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Being and staying organized is something that some people can do automatically while others have to work a little harder at it.
Spoiler alert: I am one of those people who have to work harder at it! So when I find a tip that helps me live with less stress, I definitely want to share it. Here are five habits that organized people have that help them enjoy a well-ordered life.
THINK LIKE A MINIMALIST
It's interesting how things will seem to fall into place when you adopt a simplistic attitude toward all things, from home décor to wardrobes to work spaces. Try to accumulate only the supplies that you need and use regularly.
This isn’t to say that an organized home can’t have a little flair or has to be entirely utilitarian, however, as with many things, the concept of moderation and keeping the “stuff” you own to a sensible amount will make things easier to find, easier to clean, and easier to keep organized. There can be a cathartic effect to not being overwhelmed by belongings.
If you haven't been introduced to the world of Marie Kondo, now may very well be the time to investigate her techniques! Kondo's best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is currently free with a new Audible trial.
DON’T BURDEN YOUR MEMORY
Expecting your brain to remember every name, every event, and every number is not only exhausting, it's not sustainable, and completely unnecessary. Not only is there nothing wrong with getting into the habit of making notes and writing everything down but doing so is a fundamental element to being organized.
Your phone can be a great tool for your note-taking! College InfoGeek has a great roundup of the best 11 note-taking apps of 2020, including some free options depending on which platforms you use.
HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE FOR TIME
Break the habit of procrastination. Begin using calendars and give yourself non-negotiable deadlines. Create schedules for yourself and make the necessary concerted effort that you need to in order to not procrastinate.
It may seem that putting yourself under pressure may feel like a motivational tool, but it actually just creates more stress and results in lower quality performance. You'll achieve better results if you plan ahead and delegate the time to complete the task in an organized manner.
If you like physically writing things down, 2020-2021 planners are already available to help you build new habits and stick to them for the foreseeable future.
DEVISE YOUR OWN SYSTEM FOR YOUR STUFF
Before you declutter, have a plan or system to compartmentalize, label and designate a place for your belongings. Do this in your bathroom, your kitchen, your desk at the office, as well as your car. Even something as simple as keeping a clean car can somehow have the magically cathartic effect of making you feel like your entire life is in order.
Plus I can tell you that it is So. Much. Fun. to label stuff! My personal favorite label maker is the Brother P-Touch -- it has a QWERTY keyboard, so you don't have to hunt and peck your way through the keys.
STICK TO YOUR LISTS
After you’ve made your super organized lists, the trick is to stick to them! Do not fall prey to impulse buys. Make responsible decisions while you’re at home, away from the advertisements and sales pitches about what it is that you actually need, and do not allow yourself to be deterred from that list, regardless of what might be on sale.
OTOH, of course, if you really do need something, the best time to buy is when it's on sale! So make sure you have a list of always-necessary items for your family -- including groceries, beauty products, and household supplies -- so you can be ready to grab a deal that works for you when it rolls around.
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