Things You'll Need:
- diary with room for to do lists, address, appointments and birthdays.
- pen
- storage units
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Step 1
Go out and buy the tools you will need to get organized. These will include an appropriate diary where you can put to do lists, addresses, birthdays, a pen, stamps and other items you may want to have with you at all times. Also buy a large wall calendar for the household.
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Step 2
Set up your wall calendar. If you live in a busy household, especially one with kids you no doubt will be running around for various activities. The calendar can act as a communal place to track everyone's upcoming activities. It is each person's responsibility to add their activities in advance, such as sports practices, dental appointments, birthday, etc. Make sure to include start and finish times for each activity.
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Step 3
Set up your personal organizer. No that you have found a diary that suits your needs, use it and keep it with you at all times. Each evening set up your to do list based on the communal calendar. Prepare any bills or cards that you need to send out in the mail the following morning.
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Step 4
Set up a work area in your home. This area will be dedicated to getting and keeping you organized. In this area you should have files for bills that are well organized, a place to write, pens and pencils, envelopes, stamps, paper and anything else you think would be helpful. Keep your bills and receipts in properly labeled files so it is easy to find them when necessary, such as at tax time. Do not leave this area without making sure everything is tidy and filed away when you are finished.
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Step 5
Create check lists. Print off various check lists that will help you get organized and stay that way. Store this in a check list binder that you keep in your work area. These can be lists for finances, household items and goals. For example, you may want to make sure you always have a well stocked medicine cabinet. You can make a list of all the items needed and check these items regularly using your list. Any items that or low or out of stock you can then add to your shopping list.
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Step 6
Do a clean out. You and your family members probably have plenty of items, such as clothes that they just don't wear anymore for whatever reason. Take these clothes and donate them to charity. Make sure you get a receipt and file it appropriately as these donated are tax deductible.
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Step 7
After the clean out re-organize how you store items, using appropriate storage containers. It will make it much easier to find what you need if it isn't packed in with tons of other items in a random order. This in turn will save you time.
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Step 8
Try to plan ahead and stick to your schedule. If you plan ahead you can use your time more efficiently. This will reduce the time you waste by getting side tracked. Good time management means you will have more time to spend on your hobbies, relaxing and with your family. It will be hard at first to get into the habit of putting this back the way they were and updating calendars, but after a little perseverance you will be well on your way to a more organized life with more time to enjoy yourself.
Comments
harryche said
on 9/30/2009 Great article.
You may want to check out http://www.GoalsOnTrack.com, a very nicely built web app designed for tracking goals and todo lists, and supports time tracking too. It's clear, focused, easy to navigate, worth a try.
momtchr said
on 5/11/2009 Although I love organizing, over the years I have noticed how many people actually struggle in this area of life. Thank you for writing such a detailed article to help with this problem.
whoodo said
on 5/11/2009 An excellant article, especially for those persons who struggle with organizing. I am very organized, it drives my two teens and my adult daughter nuts. When it come to my wall calendar I keep one with large squares so it is easier to see appointments, etc. Five stars and a recommend