Top 5 Tips for Staying Organized

I found creating my Top 5 Tips for Staying Organized has helped me keep a clear head (and home) and has been awfully beneficial as we moved into our first house.

The world is a crazy place.  I still don't know how parents manage to keep it all together.  I find myself in awe at my sister-in-law who has 5, yes FIVE, children and always manages to show up to family functions looking put together, happy and always as beautiful as can be (cheers to you, Tachelle).  I honestly feel like I can barely hold myself together some days and I only have to take care of myself... and Adam, though, let's face it, he takes plenty good care of me most days.

As we've transitioned into our new home, our lives are seemingly the same, just at a different address.  I found my head and my stuff strewn throughout the house and quickly realized I would need to setup some systems of organization or drive myself nuts for the remainder of the year if I failed to do so. Hence, I bring to you, My Top 5 Tips for Staying Organized.

Tip #1: Keep a planner- paper or electronic is awesome.

I recommend getting something that allows for you to see a snapshot of both your month and your week. Utilizing a planner for both work, business and personal keeps all of my scheduling and to-do's in front of me.
Google Keep is also a super easy to-do and task-master that has both a mobile and desktop site. Sticky notes no more!  Google Keep was a lifesaver as we were getting our home setup. Check out this super awesome video on how to utilize Google Keep.

Tip #2: Get your Day Ready the Night Before

Ever wake up late? End up having to rush out the door and feel like a hotmess the rest of the day because you forgot half of your stuff at home, didn't get in 10 minutes to read or journal your thoughts in the AM and are craving the protein bar you left on the counter? I have been there.

Tip #3: Setup Certain Areas in your Home for Key Items 

This includes your keys, bags, purses to your mail (incoming and outgoing).  Instead of just throwing things on the counter or in the junk drawer and then asking yourself, "Where in the heck did I put the..." you'll know exactly where you put them!

Tip #4: Take 5-10 Minutes to Tidy Up 

This is my secret to a happy home.  Take 5-10 minutes a night or in the AM to just tidy up.  You don't need to deep clean your toilets (save that for a rainy Saturday afternoon), but you can just pick up the little items you may have left out from the day.  I love taking a little bit of time before we head to bed to tidy up (even if it's just one or two rooms) and then calling it quits for the day.
Check out this awesome snapshot from Pinterest with a Schedule for Keeping your Home Tidy Year Round! 

Tip #5:  Get Some YOU Time

You may not think this helps you stay organized, but a clear mind equals a clear home, car, work, inbox... etc, etc. It can be something as indulgent as an hour massage a month to something as simple as 10-15 minutes a day to read or take a walk.  You have to take care of yourself.

I hope you enjoy! And if you don't, please let us know in the comments section below. We'd love to get your thoughts as we build this bad-boy out.

See you Sunday!
-Us (for Real)