January is all about new beginnings: a new calendar year (hello, 2012), a new semester, new classes, a new schedule, and all new experiences. What does newness typically come with? A renewed commitment to being organized, timely, and all-around “better.” I don’t know about you, but being more organized is at the top of my list of New Year’s Resolutions this year, and I am determined to succeed! Here are 10 easy ways to get organized this year!
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Make a schedule and stick to it. If you schedule your time wisely, you’ll be less likely to spend time doing things you shouldn’t be doing, or things you’ll regret later. Use your phone or computer to record appointments and your class schedule so you’re always in the right place at the right time.
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Make daily to-do lists and cross things off as you complete them. Nothing feels better than accomplishing the things you know you need to do, so make a small list of your daily goals every day and cross them off as you complete them. You’ll get things done and feel much better about being productive.
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Don’t let your space get too cluttered. If you get things out, put them away as soon as you are done with them. You’ll be much less overwhelmed if everything is placed where it should be and your room looks like it came out of a magazine ad (rather than the newspaper article announcing the tornado that just passed through).
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If you start something, finish it. Don’t begin something if you know you can’t finish it when you want to. Nothing is worse than half-finished tasks.
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Designate time to clean your area every week. Upkeep is important and cleanliness is even more crucial to feeling happy in your work and living space. Vacuum, wipe down your desk, sweep the kitchen, clean the
bathroom, etc. Make a schedule so you and your roommates can rotate. Easy. -
Don’t procrastinate.
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Write down all your homework, exam dates, paper due dates, etc. right when you get your syllabi so you don’t forget anything. This way, everything you need to know is in one place and you’ll never be unprepared.
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Organize your area before things get too chaotic. Take the time now to put everything away where you want it before you don’t have time to do it.
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Purge. Go through your desk and books and get rid of anything you don’t need. Pack it up, put it away (neatly), and toss the trash.
- Take time to relax. A little bit of yoga, a brisk walk outside, your favorite TV show, and a good book (not being read as an assignment) will all keep you grounded and stress-free.
Happy organizing!!
Photo Sources:
http://www.homeorganizeit.com/images/DormDesk350.jpg
http://iadms.dancerwellnessproject.com/Conference/Images/schedule.gif