Seven pieces of expert organization advice

1. Start small and break it down

Organization can be a daunting task but starting small and breaking it down into manageable steps can make it feel less overwhelming. Start with one area of your life or workspace, such as your desk, closet, or kitchen pantry, and tackle it one section at a time. Don’t worry about sweeping across your home in one day. Break up your routine over time so it won’t feel like too much at once.

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2. Eliminate clutter

Clutter can cause stress and anxiety and make it difficult to focus. Eliminate clutter by getting rid of anything that is no longer useful or brings you joy. We all have a junk drawer where we put things that we save for later; oftentimes, they’re not needed. Start with the easy things, like old receipts, hardware, or expired food and gradually work your way up to larger items such as clothes and books.

3. Create a system

Creating a system can help you organize your important files and save time in the long run when searching for necessary documents, whether they’re digital or on paper. Whether it’s a filing system for paperwork or a color-coded closet, having a system in place can make it easier to find what you need, when you need it. Take advantage of folder naming systems to hold files by category, if they’re related to a specific project, and use the search bar integrated into Windows 11 to find files by name and type.

4. Use technology

Technology can be a powerful organization tool. Apps like Microsoft OneNote can help you follow along with chores and grocery lists, while Outlook can help you keep track of work deadlines and family events alike through multiple calendars. And if your inbox is full of digital clutter, here are ways to aim toward “inbox zero” so you won’t worry about missing an important message among a clutter of automated newsletters or junk mail.

5. Prioritize, don’t procrastinate

Prioritizing tasks and activities can help you stay focused and productive. Make a list of what needs to be done, and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. You can use this tactic to prevent procrastination—a major obstacle to getting started with organization. Don’t put off tasks that need to be done, as they will only pile up and create more stress.

6. Practice good time management

Effective time management can help you accomplish more in less time. Use tools like the Outlook calendar to help you create a schedule. Get into the groove of a daily routine so you can manage your time more efficiently.

7. Stay motivated

Staying motivated can be challenging, but it’s important to stay focused on your goals. Keep your end goal in mind, and reward yourself for progress made along the way. By going into your organizational tasks with a plan, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and make the most of your time.

Staying above it all, while maintaining a level head, is vital to making the most out of the organization process—and potentially even enjoying what many consider to be a chore. But don’t stop there. Check out Microsoft 365 for more organizational tips and tricks such as keeping your home organized, organizing a graduation party or big event, and even tackling the seemingly impossible task of achieving inbox zero.