simple ways to stay on top of things so you can spend more time doing what you enjoy. I’ll share the best ways to stay organized that free up more time, without the stress or overwhelm.
How to Be More Organized
I’ve found that keeping a simple daily routine is the key to not getting overwhelmed. Here are some easy ways to keep your days on track:
Create a Daily Checklist
I started using daily checklists a few years ago, and they completely changed my mornings. Instead of jumping from one thing to another, I jot down the top things I need to tackle. I love checking things off, it gives me a small sense of accomplishment each time. On busy days, I keep the list short, it helps me feel in control and more focused. For me, daily checklists are one of the best lists to make to organize your life and stay on track.
Time Blocking
Time blocking has kept my day structured without stressing over every little detail. For example, I set aside an hour each morning for emails and messages. Knowing there’s a set time for certain tasks has taught me how to become more productive because it helps me focus on what I’m doing at the moment, making my day feel a lot more manageable.
“Brain Dump” Sessions
I like to do a brain dump whenever I feel like I have too much on my mind. It’s as simple as sitting down with a notebook and writing out everything from big to-dos to tiny worries. It makes organizing tasks so much easier because I can see everything in front of me and decide what’s important. It’s one of my favorite creative ways to organize my thoughts and tasks.
Building Routines That Stick
Here’s how I make routines that don’t feel like a chore:
- Start Small: Instead of creating a super detailed routine all at once, start with just one small habit, like a morning coffee and planning session.
- Add Something You Love: Pairing a task with something you look forward to (like listening to a favorite podcast) can make it feel less like work. This is a strategy James Clear talks about in “Atomic Habits”, where he encourages pairing a habit you want to build with something enjoyable to make it more rewarding and sustainable.
Quick Tips for Staying Organized Digitally
Between emails, social media, and digital files, our screens can get just as cluttered as our desks. Here’s what has helped me keep things neat online:
Email Management Tips
Email used to be one of my biggest sources of digital clutter. I’d spend so much time searching through messages and getting distracted by newsletters I didn’t even remember subscribing to. Now, I dedicate just ten minutes daily to clearing out junk and organizing important emails into folders. I also unsubscribe from anything I don’t read regularly.
Organizing Digital Files
My digital files were a mess until I started using a simple folder system. Now, I have a “Work,” “Personal,” and “Finances” folder, each with subfolders. I remember one time spending an hour looking for an important document I’d saved somewhere random.
Keeping My Phone Organized
I decided to organize my apps into folders by category (like “Social,” “Work,” and “Health”), and I deleted the ones I never use. It seems small, but now my home screen feels clean, and I can get to what I need without getting lost in a sea of icons.
Using Planners and Templates to Stay on Track
I created a few templates and printables you’ll find helpful. Here’s what you can find:
- Weekly Planners
- Habit Trackers
- Goal-Setting Worksheets
- Calendars
- And many more
Keeping Up With It All (Without Burning Out)
It’s important to remember that planning and organization are tools to make life easier, not another thing to stress over. Some of my best lessons have been from times when I fell off track. Here’s what I’ve learned about getting back on:
- Setting Boundaries: Learning when to say no can free up time for other important things.
- Taking Breaks: I’ll be honest, I’ve learned the hard way that taking breaks is essential for staying motivated.
- Finding Balance: I love being organized, but I also believe life needs some flexibility. I’ll show you how to get better at organization while still making time to relax and unwind.
You can find a lot of studies on the internet these days about burnout, but I remember reading about the pros and cons of being organized on the Psychology Today website, and thinking, yes, being overly organized can be bad sometimes. And yes, it is fine not to have control over everything, every day.
What Type of Organizer Are You?
Before I wrap up, here’s a fun bonus to help you figure out what kind of systems might stick. Different brains like different setups, and this quick breakdown can point you toward tools that match how you already operate.
| Trait | Type A | Type B | Type C | Type D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure or freedom? | Structure | Freedom | Structure | Freedom |
| Digital or analog? | Digital | Analog | Hybrid | Analog |
| Plans far ahead? | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Distracted easily? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Suggested system | Trello | Bullet Journal | Notion + planner | Visual Kanban Board |
You can try the suggested system and let me know if I helped you make the right call!
Key Takeaways
I hope this page gives you a strong starting point for planning and simplifying life in a way that works for you. My goal here is to share real, useful tips for staying organized that make life feel easier and more manageable. You’ll find links to helpful tools, templates, and detailed articles that cover everything from organizing your day-to-day tasks to tackling digital clutter. Whether you’re looking to build simple routines, save time, or just feel more in control, there’s something here to help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let me answer some the questions you might have:
Not at all! You don’t need anything fancy to begin organizing. Many of the tips I share can be done with things you probably already have at home, like a notebook, pen, or phone. If you’re interested, I do offer some free printables and templates here to help you get started, but they’re completely optional.
Planning doesn’t have to be rigid or time-consuming. Start with the basics – prioritizing key tasks and giving yourself room to adjust. Overloading your schedule or sticking to a system that feels restrictive can lead to burnout. Keep it simple and adaptable.
Yes, 100%! Life is busy, and it’s completely normal to miss a day (or more) of planning. I see planning as a tool, not a strict requirement. Some days, I just do a quick mental checklist rather than writing everything down. Planning should work for you, so don’t feel bad if you take days off.
Start with one small change that feels doable. Maybe it’s a morning checklist or organizing your email. Once you feel comfortable, add more. My goal with this website is to give you helpful ideas without making you feel like you have to do everything. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll start seeing results!
