Hey y’all. School is back in session. We are all being busy little bees, balancing schoolwork, clubs, extracurriculars, internships, jobs, relationships and friends. I believe in every single one of you overachievers!
But let’s be real: organization is quite difficult, especially when it seems like you don’t even have the time to stay organized. That’s what this article is going to focus on – how to stay organized without taking too much time out of the rest of your day. And yes, this is a listicle. What’s more organized than a Her Campus listicle? Absolutely nothing.
- Get a Planner
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Finding the right planner is like finding the right pair of shoes or the right significant other. Your planner must work with your lifestyle and work ethic. It took me quite a few years to find a planner that fits me perfectly, and I can officially say that Day Designer makes the best planners for me! The checklist and columns are perfect for writing down homework assignments, meetings and everything in between. Besides, I find that writing things down helps me retain it in the long run! My personal planner is pictured below – it shows my first three days at college this year.
- Download a Calendar App
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For some people, carrying around a physical planner isn’t the most practical means of being organized. We are all with our phones constantly, so why not keep your planner on your phone? There are many apps with various calendar elements, but I prefer Calendars by Readdle. It’s visually simple and very user-friendly – perfect for people on the go! I also set the app to give me notifications 20 minutes before an event. That way, I know I will get a reminder in case I forget something. This app has saved my butt more than I’d like to admit.
- Sit Down Once a Week to Plan
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Set aside ten minutes every week where you can sit down and figure out what your week entails. Not only is this a great time to uncharge, but it will also leave you feeling energized and confident for the upcoming week! Write or type down everything that you need to do, and you’ll wake up the next morning knowing that you have things under control. Repeat every week, and voila! An organized queen.
- Learn This Procrastination Hack
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I read this once on Tumblr or Twitter, but this is the best way to prevent procrastination: if a task can be done in 15 minutes or less, do it now, not later. Little chores, like folding some clothes, cleaning a mirror or packing your bag for the next day can be done quickly without taking too much time out of your day. The 15 Minute Rule has helped me keep my room and closet clean, and I definitely procrastinate significantly less with chores. This also helps me prioritize what projects require more of my time and attention!
- Set a Social Media Timer
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Hear me out on this one. I recently realized how much time I was wasting on Instagram, Buzzfeed, Facebook and Snapchat. Although I was on these apps constantly, I was not gaining any new information. I used social media as a distraction, and I could quickly spiral into 30 minutes of mindless scrolling. For iPhone users, go to Screen Time under Settings, and set timers for certain apps. I’m now able to get my work done faster with better concentration. This leaves time for more important things instead of insta-stalking food pages.
- Make Your Nighttime Routine Easy and Accessible
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I am guilty of not doing this, but I’m trying, ok? We can all try together. When I drag my tired body into the dorm room bathrooms at midnight, there is literally no molecule in my body that wants to brush my teeth or take off my makeup. I’m working on improving by leaving out my toothpaste, toothbrush, cotton swab and makeup remover on my desk when I know I’ll have a late night. This makes my sleep-deprived bathroom stumbles much easier. Everything is right in front of me, and I don’t have to go digging through bags and drawers while I fall further into sleep. Planning ahead is the key to staying on top of things.
- Visit a Counselor
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Most colleges provide time management and counseling services specifically for busy students who need some organizational help. Email your advisor, counselor, or any trusted professor and ask for a meeting to go over your schedule. I have sat down with therapists and created a detailed outline for my upcoming week. It’s a strong way to work through my deadlines, priorities and distractions. When life gets too overwhelming, get help from people who SPECIALIZE in this organizational magic!
Hopefully this lovely listicle can help you get your life a little more organized! Have fun running the world, planner in hand.