How to Stay Organized when You Are Busy

Being busy seems to be our normal state these days. With all of the busyness, it's easy to lose focus and become disorganized. How do you stay organized in all of the chaos? These nine tips can help you regain control of your super busy life.

Develop a Morning and Evening Routine

Start small habits such as putting your keys and wallet or purse in the same place each evening to ensure you find them if you rush out the door the following day.

Use Lists

Whether you use an app on your phone or a simple notebook, use lists to collect everything you need to do or buy. Make your grocery list, add those tasks that never seem to get done, and break down large projects into smaller tasks without relying on your memory.

Use a “One-Minute” Rule

Look at your tasks. Is there anything you can complete in one minute? Then do it now. Don’t wait. If you let them pile up, you may feel overwhelmed. For example, rinse off your plate and put it in the dishwasher before leaving the kitchen after a meal. Doing the small things now will make life less hectic later.

Use Your Calendar

Like making a to-do list, using a calendar frees your mind to stay focused on tasks. You know where you need to be on a specific day with one glance. You won’t run the risk of overbooking yourself and causing more frustration.

Do the Hardest Tasks First

You will feel accomplished by doing the one thing you dread doing first. You can then complete other things more easily, knowing the hard part is complete. You will also feel fulfilled.   

Solo-Task

Many of us think that multi-tasking is the way to go. You can get much done, or so you think. You will complete more in less time and with less effort when you focus on one task at a time.

Meal Plan

You will eat unhealthy foods when you are too busy to cook because you didn’t get to the store. Take 3-5 minutes and jot down your favourite meals that are quick to fix. Then add the ingredients to your grocery list, and be sure to buy them. Meal planning will save you time and energy - and your waistband.

Lay Your Clothes Out the Night Before

When you are in a rush in the morning, you will be glad that you set out your clothes. It’s one less thing to do before rushing out the door. It also ensures you can find a favourite blouse and mend any buttons.

Create a Launchpad

Look for a place near your front door to place everything you need for the next day. For instance, put your purse, briefcase, library books, or items for other errands in one location. This gives you a centralized location that keeps you from running around the house to bring everything together.