How To Be Organized (8 Tips)

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September 24 2014

Organization

Hey there loves.

I uploaded a video on my channel all about Organisation*, and thought to get a post up too. Might I add, this also gave me an excuse to arrange my little bits and take a neat photo! Ha!

So, organisation takes time, but when you form a habit of it, life becomes a little easier. Here are some tips I hope you find useful, and please feel free to share yours in the comments too.

1. Organise your space.
This helps you know what you have. Get rid of things you don’t use and give the things you do use their own place.
Another tip is to keep your space clear. Reducing visual clutter reduces mental clutter.

2. Make a habit of putting things back in their place after using them.

3. Use a calendar.
You can buy one or make your own (I made mine, and some people have already requested a DIY tutorial, so I may look into doing one!). Keep it in a place you can see and refer to easily. Jot down important dates and events.

4. Use a planner/diary.
This is especially useful if you tend to have a lot of appointments and meetings. You can keep track of your schedule and it’s easier to carry around and consult regularly.

5. Make lists.
From daily or weekly to do lists to shopping lists to “things to remember” lists. It’s better than just keeping everything in your head and forgetting them easily. The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory, so write it down!

6. Utilise the Notepad apps on your phone!
Usually when ideas or things pop into your head, they’re at odd times and writing them down in your notepad app is useful, so you can revisit them later.

7. Beat procrastination.
Often times we’re unable to follow through with tasks and stay organised because we’re too busy procrastinating! It comes in different forms and a few ways to beat it are:
a. Remove distractions. (Social media is a major one, while it’s fun it should really be limited to certain parts of your day. Don’t spend all your time on it, or you’ll get nothing done.)
b. Set time frames to complete tasks and try to stick to it. But don’t rush to complete a task, spend the designated time to finish it, and if it’s not enough, take a small break and then revisit it.
c. Do the task that you’re least looking forward to doing, first… so you don’t put it off. You’ll also be able to enjoy the tasks you’re looking forward to more, because you won’t have that dreaded task hanging over your head sucking all the life out of you!

8. Ask for help.
Sometimes there are tasks that can’t be done efficiently by just yourself, and enlisting help from a friend or family member will help you do it. Just ask for help.

***Don’t worry if you’re not ‘perfectly’ organised. Just form the habits and try to stick with them. There will be times when you can’t be as organised as you want to, especially if you have family and friends who aren’t, just be sure your area is and try your best to make room for others. Also be flexible as circumstances change, and don’t sweat it, just get back to routine when you can.**

~~~

*Notice I’ve used both English and American spelling of Organisation in the post and video, so everyone is happy! Haha!

~~~

Here’s the video:

54 Comments

  • Reply Seiyefa Sonron September 24 2014 at 5:53 pm

    This came JUST in time! I’ve just recently restarted school to complete my Masters and I’m trying to get back in the groove and be more organized as it relates to my course load and other activities. I already use S-Note on my phone to make notes and lists, but also add everything before hand into my phone’s calendar and give myself ample time to be made aware of tests, quizzes, deadlines and such…I’m a firm believer in #s 1 & 2, that doesn’t mean I’m able to do them all the time, but one thing before I start ANY work, I have to make sure my work desk is clear, or I won’t be comfortable. And I was totally gonna make my own blown-up calendar that I can re-use from month-to-month with some cartridge paper and use post-its on it to keep track of events – the visual does indeed help. Procrastination is the thief of time! Boy, am I working on that, never mind, sometimes I feel I have to put myself under a rush and get some results, but the earlier a task is attempted the better it is…trying to use that as I go forward…all in all a pretty great article and video…thank you Shirley!

  • Reply Britney Lumbard September 24 2014 at 6:03 pm

    Great tips Shirley! I used to be so organized when I was in high school and college but have slacked off so much! Thanks for the inspiration to get back into the swing of things. Also, would you mind doing a room/apartment tour? Sometimes seeing an organized space is more effective. Thanks and great information!

  • Reply Barbara September 24 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Haven’t had the chance to say how much I love the new blog design but I do and it’s great.
    At work, I’m pretty much organised; Myself as per my blog, Social media, mails and the like, I’m terrible. I usually end up watching a movie cos I’m frustrated over it all, lol.
    Will look into incorporating your tips into my everyday life.
    Cheers,

    http://www.barbara1923.com
    Lagos, Nigeria

  • Reply Elle September 24 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Great tips! Still working at #7 ;). I’m a perpetual procrastinator :/.

  • Reply Karissa Euerle September 24 2014 at 7:45 pm

    Such helpful tips.. too bad that I’m watching this while at work when I should be getting organized!!!

  • Reply Ayisha September 24 2014 at 8:07 pm

    Totally taking this into consideration, I’ve got a busy schedule of blogging and attending Uni so thank you for this post! x
    http://www.diamants-au-chocolat.blogspot.ie

  • Reply Eve September 24 2014 at 8:31 pm

    Love this post! Very helpful and I need to keep referring to it I think.

    I am pretty organised however, I now need to become more organised as I have a lot of blogging work coming up.

    Social media is the biggest time waster! I need to work on going on it at certain hours in the day like you said.

    Oh yeah, please do a tutorial on how you made your calendar. Me and my mum can benefit from that as she blogs too ( http://www.miraculousladies.com )

    Must watch your video on this when I get time too. Keep up the great work Shirley xx

  • Reply Liz September 24 2014 at 8:35 pm

    great tips!!

    http://hashtagliz.com

  • Reply PJ September 24 2014 at 9:02 pm

    NOBODY, and I mean nobody….uses the Notes app on iPhone harder than me, haha. I type in all of my random ideas and thoughts (not all, but you know what I mean) there, and it’s super useful.

    http://www.thegetting.com

  • Reply Red Reticule September 24 2014 at 10:06 pm

    Great tips that came really handy for me! Thank for sharing!
    Red Reticule

  • Reply Bunmi September 24 2014 at 11:51 pm

    Such a great tip Shirley! Being organised is something I’ve been struggling with but I guess over time I’ll get use to juggling things at once!

    http://www.bumascloset.com

  • Reply Style Bits & Bobs of M.E. September 25 2014 at 1:51 am

    Great tips. I like to be organized. It helps me be more productive and happier!

  • Reply Jeanne September 25 2014 at 5:40 am

    Sooo great!
    XO
    Jeanne
    fashionmusingsdiary.com

  • Reply Juliette September 25 2014 at 7:59 am

    Hi Shirley!

    Great topic for a post since Shirley & Organized go so perfectly together 😉
    Loved your YT video too!

    Juliette
    STYLE UNTAMED

  • Reply Tessa / Bramble & Thorn September 25 2014 at 10:41 am

    Fantastic tips, I always get distracted! I find making lists helps me stay on track 🙂

  • Reply A Million Pinks September 25 2014 at 12:33 pm

    love this – being more organised is top of my priority list. A great list app is Teux Deux. You should check it out. I swear by it basically. Great post!

    x

    http://www.amillionpinks.com

  • Reply Elle and Ice Cream September 25 2014 at 12:37 pm

    Your blog is awesome!! Love your outfits.

    Check out my blog, xoxo

    http://elleandicecream.blogspot.com

  • Reply Rachel September 25 2014 at 2:59 pm

    These are great organization tips and I LOVE the photo you took! So pretty. I definitely love this calendar… DIY please please please!

  • Reply Like, Whatever September 25 2014 at 4:15 pm

    Great tips!

  • Reply Henna September 25 2014 at 4:51 pm

    I love these tips so basic but really useful! And i love your photos shirley so white clean and inspirational! X

  • Reply Mari September 25 2014 at 6:59 pm

    Shirley, thanks for the organization tips. Can you link to the planner you use and photographed above? Thanks!

  • Reply Danielle September 25 2014 at 7:17 pm

    I totally needed the reminder, I’m a serial procrastinator. Just the kick in the butt I needed to get back to blogging and organizing my apartment!

    Thanks! <3

  • Reply Inger Kristin September 25 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Haha, I defiently should work on number 2, putting stuff back after I use them! I am so messy, so this would probably help alot! Thanks for the tips!

    Fashion blog : http://www.TheFashionInsight.com 🙂

  • Reply Kemo September 26 2014 at 5:11 am

    All excellent points. It’s always good to create a starting point. Set apart a day/time to organise your space n give everything a place. It gets easy from there 🙂 Also my phone calendar is my friend! I make lists everywhere cos I’m super forgetful. Alarms are very useful too, one must be careful they don’t go off in the wrong places tho. If you set your mind to anything you can do it. Love the ‘ask for help’ point too, be it from the humble pen n paper 😀

  • Reply How To Be Organized (8 Tips) - Naturallymongo September 26 2014 at 12:46 pm

    […] By Shirley’s Wardrobe […]

  • Reply TAMANCIA September 26 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Thanks for the Tips Shirley, They are simple and straight forward plus easy to adopt.

  • Reply patience September 27 2014 at 4:59 pm

    Nice tips just @ the right rime for me thanks Shirley

  • Reply Destinie September 27 2014 at 6:33 pm

    Yes! A planner and a list is the best way to keep organized! As a college student and working person it’s hard to even find time for blogging. I will definitely invest in a planner!

  • Reply Shara September 28 2014 at 6:51 pm

    Loved the video and tips! Where are your rings from please?!?

  • Reply Chayla September 29 2014 at 1:55 am

    Very great tips! Using a planner is KEY!!

  • Reply Natalie September 29 2014 at 1:32 pm

    Love this! Thank you!

  • Reply Meika September 29 2014 at 6:51 pm

    I was sold at LISTS. I love making lists and have a notebook dedicated to writing lists (which sounds a little crazy and weird out loud but ABSOLUTELY NO SHAME HERE).

    http://MySoCalledFashion.com

  • Reply Miya @ Design Indulgences September 30 2014 at 5:56 pm

    I really like the tip about doing what you dread, first. So you don’t spend the rest of the time doing other things dreading what you dread! lol. That’s very smart because honestly, having a daunting task in the back of your head can totally ruin your mood and sometimes even your day than simply just getting it over and done with. As a designer, I know all too well how having visual clutter and a messy home can prevent you from sleeping your best.

  • Reply Manda September 30 2014 at 10:19 pm

    I’ve always considered myself to be very organized. Now that I’m in a much higher position in my career I am noticing that I really need to tighten up my skills! Thanks for the tips 🙂

    xo, Manda
    http://www.iceonthegold.com

  • Reply Felicia Cashman October 2 2014 at 12:15 am

    These are great tips, I have an issue with procrastination so this helps a lot!

  • Reply Nedoux October 6 2014 at 1:19 pm

    Super tips! Thank you for sharing.
    At work, I start my day with a to-do list.
    I carry a notepad and pen in my bag and I always make a list of fabrics to buy before shopping, this helps me to stay on track and within my budget especially when luscious silks and romantic laces start batting their eyelashes at me, shamelessly trying to seduce me at the fabric market. Girls these days! smh 🙂

  • Reply Angela Sylvester October 6 2014 at 2:03 pm

    Really useful tips ! Thanks a lot ! And, oh … stunning as always ! xo

    – Take a look at my brand new fashion blog http://observationista.com/ ! –

  • Reply Mia Marques October 6 2014 at 2:30 pm

    Hahahah! I’m the lady with a list… I think I have them for EVERYthing! Big kiss

    http://www.check-our-style.com

  • Reply Chidinma Inspirations October 7 2014 at 12:16 am

    Great tips dear. I happen to be a very organised person. One of the most important things I have realised from my being an organised person is planning. Planning helps you organise your life as a whole… be it in terms of your schedules, office, home, room… everything… It helps keep you mentally stable and on check about everything.
    Excellent tips and points dear!

  • Reply I.Kelly October 7 2014 at 9:50 pm

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  • Reply Daniela October 9 2014 at 8:43 am

    Great tips!

    This came at a perfect time as I am trying to juggle work, blogging, and my personal life.

    xx

  • Reply Phyllisa McKey October 9 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Great tips! Thanks for this, I’ve got to get more organized.

  • Reply Jasmine October 10 2014 at 4:53 am

    Love this post! Have been looking for the perfect planner to better organize my life + thoughts. This has been one of my biggest challenges because I’m always so all over the place! Thank you for this post.

    Jasmine | signedwithstyle

  • Reply Borley October 11 2014 at 1:25 am

    Can I just say that after I watched this I stayed up til 4:30 finally unpacking into my new townhouse and created a graphic template for how i want my new play/work room to look and where I should organize my stuff! 4:30AM!! I was so productive and happy to show my coworkers my accomplishments one told me I had to let you know how this vid made such an impact on my life. Lol corny but you are the bomb. Super sweet and fun and I appreciate everything you do. Keep up the great work. <33333 Borleigh P.S. If I ever see you when I'm in London, we are officially going to be friends!

  • Reply THE HOTJEM Fashion Blog October 12 2014 at 11:06 am

    It’s funny you did this vlog and blog on it because I just finished last week my blog write up which focuses on being organized for effective blogging. Organization is absolutely necessary for me when I am trying to complete tasks. Like you, I CANNOT think clearly when my desk space is cluttered or the room and immediate surroundings are messy. It stresses me out.

    http://www.thehotjem.con

  • Reply Tincan October 13 2014 at 10:35 pm

    Really useful post. First time commenting. Just wanted to say you have a really beautiful singing voice…

  • Reply Michelle October 19 2014 at 4:20 pm

    I love making my own calendars too, never thought of doing it on A3 but now i want to lol.

    Would love for you to see my new blog

    mxchlle.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply Lidiane October 21 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Oi Shirley!! ótimas dicas!!! Quem é organizado ganha tempo e dinheiro!!! abraços!

  • Reply Marina November 12 2014 at 12:49 am

    Yes! I love to be organize but I been slacking 🙁 this is what happen when I get super BUSY lol these tips are helpful indeed. I just need to start doing then saying “I’m going to do it”!!!!!!! Space and putting stuff back its my biggest issue because I get started doing it then I get lazy later on. But I am going to try my BEST to keep space and putting stuff back!!!
    Thanks Shirley

  • Reply Krystal January 12 2015 at 2:26 am

    I need to work on #1 and #2. My husband and I just bought a new place & I need to make sure I keep everything organized. Love the post! http://www.ouruniquelife.com

  • Reply Barakat January 15 2015 at 4:32 pm

    Need this right now. Very Helpful

  • Reply Betsy January 20 2015 at 6:51 am

    This was really helpful, especially the part about procrastination. Thanks love!

  • Reply Roxanne May 25 2015 at 5:56 pm

    lovely

  • Reply Bonnie Dewkett October 29 2015 at 2:37 am

    Great tips…timeless and effective. Sharing with my audience 🙂 Thanks!

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