By Ofuns Okwechime

As a young adult, it is essential to have Independent Living Skills. Learning how to be organised is one of the skills which make living easier.

This guide explores some cool and easy ways to bring more order into your life. Think of it as a map that guides you through the twists and turns of being a young adult – From being on time, remembering appointments to acing your studies, tackling a job, or just making sure you have time for fun.

We’ll dive into simple tricks, like finding a perfect spot for everything, saying no when needed, and even managing your money smartly.

Why bother with all this organisation stuff? Because it’s not just about neatness; it’s like having a secret sauce that helps you do more, stress less, and even boosts your creativity. So, let’s jump in and discover how being organised can turn your daily adventure into a well-orchestrated journey!

Benefits of being more organised

Increased Productivity:

Being more organised significantly boosts productivity, helping you get more done in less time. When you have a clear plan, prioritise tasks, and maintain a tidy workspace, you can focus on your goals. This means you’ll accomplish tasks efficiently, leaving you with extra time to pursue other interests or relax.

Imagine having a well-organised to-do list for the day. You can prioritise tasks based on importance and deadlines, ensuring you tackle the most critical ones first. This efficiency allows you to complete your assignments faster, spend time with friends, or relax without the constant pressure of looming tasks.

Decreases Stress:

Organisation is the key to reducing stress levels. When everything has its place and tasks are well-managed, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. A structured routine and organised environment provide a sense of control, making it easier to navigate challenges and setbacks without feeling stressed.

Think about a time when you couldn’t find something important amidst the mess in your room. The stress and frustration can be overwhelming. With organisation, you’ll always know where things are, reducing the frantic search for misplaced items. An organised schedule also means fewer last-minute rushes, decreasing stress levels and giving you control over your day.

Reduces Burnout:

Staying organised is a powerful antidote to burnout. By managing your time effectively, goal setting, and taking breaks when needed, you can avoid the exhaustion and mental fatigue associated with burnout. Organisational skills are a shield, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Picture this: a well-planned calendar that includes dedicated break times. By organising your day effectively, you can ensure you have moments to recharge, preventing burnout. Avoiding the exhaustion that comes with overworking allows you to maintain a sustainable pace, ensuring you stay energised and motivated in the long run.

Creates More Space for Creativity:

An organised mind and environment provide the perfect breeding ground for creativity. When you’re not bogged down by clutter or distracted by disorganisation, your mind is free to explore new ideas and think outside the box. A structured approach to tasks allows for a mental space where innovative thoughts can thrive.

Consider a clutter-free desk or workspace. With everything in order, your mind is free to wander and explore creative ideas. When you’re not bogged down by chaos, you can easily connect the dots and come up with innovative solutions to problems. An organized environment fosters a mindset conducive to brainstorming and exploring new possibilities.

Ways to stay organised include:

Find a place for everything
Develop habits and build a daily or weekly routine
Plan using a personal development plan
Practice short and long-term goal-setting
Embrace your natural inclination
Make a to-do list
Keep a habit tracker
Use Calendars and Planners
Download productivity apps like Trello, todoist, day one, Evernote
Put things back right away
Label everything
Consistency over perfection
Find balance
Prioritise appropriately
Set your alarm
Get your outfit ready the night before
Manage your time using time blocks- Use tools like toogl
Declutter and simplify regularly- Virtual, Physical, Emotional and Mental clutter
Measure your progress
Automate the process
Experiment
Learn to say No
Stop Procrastinating- this helps with clarity, momentum and peace of mind.
Start your day right.
Don’t be a perfectionist
Organise your meals- Meal prep
Make a shopping list of the things you buy regularly
Organise your finances
Track your budget
Make sinking funds
Have emergency funds
Plan for retirement- the earlier, the better
Organise your month
Eat that frog
Set a weekly laundry day
Avoid multitasking
Make backups of documents

Find a place for everything:

Assign specific spots for your belongings. When everything has its place, you won’t waste time searching. It’s like giving each item a home, making it easy to find and keep your space tidy.

Develop habits and build a routine:

Create habits that fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning routine or a study schedule, habits make tasks automatic. Consistency builds structure, making it easier to stay organised in the chaos of daily life.

Plan using a personal development plan:

Craft a plan that outlines your goals, interests, and steps to achieve them. This personal roadmap helps you stay focused and organised on your journey of self-improvement.

Practice short and long-term goal-setting:

Set achievable short-term goals and dream big with long-term aspirations. This dual approach helps you stay organised by breaking down big tasks into manageable steps.

Embrace your natural inclination:

Understand how you work best. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, organise your schedule to align with your natural energy levels. It makes staying organised feel more natural and less like a chore.

Make a to-do list:

Jot down tasks on a to-do list. It’s a simple way to track what needs to be done. Plus, the satisfaction of crossing items off boosts motivation.

Keep a habit tracker:

Monitor your habits with a tracker. It’s a visual way to see your progress and identify areas for improvement. Tracking habits helps you stay on course with your organisational goals.

Use Calendars and Planners:

Utilise calendars and planners to schedule events, deadlines, and important dates. Having a visual overview of your month or week helps you manage time effectively and reduces the chances of forgetting commitments.

Download productivity apps:

Explore productivity apps that suit your needs. From task management to time tracking, these apps can be handy tools to keep you organised on the go. Find ones that align with your preferences to make staying organised more convenient like Trello, todoist, day one, and Evernote.

Put things back right away:

After using something, make it a habit to return it to its place immediately. This small act prevents clutter from piling up and saves time later when you need to find things.

Label everything:

Labeling helps you identify and locate items quickly. It’s like giving things nametags, making your space more organised and reducing the chances of confusion.

Consistency over perfection:

Consistent efforts beat perfection. Aim for steady progress rather than stressing over flawless outcomes. This mindset makes staying organised more achievable and less intimidating.

Find balance:

Balance is key to staying organised. Allocate time for work, play, and rest. Balancing your activities ensures you don’t get overwhelmed and helps maintain a sustainable organisational routine.

Prioritise appropriately:

Identify tasks based on urgency and importance. Tackling high-priority items first ensures you’re focusing on what truly matters, contributing to a more organised and efficient life.

Set your alarm:

Use alarms to remind yourself of important tasks or deadlines. It’s a practical way to stay organised, especially when managing a busy schedule.

Get your outfit ready the night before:

Spare a few minutes in the evening to pick your outfit for the next day. This simple step eliminates morning chaos and sets a positive tone for the day.

Manage your time using time blocks – Use tools like Toggl:

Divide your day into blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks. Apps like Toggl help you track how you spend each block, making it easier to manage time and stay organised.

Declutter and simplify regularly – Virtual, Physical, Emotional, and Mental clutter:

Regularly declutter your physical space, digital files, emotional baggage, and mental clutter. Simplifying your surroundings and thoughts creates a more organised and serene environment.

Measure your progress:

Keep track of your achievements. Monitoring progress provides motivation and allows you to identify areas for improvement, helping you refine your organisational strategies.

Automate the process:

Explore automation tools for repetitive tasks. From setting reminders to automatic bill payments, automation reduces manual effort, leaving you with more time for activities.

Experiment:

Be open to trying new organisational methods. Experimenting helps you discover what works best for you and fine-tune your approach to staying organised.

Learn to say No:

Master the art of saying no when necessary. Setting boundaries ensures you don’t take on too much, allowing you to focus on your priorities and maintain an organised life.

Stop Procrastinating:

Procrastination adds unnecessary stress. Tackle tasks promptly for clarity, build momentum, and enjoy peace of mind. Breaking down tasks into smaller steps can make them more manageable.

Start your day right:

Establish a positive morning routine. Starting your day with intention and structure sets a productive tone, making it easier to stay organised throughout the day.

Don’t be a perfectionist:

Strive for excellence, but don’t chase perfection. Accepting that things won’t always be flawless helps you stay adaptable and reduces stress associated with perfectionism.

Organise your meals – Meal prep:

Plan and prepare your meals in advance. This not only saves time but ensures you have nutritious options readily available, contributing to a healthier and more organised lifestyle.

Make a shopping list of the things you buy regularly:

Create a standard shopping list for regular items. This minimises the chance of forgetting essentials and streamlines your grocery shopping experience.

Organise your finances:

Maintain a systematic approach to your finances. Organise bills, statements, and financial documents to ensure a clear understanding of your financial situation.

Track your budget:

Keep a detailed record of your income and expenses. Tracking your budget helps you allocate funds effectively, preventing financial disarray.

Make sinking funds:

Set aside funds for specific future expenses, like vacations or major purchases. Sinking funds help you organise your finances and prepare for upcoming financial obligations.

Have emergency funds:

Build a financial safety net for unexpected expenses. An emergency fund provides peace of mind and adds a layer of organisation to your financial planning.

Retirement plan – the earlier, the better:

Start planning for your retirement early. Organising your financial future ensures a comfortable and secure retirement.

Organise your month:

Outline key events, tasks, and goals for the month. Organising your month helps you stay focused and on track with your priorities.

Eat that frog:

Tackle the most challenging task first. Completing the “frog” early in the day sets a positive tone and ensures tasks don’t get postponed.

Set a weekly laundry day:

Designate a specific day for laundry. A weekly routine ensures your clothes are consistently clean and minimises laundry-related stress.

Avoid multitasking:

Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking may seem efficient, but it often leads to mistakes and a lack of productivity. Staying focused enhances your organisational efforts.

Make backups of documents:

Regularly back up important documents. This precautionary step ensures that even in unexpected situations, your essential information remains safe and accessible.

In Conclusion

And there you have it, fellow adventurers! We’ve travelled through the land of organisation, discovering the treasures it holds for us, young adults navigating the twists and turns of life.

As we wrap up our exploration, let’s remember why this journey matters.

Being organised isn’t just about having a tidy room or a well-kept calendar – it’s about making your life awesome practically and excitingly. We’ve unlocked the power of productivity, found ways to kick stress to the curb, and even tapped into our creative superpowers.

By saying no when needed, embracing routines that work for us, and planning for the future, we’ve equipped ourselves with tools for a smoother ride. Organising our finances? It’s like putting on a financial superhero cape, ensuring a secure and worry-free future.

So, as we conclude, let’s celebrate the benefits of organisation – a more productive, less stressful, and downright awesome life. Remember, this isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making life work for you. Here’s to more adventures, well-organised and full of endless possibilities!