How To Organize Your Life: 25 Best Tips To Increase Productivity

Last Updated July 4, 2024 by Davina Kelly

Deciding to organize your life is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Organizing your life will help you get your life together, accomplish your goals and increase your productivity.

Life gets busier as we get older so planning time to get the important things done and setting up systems will make your life easier.

As someone who is type A, I love planning and organizing. It has helped me to achieve my goals faster, better manage my time and have more energy.

In this post, you are going to learn how to organize all areas of your life including how to organize your daily routine, and how to organize your finances.

This post is all about how to organize your life.

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Benefits of Organizing Your Life

Taking the time to organize your life will elevate your life! Being organized is more than just organizing your home and being productive. It is about changing your mindset and being intentional with your time.

When your life is organized you will reduce stress and feel more at ease because you will have a plan to get things done. Here are some of the other benefits of being organized.

Improves decision making
Increases creativity
Gives you more balance
Gives a sense of control
Improves your mental health

Being organized will also leave you with more time to focus on yourself because you will learn how to get things done efficiently.

It may seem overwhelming in the beginning especially if you are someone who isn’t used to having a structured lifestyle. But you can organize your life in a simple way that works for you.

The goal when organizing your life is to make positive changes and improvements. When you are making the changes you need to focus on the things that are important and meaningful to you.

Simple Ways To Organize Your Life Without Feeling Overwhelmed:

Organize Your Time

1. Plan Your Goals

If you are someone who is ambitious and has goals that you want to achieve you need to create a plan for how you will achieve them.

Constantly thinking about them will motivate you, but making a solid plan will get you the results.

Get some paper and make a note of all the goals you want to achieve, then pick one that you want to work on achieving in the next 3 months.

If this is your first time setting goals you can keep it simple it doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, you can decide that you want to start walking 10,000 steps every day. Once you have decided on your goal you need to think about the daily tasks you must complete to reach your goal.

If we continue with the example of walking 10,000 steps every day your daily task could be to go for a 45-minute walk every morning at 8 am. To make this goal easy for yourself you could leave your workout clothes out the night before, this way when you wake up all you need to do is put on your gear and go for a walk.

Whichever goal you decide that you want to work on, you can take the same approach. This will ensure that you have a clear plan to reach your goal and will increase your chance of being successful. This is the power of being organized, it simplifies the process and makes it easier to get things done.

2. Plan For The Week

Creating a plan for your week will help you stay organized and focus on the important things you need to do each week. It will also help you to keep track of your responsibilities and ensure that you don’t forget anything.

Having a weekly plan and a daily routine will reduce the amount of decisions you have to make because everything will already be planned out. You can start each day with a clear direction. Doing this will skyrocket your productivity!

Once a week take an hour to sit down and think about the things you have coming up the following week and the things you want to accomplish. I usually do this on a Sunday.

Make a list of each task and decide which day you will complete it. You can do this using a diary, Notion or a classic wall planner. If you have any appointments I recommend including them in your calendar.

I used to use a diary to plan my week, but now I use Notion. It is easy to use, I can customise it to my liking, if I change something I don’t need to cross it out and I can have it on all of my devices. Can you tell how much I love Notion? Lol

Choose the option that works best for you. The most important thing is to have a system that works well that you will use consistently.

3. Create a Daily Routine

Having a daily routine will save you from having to figure out what you need to do every day and feeling overwhelmed. If you create a plan beforehand it will ensure that you get all the important things done and end your day feeling accomplished.

Your daily routine should be intentional and include your non-negotiables. For example, if you want to wake up earlier your daily routine could include waking up at a certain time every day. Or if you want to start reading, your routine could include time to read a book before you go to bed.

What are your non-negotiables? Do you need to have 8 hours of sleep every night? Do you need to include daily movement? These should also be included in your daily routine.

Creating a daily routine is one of the best things I have done for myself. Before I done this I would have some days when I was super productive and others where I felt like I didn’t get anything done.

By creating a routine I have been able to increase my productivity without feeling overwhelmed. Here is an example of my daily routine.

8 hours of sleep
Read
Meditate
Daily movement
Complete work tasks
Journal

This daily routine ensures that I get enough sleep, keep my mind and body healthy and I get my work done. You can use my routine as an example to create your own.

4. Schedule Time For Tasks

Part of being organized is actually making the time to get things done. If there are tasks you need to do like cleaning, decluttering or cooking you need to schedule the time to do it or it won’t get done.

Think about the things you need to get done and the best time to do it. For example, if you need to get the cleaning done choose an optimal day and time during the week and put it in your calendar.

This will ensure that it gets done because you have scheduled time for it instead of just thinking about it.

5. Set Reminders

If you have any recurring tasks you can set up reminders for them. This will keep you organized and remind you of what you need to do in case you forget.

6. Track Your Time

Tracking how long it takes you to complete tasks will help you to use your time more efficiently.

Sometimes you will put off doing a task because you think it will take you a long time to complete. But if you track your time you will realise it takes you less time than you think.

For example, if you timed yourself cleaning the kitchen and realised it only took you 20 minutes to clean, next time you won’t put off doing it because you know it won’t take you long to complete.

Knowing this will help you to better plan your time and reduce procrastination.

7. Set Deadlines

Setting deadlines for yourself is a good way to keep yourself accountable. After tracking your time and understanding how long it takes you to complete tasks you will be able to set realistic deadlines. This will push you to get more done without feeling stressed.

8. Have a Checklist

Having a checklist will keep you on track especially if you are forgetful. You can refer to your list to see what you need to get done and tick off each thing as you go along.

Checking things off is so satisfactory lol it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

9. Batch Tasks

When you have a lot of things to do the best way to get through them is by batching similar tasks together. This is beneficial because once you are in the flow of working on a task it is best to stay there and complete all similar tasks. This can help you stay focused and increase productivity

If you switch from one task to the next it can take you longer to complete because you will have to get settled in each time. This can lead to you procrastinating and increasing your workload.

For example, if you have administration tasks to complete like responding to emails and updating your calendar. You can do them in the same work session as they require the same amount of time and energy. Whereas tasks like cleaning and doing the laundry require the same energy so they should be grouped together.

10. Have Check-Ins

When you are trying to organize your life it is important to check in and reflect on how things are going. You won’t be able to organize your life overnight, it will take some time and trial and error.

Making time to check in with yourself and see how things are going will help you to identify if the changes are working and see where you can make improvements. Set some time aside once a week for this. I usually do it on a Sunday when I am planning for the week.

11. Have a Morning Routine

When you are in the process of organizing your life having a morning routine is very important. How you start your day will set the tone for the rest of your day.

If you start your day by waking up early, reading a book and doing yoga you will feel positive and energised. This feeling will usually last throughout the rest of your day. Whereas if you roll out of bed late and have to rush to get ready you will feel overwhelmed.

Your morning routine can be simple, you can include simple steps to help you feel good and start your day on the right track.

12. Plan The Night Before

Taking 20 minutes the night before to plan your day will help you stay organized and set you up for a productive day.

Check your calendar and to-do list to see what you need to get done so that you can be prepared. For example, if you are working in the office the next day you can put your clothes out and prepare your lunch and some snacks. This will allow you to wake up feeling calm because you will be mentally prepared for the day ahead.

Related: Productive Night Routine

Organize Your Mind

13. Journal

When you are trying to organize your life it is important to begin with organizing your mind. Journaling is a great way to organize your thoughts and feelings and clear your mind.

We have a million thoughts running through our minds every day. Journaling will help you to get those thoughts out of your head and onto paper so that you can make sense of them. There are many other benefits of journaling such as.

Improving communication skills
Reduce anxiety
Gain more confidence
Increase creativity
Boost your mood

To get the best results I recommend journaling daily because it can be an outlet. This is especially beneficial if you are someone who always has a lot on their mind, you can use your journal to brain dump. Or if something is bothering you journaling can help you to understand what it is

You can start by using a simple notebook, I’m sure you have one lying around at home somewhere. If not you can order a simple one on Amazon, I use this one. It is plain and gets the job done. The 5-minute journal is also a good option, it’s more expensive but it will help you make journaling a habit.

14. Make Time For Self-Care

Organizing your life isn’t just about being rigid with your time and constantly being on the go. It is also about making time for yourself, this should be one of your non-negotiables.

You can plan time to do something you enjoy once a week. This can be taking a nice long bubble bath, doing your nails or drawing. Whatever it is include it in your weekly routine.

By doing this you are intentionally making time to pour into yourself. This will make you feel good, refreshed and energised.

15. Take Up a Hobby

Instead of scrolling on social media when you have free time why not spend time working on your hobby? Having a hobby can be a great way to be productive during your free time.

There are other benefits to having a hobby such as improving your mental health, boosting your mood and increasing creativity.

Related: Relaxing Hobbies To Do at Home

Organize Your Digital Life

16. Clear Your Mailboxes

Making time to clear your mailboxes once a week is a good habit to develop. Your mailbox should be reserved for receiving important emails, not a place to store junk.

Take an hour once a week to go through your emails and tidy up your inbox. Delete any unwanted emails and unsubscribe from any lists you aren’t interested in.

Keeping your mailbox organized is a form of digital decluttering. It will make you feel at ease.

17. Reduce Social Media Time

Social media can be a fun way to pass your time, but using it too much can be a distraction. You don’t have to stop using it completely, but if you use it a lot I recommend reducing your time. You can start by reducing your time by 30 minutes and working on your hobby instead.

Organize Your Home

18. Declutter Regularly

Decluttering your home shouldn’t be something you only do once a year. You need to do it regularly to keep on top of it because things will pile up again before you know it.

Letting go of unnecessary items can help improve your mood and concentration and will clear your space. I recommend decluttering at least twice a year.

19. Make a Cleaning Schedule

Having a cleaning schedule will give your home structure. It will ensure you make time to keep your home clean and organized and make you feel accomplished.

I recommend cleaning up your home as you go along, for example cleaning your kitchen after you use it. But you can choose one day in the week to do a big clean (like hoovering, mopping, changing your bed sheets, etc) and another day to tidy up.

This will ensure that your home stays organized and you will feel less overwhelmed. I usually do a big clean on a Saturday and tidy up on a Wednesday, but choose the days that work best for you.

20. Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals for the week is a game-changer! It takes the guesswork out when it comes to meal times and it will save you time.

I recommend creating menus based on your favourite meals. For example, you can create three different options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This will ensure that you have variety and look forward to your meals.

If you don’t like thinking about what to cook but want to be organised check out the $5 meal plan. The $5 meal plan is a meal planning service that sends delicious meal plans and grocery lists to your inbox every week for just $5 a month. Each meal only costs $2 -$3 so it’s a great way to save time and money.

You can sign up here and try it completely FREE for 14 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time with no problems.

21. Grocery Shop Once a Week

Doing your grocery shopping weekly will set you up for success and it will save you money because you will be eating home-cooked meals. Choose one day a week to get everything you need to last you for the week.

Before you go grocery shopping you should make a grocery shopping list. It should be based on the menu you created in the step above. This way you will ensure you are only buying the things you need.

Grab my free printable grocery list below.

Related: Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips

Organize Your Finances

22. Track Your Spending Habits

Tracking your spending habits will help you to understand where your money is going.

People often underestimate how much money they spend. By tracking your spending habits you will get an accurate picture of what you are spending money on and why. Once you understand this you can work on making improvements.

I recommend reviewing your bank statement every month to get a good idea. Go through each item and highlight anything that stands out.

For example, if you can see that you are spending $50 a month on coffee you may decide to cut back on getting Starbucks and start making your coffee at home a few times a week.

23. Create a Budget

A budget is essentially a plan, it will give your money direction so that when you get paid you know exactly where your money needs to go. It is better to have a plan for your money instead of wondering where it went at the end of the month.

Creating a budget is a helpful tool for your finances, it can also help you to reach your financial goals and help you avoid overspending.

It can seem overwhelming if you don’t have an organisational system for your finances, but it doesn’t have to be. You can create a simple and effective budget. Read here to learn how to create a budget.

24. Set Savings Goals

Having savings can give you peace of mind and security with your finances. If you have any unplanned expenses like car repairs or job loss you can use your savings instead of having to rely on debt.

If you want to save money you need to have a plan. For example, if you want to save $10k in a year, you will need to save $834 a month (rounded up). You can include this amount in your budget to keep you accountable. Think about the amount of money you want to save, create a plan and stick to it. Read here to learn more savings tips.

25. Create a Finance Routine

Making time to check in with your finances at least once a month is important. Having a budget and savings plan will keep your finances organized, but you need to check in regularly to review your progress.

During your finance routine, I recommend updating your budget for the previous month or week, reflecting on your performance and updating your budget for the next month.

This will ensure that your budget is agile because you will capture any changes and it will be intentional because you will be reflecting on your progress.

It may sound like a lot but it really isn’t, you can do all of this in less than an hour. I recommend doing it bi-weekly in the beginning and once you are comfortable you can do it once a month.

Grab your favourite drink, get comfortable and look at your numbers. Your future self will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Organize My Life Mean?

Organizing your life means that you have order and structure in your life. You make a plan to get things done and use your time efficiently.

Having an organized life means that you are always prepared and it will make your life easier to manage.

You must have heard the quote “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” When your life is organized you are planning to win.

How Can I Keep My Life More Organized?

The best way to keep your life more organized is by planning ahead and creating daily routines that will build good habits.

It won’t happen overnight but if you make planning part of your lifestyle and stick to your routines you will be able to use your time more efficiently and feel less overwhelmed.

Here are some examples of ways to keep your life more organized.

Plan for the week
Create a daily routine
Schedule time to complete tasks
Make a budget and stick to it
Set deadlines

How Can I Organize My Life and Be Happy?

When you are trying to organize your life it is important to do it in a way that works for you and to ensure that you include time for the things that you enjoy.

For example, if you love watching Netflix you should make time to do that as well as complete your daily tasks and decluttering.

Here are some examples of ways you can organize your life and be happy.

Find balance
Make time for self-care
Keep things simple
Be consistent
Develop healthy habits

Final Thoughts

Organizing your life means that you have your life in order, use your time intentionally and reduce stress. It doesn’t mean that you are perfect, but it does mean you are prepared and less reactive.

In this post, I have shared different ways for you to organize each area of your life in simple ways. You don’t have to do this all at once, think about the areas you want to work on first and start there. As you get more comfortable you can include more.

Have you found these tips helpful? What are some of the ways you organize your life?