Organization. The word can seem daunting, especially to people who have no sense of it. Although it may seem overwhelming, becoming organized isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The following tips will lead those organizationally-challenged to start off on the right foot.
1. Start and end the day on the right track.
Our bodies like the idea of routine, and having a morning and nightly one can get you going in the morning and keep you organized for the entire day. Doing something like eating breakfast or going on a run to start your morning is a great thing. Also, by thinking of all the activities you have to do for the day, you can set yourself up with a day of success. In the evening, winding down by reading or taking a shower can help you stay organized as well.
2. Tidy up a little every day.
We’ve all been there—putting off chores day after day until there’s no putting them off anymore and cleaning your room could take hours. The simple solution is cleaning a little each day. By making sure everything is clean each day, no longer will there be times when cleaning your room will take an hour or two.
3. Give everything a spot.
Location is key. By giving everything you own a spot, whether it be in a drawer or on a shelf, cleaning becomes much easier. When you take something out for use, it is simple to put it back exactly where it belongs, causing no extra clutter. Cubbies and bins are great for miscellaneous things such as hair products or toiletries!
4. Make lists.
It has been proven that people who write down what they want to purchase at the grocery store, whether they remember the list or not, have a better chance of remembering what to buy. This is because lists are super important for memory. Simply writing down what to do or buy can be incredibly helpful when going through a busy day of a college student.
5. Get and use a planner.
My planner is one of my best friends, and yours should be too. By recording dates in either an electronic or old-school planer, you are less likely to overbook yourself and forget about times and dates of appointments. Writing down assignments also ensures that you will be more likely to do them. My personal favorites are by Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer; however, the University Store on Fifth has some simple, functional ones as well.
6. Do one stress-relieving activity per week.
Even our minds can be disorganized. Participating in one stress-relieving activity per week can de-clutter the mind and overall make you feel better. Yoga is my personal favorite; however, many other activities such as going on a run, listening to music, or getting your nails done can clear the mind.