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Organizing your Life is Easy by Creating These 5 Foundational Routines

Let’s delve right into how to organize your life by creating routines.  By discovering practical strategies and effectively implementing them into our daily lives, we can achieve transformative results.  From morning routines that set the tone for the day ahead, to evening routines that promote restful sleep. 

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s so easy to find ourselves overwhelmed and struggling to keep up with the ever-mounting demands of our daily responsibilities.  Whether it’s juggling work commitments, personal goals, family obligations, or simply finding time for self-care, the chaos can leave us feeling super stressed.

However, in the midst of our crazy lives, there is a light of hope that can guide us toward a more organized and balanced life: routines.  Creating routines is a powerful way to bring structure to the chaos, providing us with a sense of peace and stability.

So Let’s jump right into the 5 foundational principles of getting organized by creating routines.

Right away I’m going to say, (You guessed it!) it’s by creating routines.  Let’s start with the definition of routine:  “A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.  Or Performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason.”

“We want to build our foundations for life, by creating routines or behaviors we perform as part of a regular procedure.  And not just on a special occasion.”

Alright, now that we got that out of the way let’s get started with Number One of organizing your life by creating routines.

Number 1:  Scheduling Your Top Chores

To start creating your first routine you will need 2 pieces of paper and a pen.  Next, you will need to write down all the tasks that you need to get done in your week.  Some examples would be:

• Paying your bills each week.
• Getting your laundry done.
• Dusting and vacuuming the house
• Making menus for lunches and dinners.
• Doing grocery shopping.
• Cleaning the bathrooms

Etc…this is YOUR list so you control what’s on it.  If you would like a FREE premade Time Management to-do list click here: Time Management Download

Go ahead and list all these on your paper.  Now look at each one and decide how long you think each of these tasks will take.  Write the time down next to the task.  Really give this some thought.  You will want to be realistic about the time it actually takes to do the task. 

Next, you will want to take your second piece of paper and write down the days of the week.  On each day decide which tasks you can complete on that day.  For example, Mondays could be bill-paying day or “Money Management Day.”  On this day you will take the time to sit down and go through all of your bills, income, investments, and banking.  If you would like a FREE premade Daily Planner click here: Daily Planner Toolkit Download

Before proceeding, let’s review some additional ideas. Do you currently have any monthly subscriptions that you do not utilize?  This would be the time to go ahead and cancel those.  Do you know where all your money going each month?  It’s easy to overlook how spending a few dollars here and there can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars every month. 

But now that you are organizing your life by creating routines, you’ll know that each Monday is designated for Money Management.  The more you follow your routines the easier it will get.  And you might just be amazed at how much extra money you have! 

What other tasks might you have time for on Mondays?  Write that down and put it on your schedule.  The great thing about creating this routine is that once you get started, you’ll have peace of mind during the week, knowing that it’s already on your schedule.  And you don’t have to worry or think about it until that day. 

As an example, if I plan on doing all the laundry on Saturday night to prepare for the week ahead, I can simply add my dirty clothes to the basket each day leading up to Saturday.  Because that is the day I have planned to get this done.  The same with bills.  I don’t have to worry in my mind about, did I pay this or that, because I know on Monday I will sit down and go over everything in my Money Management and get it done.  This will help free up your mind and that nagging worry in the background all the time.  

Remember, consistency is key.  As you stick to your routines, they will become second nature, and the benefits will multiply.

Now let’s move on to how to organize your life by creating routine Number 2.

Number 2: Organize the Whole House! 

Okay okay, I know what you’re thinking.  But let’s dig a little deeper. 

When you have a completely organized house you can feel a sense of accomplishment and a sense of peace.  You can find things when you need them.  You can invite people over and not feel embarrassed.  As your surroundings improve, you will begin to feel better about yourself and your life.  It will help you in all the other areas of your life as well.  

So let’s get into how we can accomplish this.  First, look around your house and think about which room you would like to have completely cleaned and organized.

Don’t get overwhelmed thinking about painting, new furniture, curtains, etc… this is just a diversion that will not serve your goal. 

Keep the focus on the project at hand.  When you have chosen a room, look around and make a quick to-do list.  What are the big things that need to be done?  Let’s use the kitchen as an example:

• First, let’s get all the dishes on the counters and sinks clean and put away. 
• Next, grab 3 boxes. 
  1. One for giving away or donation
  2. One for throwaway
  3. One for keeping. 

Now you can go through the cabinets one by one.  Cleaning them out and putting items into the appropriate boxes.

It has taken months if not years for things to get in this condition, so it is going to take some time to get it cleaned back up. 

When you start cleaning out the cabinets DO NOT pull everything out!  It can become overwhelming quickly and if some other emergency comes up you now have more chaos.  What you want to do instead is pick one shelf and as you pull out each object make a decision right then.  Which box does this object belong in?  If it is a keep, then put it in your keep box.  If it’s a donation put it in the donation.  Next, you can wash out the cabinet and get ready to put your keep items back in. 

If you struggle with focus or overwhelm set a timer for 15-30 minutes and work until the timer beeps.  This will keep you focused and feel like you are accomplishing your goal. 

If you have more free time you can do small blocks of cleaning and organizing as you go throughout your week. Each time you stop working, put the donation boxes in your car and drop them off as soon as possible.  This will keep you from pulling items back out and bringing them back into the house.  Keep using this plan as you work your way through your house. 

Always make sure that you save enough time and energy at the end of each project. 

Don’t leave anything undone because this will make you feel like you made more of a mess.  You want to make sure to clean up completely after you stop for the day.   This will help you feel positive and excited about your new life. Celebrate your accomplishment!

Now let’s move on to how to organize your life by creating routines number 3.

Number 3: Does Everything Have a Place?

After you have cleaned each room look at everything in the room.  Does anything belong in another room?  In another area?  For example, is there something in a room that is annoying?  Like a chair in front of a closet door.  Whenever you need to access the closet, you must move the chair.  These little things don’t seem like much but they will cause you more work and stress in the long run.  So let’s make sure things are efficient as well as aesthetic. 

Next, is the item used in this room?  Would it be better to be in another room?  For example, are you putting things in the back of your closet that belongs in the kitchen?   Are there papers and bills piled on tables throughout the house?  As soon as you lay down one piece of paper, thinking it’s only temporary, soon it will be followed by another and then another until you find yourself back where you began. 

Remember you are here because you want to make changes in your life for the better.  So keep that in focus.  You are doing great! 

Now on to how to organize your life by creating routines number 4.

Number 4: LISTS!

Create routine lists for everything!  Let’s start with your grocery list.  Hang a blank list on the refrigerator and tie a pen next to it.  Every time you get low on anything immediately put it on your list.  And the reason that pen is attached to your list is so that you can always find your pen.  If the pen is there you will write it down, if it’s not you think, oh I’ll remember to write it later, but that is not likely to happen. If you would like some cute magnetic grocery lists or to-do lists click here: https://amzn.to/456IfE6

Next, get those menus together!  Creating a meal plan not only ensures an accurate grocery list but also eliminates the daily struggle of deciding what to have for dinner every day. I know planning ahead may seem trivial, but it has significant benefits.  It helps clear your mind, promotes healthier eating choices, and since you’re prepared now, it guarantees you have all the necessary ingredients for those nutritious meals.

Creating routines wouldn’t be complete without a daily cleaning list.  So let’s write down what you need to clean each day. You should focus on tackling those areas promptly and maintain a regular cleaning schedule.  Doing so will help you effectively manage and prevent messes from accumulating. 

Then you will create these routine lists:

• A weekly cleaning list – like the list we made in tip number 1.  These tasks may require a bit more time for cleaning, but they will significantly contribute to keeping your living space tidy and pleasant. 
• A monthly cleaning list – which could be deeper cleaning of things like your car, garage, basement, etc…
• A yearly cleaning list – when you clear out all the things you don’t want or need.  If you have been doing the work all year you probably won’t even need this list unless you want to do a major project.

Number 5. Schedule in Fun!

This might not be something you have thought about but if you don’t schedule in fun you probably will not have any.  When was the last time you hung out with a friend?  Did something you love to do?  Did something you always wanted to do?  Most people are just watching TV, shopping, or looking through social media in their free time. 

Did you know that a portion of the joy derived from fun comes from the anticipation of it?  It’s a great feeling to know that you’ll be having a good time soon. Try scheduling this on Sunday night when you are thinking about your upcoming week.  It will help you start your week with a positive, upbeat feeling, anticipating your fun day ahead. 

Need some ideas for fun? How about…

• Emailing an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while and inviting them for coffee.
• Look up things to do in your area and see if there is something you find interesting. 
• Art classes.
• Dance classes.
• Does your local community college offer any interesting classes? 
• What about outdoor activities
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Bicycle ride
• Playing a sport.
• Picnic or time in nature.
• A day trip to somewhere nearby?
• Hanging out with friends.
• Concerts or live performances
• Exploring new places
• Visiting museums
• Historical sites
• Weekend getaways.
• Here is a nice weekend getaway located in Lancaster Pa. Quiet Brook Oasis

Remember, the key to having fun is doing something that brings you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s a solo activity or something done with others, the most important thing is to engage in activities that make you happy and rejuvenated.

Fun activities don’t have to be costly or time-consuming, but they do require intentional planning and commitment. Incorporating them into your weekly schedule is essential for ensuring they happen.  Just like the foundational habits we discussed earlier, consistency is key.  If you don’t follow through with these activities, they remain just wishful thinking and won’t bring the benefits of relaxation and enjoyment you seek. So, make sure to set aside time for fun in your weekly routine and honor that commitment to yourself.  Remember, taking time for enjoyable activities is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Wishful thinking does not create a powerful life. Action does.

The question for you is…are you going to start taking action today that will create the life you truly want?

I would love to hear from you.  In what ways do you organize your daily life?  Do you have any organizing ideas?  If so please share them in the comments below.   

 You Can Do This!

Resources in Post:  

• Time Management Download
• Daily Planner Download
• Cute Magnetic Grocery Lists –  https://amzn.to/456IfE6
• Lancaster Pa weekend getaway – Quiet Brook Oasis