Make it habit to check the calendar daily, such as first thing in the morning or before you go to bed at night. Color code items in your calendar by priority. For example, you may highlight important dates in red and less important dates in yellow. If you are using a calendar app on your phone, you can set reminders a few days or a few hours in advance so you don’t forget an important date. You can also use other organizing apps on your phone like 24me, Quip, and Wanderlust. [2] X Research source
For example, you may write down a meeting in the morning, a phone call with a client in the afternoon, and a deadline in the evening.
If you’d prefer to keep the to-do list on your computer, make a spreadsheet and use it as a to-do list. Keep the spreadsheet on your desktop so you can look at it and cross off items as you complete them. For example, you may have a list of short term to-do items like complete assignment for tomorrow, clean room, and order supplies for the week. You can then keep a list of long term to-do items like apply for college in 1 month, learn Arabic, and plan a trip.
You can also reward yourself with fun or relaxing activities, such as playing your favorite video game or watching your favorite show. Only give yourself these rewards when you have completed the necessary tasks for the day.
For example, you may list tasks like completing an assignment or preparing lunch for your children first. Then, you may schedule in time to read emails or catch up on the news, followed by other tasks in the afternoon and evening.
Having breaks will ensure you do not get too worn out or overworked, especially if you have a lot of tasks to complete for the day. If you are really busy, try to schedule at least one break in the day so you are not working too many hours straight.
For example, you may put the kettle on for your tea and fold towels, send emails, and load the washing machine while the water boils. Or you may set a download on your computer at work and do paperwork or other tasks in the office while you wait for the download to finish. Just keep in mind that some studies have shown that multitasking may diminish one’s ability to focus on one thing at a time.
For example, you may delegate chores in your home to your children or your family members so you are not the only one cleaning and maintaining the house. Or you may delegate tasks to coworkers who have free time or an hour to spare so you can ensure all your tasks get done for the day.
For example, you may have a bookshelf in your bedroom that is stuffed full of books. Go through your books and put ones you no longer read or need in a box. Try to get rid of any books you honestly do not think you will read again. You can then donate the books in the box to charity so they are out of your room.
You should also position items that you use often closer to your workspace so they are within reach. For example, if you often use a stapler in your office, keep it in the top drawer of your desk so it’s within reach and you know where it is at all times. Organize electrical cords in your office by using zip ties to keep cords wrapped. This will prevent them from getting tangled and messy.
Place related items together in drawers or cupboards. For example, store all coffee mugs together or all utensils together. Keep your kitchen counters free of items when possible and only leave out items you use often, such as a large cutting board or a kettle. Some items need layout or ordering rather than just grouping. Frequently used unique items, like spices, should be kept handy and accessible, such as on a spice rack on the counter. Perishable items, like food, should be consumed on a first-in, first-out basis. Load stacks of perishable items, such as canned food, starting with the oldest first in a cupboard or a pantry.
Rotate items that are within reach in your closet so you wear different items and get the most out of each item. Keep all shoes together, preferably on a shoe rack or in labeled bins. This way you can view each pair and know exactly what you have in your closet. If you’re having trouble keeping your closet tidy, get a closet organizer to help you keep your items sorted.
You can also clean each space periodically throughout the week to maintain them. Do a light dusting of your home once a day. Throw out any papers or bills you don’t need right away, rather than let them clutter up your space. It is good to clean your place every week. If your place becomes untidy very quickly, then you can clean more frequently.
