To lead a healthy, productive, and semi-sane life, organization is key. Not only does organization help you keep a level head, but it also improves efficiency and clears up extra time and space you never knew you had. So, in this blog post I share 12 tips and tricks to maintain a organized lifestyle.

1. Schedule upkeep time

Schedule time in your day or week to reorganize your planner, clean your desk/room, etc.

2. Keep routines

Creating attainable morning and evening routines will not only help to maintain an organized lifestyle, but also ensures you will start and end your day on track.

3. Get all the small tasks done first.

I like to complete the small, 2-10 minute tasks done first to build up my confidence and that “I’m super productive” feeling which you will need to conquer those more daunting tasks.

4. Break down the big tasks

Another helpful tip to maintain an organized lifestyle is to break the more significant tasks into smaller steps to clarify your goal. Instead of “write a book,” you start with “brainstorm ideas.”

5. Start your day the night before

Starting your day the night before means to get everything ready before you need it. I like to set out my clothes, ready my daily planner, and clean off my workspace for a more productive tomorrow.

6. Have a place for brain dumping

Always have a designated brain dump place. This place can be the notes app on your phone, a notebook, or whatever you need to clear your head. You can then take all the ideas and tasks from your head to your planner.

7. Categorize and label drawers, baskets, etc.

Make sure to categorize and label all storage and organizational containers. Following this tip is vital to maintaining an organized workstation, room, house, etc. I have a designated drawer for office supplies, stationery, school binders, craft supplies, and electronics. I also have a basket in my room to act as a “junk drawer” I go through daily.

8. Schedule time to manage your inbox

This tip is pretty straightforward. I filter my inbox at the start or the end of the day, usually during breakfast or lunch. The simple action of clearing your email inbox daily helps to maintain sanity. Period.

9. Journal before bed and as soon as you wake up.

Journaling helps to relieve your brain of any pent-up feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Even keeping a small notebook beside your bed in case of 3 am ideas can help to keep your mind clear.

10. Go to sleep early to wake up early

This tip goes along with starting your day the night before. Make sure to schedule the time to rest. If you are aiming to wake up at 6 am, try to get to bed at 9:45 so you can be asleep by 10 pm. It takes the average person 15 minutes to fall asleep, but figuring out how long it takes you to fall asleep is vital in scheduling your time to sleep.

11. Practice putting away items immediately

Practice taking things to their place as often as possible. While this can seem like an obvious tip, actually putting it into practice is the tricky part. It helps me to put everything that needs to go to another room in a pile on my desk, or someplace I visit regularly enough for the pile to be annoying.

12. Organize regularly

Organizing your space regularly (especially places that you spend a lot of time in i.e., bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, workspace) will help maintain an organized, clean lifestyle.