How To Become Organised - 12 Habits That Organised People Have!

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

I used to be the least organised person on Earth. Okay, maybe not the least, but I was definitely in the runnings! Although I did master the art of making every deadline by less than a hair’s width, it was a stressful way to live. I always had something to worry about. But now, if you told any of the people around me that I’m unorganised, they’d laugh, and they certainly wouldn’t believe you. We aren’t born organised or unorganised, it’s simply down to the little actions we take every day. I’m going to share the everyday habits you should adopt to be more organised.

The image shows an open notebook with the word "goals" at the top. It is on a desk surrounded by stationary including scissors and paper clips. The colour scheme is pink, white and gold

Write everything down (bonus: categorise your notes)


This was such a game-changer. There’s a David Allen quote which says “your mind is for having ideas, not holding them” and he couldn’t be more right. I’ve kicked myself so many times for entrusting my memory to hang on to a good idea, only to find it lost to the abyss when I need it. But this goes for more than just your thoughts, write everything down! 

See a quote you like? Write it down.
Interesting fact? Write it down.
Find out someone’s birthday? Write it down.
Notice that you need a new white t-shirt? (I know you love it, but you can’t wear the spaghetti stained one forever) Write it down.

Make sure to always title your notes and leave enough info to ensure you’ll know what you’re talking about. It also helps to have notes for certain lists. If you’re noting down a quote, put it in a note with all your quotes.

Get yourself a folder


This is the habit that will make you feel like a ‘real adult’ (if that scares you off, I suggest covering your folder in stickers, or glitter glue… or both). Paper correspondence is very much in decline, but there’s still the odd letter, document or receipt that needs to be stored away. Having all your paperwork in one place means you’ll always know exactly where to look for it and you won’t have to turn your room upside down every time you need something. Or worse, that something important ends up getting thrown away. Oh, how we dread the bin hunt.

Start planning


Get yourself some kind of planner! It seems like a lot of effort, but trust me, it’s worth it. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t think they have too much in their life to organise, it will prove beneficial, I promise.

Here are some reasons why planning is beneficial! 

  • You can look back on it for information
  • It helps you to plan ahead for things
  • You can keep on top of subscriptions
  • You can plan your weekly, monthly and annual habits
  • You'll never forget a birthday!

Everybody’s different, and the information each of us needs to store is completely different too. I have a few planner options for you here:

Detailed: Planner


Having a planner will help you keep consistent, detailed records of your plans and notes. In some planners, there are even spaces for budgets, ideas, expenses and more! From minimal to micromanaging, there are a thousand planners out there so you’ll be sure to find the right one for you.

Custom: Bullet journal


I love my bullet journal. It’s definitely not Pinterest worthy (although if you are arty, designing a bullet journal can be a lot of fun!), but it does do the job! As a self-employed person, my schedule can be very unconventional. I need to plan a lot of things out. Having the freedom to design my own spreads allows me to plan as much as I need!

Simple option: Calendar


When you don’t have too much to plan out, using your phone’s calendar app is more than enough to keep you on track. It’s quick and easy to use, and you always have it with you! Pairing this with the reminders app can be really effective.

A place for everything and everything in its place


On top of my disorganised nature, I was also extremely messy. Not only was I always running behind, but I had no idea where anything was. The combination was terrible. After a good couple of rounds of decluttering and minimising the amount of stuff I owned, I vowed to have a place for everything I owned. Make sure you always put things back in their place when you're done with them! And that simple rule makes all the difference. It isn't a drastic change, just a small habit change. You’d be surprised how much time you’ll save by not having to hunt for things.

Start setting alarms and reminders


The number of times I put a load of washing on, only to completely forget about it! I would find it hours later still wet and in need of another wash because it’s got that damp smell. Some tasks, like laundry, need to be done on time! So setting alarms and reminders to keep these things on track will help you work more efficiently and make sure you’re keeping up with the tasks you’d otherwise forget.

This can also be really helpful if you're someone who struggles to concentrate. Using the Pomodoro method (setting timers for periods of concentration broken up with break periods) can be a great technique to keep you productive throughout the day.


The image shows a black and white polka dot weekly planner on a white desk. Next to the planner is a black and white stripped notebook. The notebook is resting on a laptop's keyboard

Declutter your tech (and make back-ups!)


Just like your physical documents, making sure your digital documents are organised will save you a ton of time and stress. It’s becoming ever more apparent as more and more communication is done digitally.

While many digital documents can be replaced and found if lost, it doesn’t always mean they’re always going to be! Having an external hard drive to store back-up copies of your files will save you time and time again.

Unsub from email subscriptions - But not mine! ;)


Do you ever find yourself with a pile of emails and bin every single one? A few months ago, I began the process of unsubscribing from email subscriptions. Whenever I got an email from a company, I’d unsubscribe. Even companies I really like.

Not only did it save me time sifting through the emails, but it also saved me a lot of money. It’s a marketing email’s job to encourage you to make a purchase, whether you need something new or not. After I unsubbed, without those constant prompts, I found myself only making purchases when I actually needed something. Yes, you’ll miss out on the odd deal or sale, but overall, you’ll save a lot of time and money. Trust me!

If you want to sign up to my emails & recieve this months amazing freebie, click here!

Create routines


Routines are ways of ensuring you do non-negotiable things and get more done every day. Some people see routines as limiting. When you create a routine, allow yourself to be dynamic and spontaneous. Just don't forget to incorporate the habits you want in your lifestyle, you’ll have hit your best life.

Here are some great organisational habits to include in your routine:

  • Dedicate ten minutes a day to making sure everything’s tidied away
  • When you walk away from a task note down what point you’re at
  • Always have somewhere on hand to make notes
  • Plan for the following day the evening before

Prep ahead of time


This can be anything from meal prepping to packing your bag or planning out your outfits the night before. Prepping ahead of time will save you a lot of time and stress. It will also make sure you can follow your intentions better. If you’re looking to improve our diet, having a lunch already packed in the fridge will deter you from grabbing junk (or worse, nothing at all) when you’re in a rush.

Learn how to say no


This seems counter-productive, but the day you start saying no is the day your productivity reaches new heights. When we say yes to everything, we overfill our plates and spread ourselves too thin. Having too many commitments makes life hectic and stops you from putting your full effort into anything. It’s better to do one thing to 100% than 10% of 10 things. Learning to say no is a tricky process. Once you learn to, you’ll be better at organising yourself as you will have an achievable portion of things on your plate.

Start using to-do lists


Like we said earlier, your brain can’t remember everything! Having to-do lists will help you stay more organised and be more relaxed whilst you do it. Whenever I know something has to be done, I add it to my to-do list, whether it’s for today or another day in the future. Having this process will mean fewer things go amiss. You can find peace in the knowledge that you’re not forgetting or losing grip on anything.

At the end of your day or task, note down where you’ve got to. Update your future to-do lists with anything new you need to get done. I like to sit down and plan out my week ahead on a Sunday. Not only does this help me stay organised and productive, but it helps me lower my stress levels because I can trust that nothing’s gone amiss.

Work hard


Staying organised isn’t a personality trait, you just pick it up and learn. It gets easier and more habitual, but it still requires effort every day. As the processes getting easier, you’ll find yourself more enthused with your projects and with more time to do them.

This is a flatlay image showing a keyboard, a notepag and a few pens. The colour scheme is pink and white

There are 12 daily habits you need to implement to keep you more organised! It’s all about the little changes. You needn’t wake up tomorrow and completely reorganise your life. It’s more about making little changes to your habits. That’ll keep you organised long term! I just wanted to say thank you so much to Em for letting me guest post here! Comment down below what organisation habits you think should be added to the list!


About the guest writer!

Ella-Rose, of Wandering Terra, writes about all things lifestyle, self-growth and travel, with a focus on journeys, whether they be of the self or of the world. You can find her blog here at Wandering Terra!

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51 comments

  1. Haha, could totally relate with this post! I used to be a messy sod as well, although I liked to call it controlled chaos. Tbh, I did usually know where exactly everything was, even if everything was in a state of mess, as my mum would call it. Nowadays I'm trying to be a bit more adult about life and I've found love for to-do lists. They're so simple but keep me on track better than anything else. My calendar is another deity in my life, I depend on it. Greta post!

    Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog

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    1. I love to do lists - it gives me an excuse to constantly buy notebooks. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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    2. Calendar everything out for one year. It will take you a whole weekend, but it is worth it. Start by writing out your must-dos in black (weddings, anniversaries, vacation), then calendar your major goals.

      After your goals are calendared, calendar the steps you need to reach your goals. Plan on lots of erasing.

      Delete
  2. I love this! I flirt between Uber organised to a complete shambles of a person, there is no in between.

    As the summer holidays approach though it is the one thing I’ve decided I want to achieve during that time. A level of organisation that I’ve not had before.

    I’ve bought a new planner and I can’t wait to get started. I’ll be following your advice, thank you for sharing x

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    1. Same! Somedays I am nailing the organisation, others I can't even find a pen! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  3. Love this Allan quote, it’s so true!

    These are great tips. I started incorporating them the past two years and what game changers! I just preferred a new planner too!

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  4. I am an organisation freak! Love all these tips! x

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    1. I have too many notebooks to count! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  5. I do just about all of these except set timers. I tend to sit and work on something until I'm done or to a certain point.

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    1. That is a good way to do it though - as long as you don't over do it. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  6. These are such useful tips! I'd say I'm quite well-organised but I do have a habit of forgetting things, so jotting down notes on my phone or on paper is really helpful!

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    1. It is! Notebooks are underrated! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  7. I agree writing things down helps me a lot. I just have to make time to go back and read was my notes. I can definitely use a few of your tips.

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    1. Taking notes is great - plus you never forget things! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  8. Some great tips here!
    I need all my to do lists in places I can see them, mainly my computer screen in work so i cant miss it haha.

    Stephanie Rose | www.blondedaisychains.co.uk

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    1. Oo that's interesting! I prefer writing them down :) Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  9. very good tips!! Am taking few of these seriously. thanks!!

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  10. These are some great tips - I always find that my level of organisation varies with my mental state and vice versa! If everything is tidy, organised and I feel on top of everything then I am absolutely fine but if it is not, it's not good. Thank you for sharing!

    Paige // Paige Eades

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    1. That's a really good point to include! Things reflect your mood - My room get's messy if i'm not okay. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  11. I've got to have a place for everything otherwise I revoke myself of the title of being "organised". Not even organised mess cuts it off me 🤣 But yeah a well-written post and pretty much a guide on how to be organised throughout your day to day life.


    Johnny | Johnny's Traventures
    https://johnnystraventures.com

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    1. That is a great way to be though!! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  12. Really amazing suggestions. These can definitely help stay organized. I'll definitely use some of these.

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  13. I'm a pretty organized person so I do follow more of these tips; my problem is procrastination. If there's a task that requires quite a bit of though or I'm not sure how to do it yet I procrastinate, then worry...

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    1. Yes! I have that issue too. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  14. Great post! Thank you for sharing this! I agree with this especially the to-do lists and reminders! Before I started making them I would always forget to do stuff!

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    1. I love to do lists! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  15. Great post! I love, love my planner and it's been so helpful for me in staying organized! x

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    1. I love my planner too, it's so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  16. I kick myself whenever I have an idea and I don’t write it down because within few minutes I have forgotten. I love when you said unsubscribe from mailing list but not mine... lol. Great post

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    1. I do that all the time - it's rather annoying! Gotta get that cheeky self promo it ;)

      Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  17. I love this post! Becoming organized is an ongoing struggle for sure, sometimes I feel like I have a handle on things and then slip up and fall back into my old habits! This is especially true after a big change or vacation haha! Thanks for the reminders and tips for getting back on track!

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    1. For me it's an on and off issue! Changes can be difficult, especially with a pandemic thrown into it! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  18. This was one of the most helpful posts I have ever read & I read a lot! You have broken down so many areas & given fantastic suggestions- trying them all as my desk/office looks like a tornado! Thank you 😊

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    1. Aw thank you, that is so kind of you! We don't talk about my desk... I sometimes have a fan going and papers fly around! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  19. Being organised is literally my greatest talent hahaha! I always work from a to-do list and I write everything down but I have separate notes for everything. I also categorize those notes. And planning in advance... don't get me STARTED! Great post and fab tips :)

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    1. I love planning ahead, I've already started on Christmas present ideas! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  20. Great post, i love to-do lists and planning, it's less stressful to be organised. Reorganizing things step-by-step is so helpful.

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    1. Planning is an amazing thing! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  21. Thanks for sharing :) I think to do lists are great, even though half my list won't be done because of lock down :)

    Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

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    1. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  22. I so need this to get back on track as soon as lockdown is over. Everyday I feel like I'm less productive. I'm printing this and putting on the fridge as a reminder. Thank you!!


    Lindifique

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    1. Aw, you'll get there! Lockdown has effected everyone differently. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!

      Em x

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  23. Amazing suggestions. It's always a good idea to be organized.

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  24. The Pomodoro method sounds interesting! Would love to try it to become more productive. I'm wasting too much time on youtubing.

    Rasya, nurulrasya.com

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  25. Those were really helpful ��
    Thank you for sharing ��

    JENISH | https://knowafactfromj.blogspot.com

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  26. I like to think that I am quite organised - definitely at work, there is no messing with my organisation skills. But in my home life, I'm much more relaxed and get much less done! Some great tips here!
    Rosie

    loverosiee.co.uk

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  27. I've always wanted to become that level of organized (writing down my plans on planners, journals, etc.) but what really holds me back is my laziness. I prefer writing it down mentally (Which is crazy because I usually forget) and it saves me the time to erase them when they're done. I just don't like to get my planners dirty lol. Great post! Thank you for this.

    www.lifebeginsattwenty.com

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  28. Fab post - I have just bought my first diary in which I can make notes, lists of things to do and plan. I have always had a calendar and a diary but this new planner that I picked up, is actually really helping me sort my day and get things done. It also has a "The Best Thing That Happened Today" at the bottom of the page. I fill it in every night and it is so satisfying when you've set your day up (using your planner) to allow miracles to happen and then you get to document at least one of them. Best thing I ever bought - my planner - especially in terms of blogging. Loved this post. Thanks for the tips x

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