Summer Organization Made Easy, can it be possible?
When I became a mom, I realized that being organized was not second nature to me… So after many struggling, I decided to do something about it on our first summer as a family. I already knew it should be our new way of life. Slowly but surely, it become a habit rather than a chore.
Of course it takes time and effort to create the habit in the first place but once you’ve achieved it, I guarantee you’ll want to stay that way! Let me introduce you to the tips we put in place since our first summer togheter. These 9 tips might help you too to start becoming more organized this summer with very little effort or fuss. Then you’ll be all set for the rest of your life!
1- Check In
Start your day by checking your schedule and your to do list. It may be that you’ve thought of something you need to add. Prioritize your to do list is a must so that you are sure to tackle the important items first.
2- Plan
As well as your to do list, you should plan your day. Include calls, appointments, chores (Oh no! Not a trip to the grocery store AGAIN!) and goals. You can use pen and paper, a planner (like My Summer Memories) or a planning app. Don’t forget to include scheduled breaks. Make sure to include me-time, time for friends and family once in a while.
3- The F.A.R. Rules
The F.A.R. Rules are essential for helping you through your summer organization. They apply equally to your personal life as your business. Here’s how it work:
- File it – if it’s important and needs to be kept (either in paper or electronic form) then file it immediately;
- Act on it – if something needs to have action taken for example, paying a bill or making a call, you must do it immediately. Then either file or recycle it.
- Recycle it – whether it’s junk mail or papers and items you’ve finished with, recycle it immediately once it’s no longer needed.
These rules applies to emails as well as paperwork. By following them you can keep your inbox under control (yes I know it’s possible, but honestly, I’m not there yet…)
4- Digital Aids
At times, technology can be a distraction but there are some items that can help you become and stay productive. However, choose your devices and solutions with care so that you don’t create more of a problem for yourself.
You may decide that an app to monitor your health and fitness would be a good idea to keep you on track with your goals (I use 7 Minutes Workout). There are also menu planning apps (I love freezer cooking!), scheduling, time and project management, as well as household organization apps.
5- Track
To be successful with your summer organization skills you need to track and monitor your progress. What’s working and what’s not? Be prepared to make changes and adjustments to how you do things. Just because one method of organizing your closet doesn’t work for you it doesn’t mean that another won’t. Hey, by the way, do you know about capsule wardrobe? I like that!
6- Trash It
Don’t keep things for the sake of it. If it’s not useful or necessary then throw it out. If you are keeping it then remember to put it away. That way you keep your surroundings free from clutter and distractions and it makes life sooo much easier!
7- Identify
Keep a track of what works for you and keep on doing it. If something hasn’t been successful then identify what needs to be changed and do it that way the following day.
8- 5 Minute Review
Just like you started your day, end your day with a five minute review. Celebrate your accomplishments and cross off everything you’ve achieved from your to do list. Remove any inessential or unimportant tasks that are still remaining. Whatever is left should be added to the next day’s list.
9- To Do List
Create your to do list for the following day. Include any important tasks that you didn’t complete that day and only important items that need to be done. Try and limit your list to 10 items or less so that you don’t feel overwhelmed or end the day with a list of unaccomplished items.
Becoming and staying organized doesn’t happen overnight and it does require regular effort. However, you can stay on track by following these 9 tips. You can be organized every single day this summer with a little planning, time and effort. And trust me, you will be happy that you did turn chores into habits when fall will settle. Summer Organization Made Easy? Yes, you can!
Your turn now to tell me what’s working for you.
