There's nothing like a good system to go from disorganized to organized. But where does the unorganized person start when they want to get on track and organize life?
Naturally organized people don't understand the struggle of keeping everything in check. My mom, the epitome of organization and detail, is able to keep a well-maintained, organized and picturesque home 99.5% of the time (even when she was a single mom, even when she worked full time, even when she broke her shoulder). Yes, she's just that way.
Me on the other hand, I love to be organized, I dislike clutter, I want clean spaces and I enjoy decluttering, simplifying and living small. But it isn't natural (maybe it skips a generation). Just because you gravitate to something doesn't mean you'll naturally be good at it. On one hand, I'm not going to let my need for organization dictate family time and fun activities. On the other hand, I want things well maintained.
The secret for me: Lists.
They're a life saver for me and lists can help you stay organized and on track with goals, events, and everyday life.
If you're disorganized, here are six lists you need to help get life back on track:
Daily To Do List
You might not be ready for a full-out yearly planner with lots of lines and spaces to fill in. A simple Daily To Do List is all you need. Every evening, or first thing in the morning, write or type in what you must get done that day and check it off as you go.
Timed Check List
Timed checklists are great for what we call “quick clean ups.” When you 10, 20 or 30 minutes of extra time, these lists help you organize a quick rally of the family (or just yourself) to get awesome things accomplished in a short amount of time. We love to do 5-4-3-2-1 BREAK! and Wyatt and I know exactly what needs to be done in our 20 minute quick clean up. (This is also fabulous when you know someone is coming over last minute and life has happened in your home.)
Goals Lists
Goals aren't resolutions that fade away in a few months. They're measurable, attainable, and achievable. Whether weekly or monthly, you need a good way to keep track of goals you set (or want to set). List Planit has you covered with weekly and monthly goal planners. Also, be sure to check out my Thriving Life Goal Planner for a detailed plan on setting and maintaining goals in many areas of life.
Home & Car Maintenance Lists
Do you know when your vehicle's transmission fluid was changed? Keeping a simple digital or printed list for each vehicle will help you stay on top of routine maintenance. I keep a list in my household binder for each vehicle and jot down whenever maintenance work is done. I do the same for our household appliances.
Christmas Expense List
If you celebrate Christmas you need a list. There's so much expense that surrounds Christmas: food, travel, gifts, parties, home decor and more. Keeping track of what you spend (which translates into next year's budget) is critical for keeping up with holiday expenses so you don't blow your budget.
All of these lists and hundreds more can be found at List Planit. Jennifer has created hundreds of downloadable, printable and fillable pdf lists as well as online lists and eplanners that will help you get organized in every area of your life. The best part is, you can try it free for 30 Days so if it isn't for you there's no risk.
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