4 Organizing Tips

Whether you’re in college, high school, working, or raising kids, life can get incredibly busy – and with that, super disorganized! Now, I’m not an organized person at home by any means… the laundry on my floor can attest to that. But, I do love to organize other parts of my life! A few weeks ago in my marketing class, I pulled out my planner and added something to it. Then, I pulled out another notebook I keep with me to add to bullet list. I didn’t think anything of it until I looked up and saw the girl next to me staring – ha! So, even though my life is far from perfectly organized, today I’m sharing 4 practical organizing tips!

1. Find the planning system that works for you.

Okay, I’ve said this before, but I think it’s so important! The best way to consistently plan is to use some kind of planner or system that you love. Don’t try to bullet journal just because it’s trendy, or use a Google calendar because all your friends do if that won’t work for you. I personally have to write everything down. For the first two years of college I used my own form of a bullet journal, and this year I’m using a planner. I’m not sure the name of the specific planner because it was a gift, but the brand is Eccolo. I think it’s so important to find a planner you love to use – because it’s beautiful and functional for your daily life!

2. When in doubt, write it out.

If you couldn’t tell from the story about me pulling out two notebooks, I love to write out my plans. I use the planner to keep up with events, work, exams, homework, blog posts… pretty much everything. My planner also has little bullet checklists on the side, which I love. I use those for smaller assignments, blogging goals, etc. But, on days when I am crazy stressed, I plan out EVERYTHING. I grab a piece of paper, write out my daily schedule, and fill in time blocks with what I want to get done at what time, and what needs to be done.

That being said, I give myself a lot of wiggle room and a whole lot of grace – something may take an hour when I had planned it to be 30 minutes. A 15 minute break may turn into a 30 minute break. I see my little schedule as a guide for what I want to do, but I don’t stress out if things move around!

3. Keep lists.

This definitely goes with #2! I like to keep to-do lists, shopping lists, and blog post ideas. I am obsessed with the Google Keep app. I only use the phone version, but you can also pull it up on your laptop. It has been so helpful for me because I can visualize everything… plus I can make everything colorful. Always a plus!

4. Set aside time to plan out your week.

I find that spending 20 minutes on a Sunday to write down my plans for the week gives me so much peace of mind. I’ll turn on Netflix or a podcast, sit down at my desk, and make sure I know what projects are due when, what time I have meetings, and if I’ve made plans with friends. I also love doing this because I can see when I do have free time – which feels much rarer these days! Then I can very intentionally plan in those things that bring me joy, like grabbing coffee with a friend I can’t see as often or going to Mass one extra time that week.

So, what are your favorite organizing tips?! I would LOVE to know!

xoxo, Cecilia