10 Things To Do Every Month To Be Super Organised
1. Set Yourself Goals
At the start of the month, I will open up my Positivity Planner and write down my goals, habits and bucket list for the month ahead. Then at the end of each month, I’ll go back to my planner and reflect on what went well and what I want to change. I’ve found that by having monthly goals I’m more likely to achieve everything on my list. In the past when I’ve set myself a New Year’s Resolution, my motivation tends to wear thin and I usefully forget about my goal by the end of the year. Another reason why I prefer monthly goals is that it allows smaller goals to be added to your list. Whether that’s learning a new recipe or having date night with your partner, when you have a shorter amount of time to achieve a goal, you’re more likely to add on the smaller but equally important goals.
2. Organise Your Phone Photos
Firstly I’ll admit that I have over 1000 photos on my phone! So as I write this I’m also reminding myself to go through all of my photos, delete the ones which I don’t want and upload the others to my Google Drive. You can also upload to them places such as iCloud, Amazon Cloud and DropBox. You can then delete those photos from your phone to save space and have peace of mind knowing that your memories are in a safe place. Doing this will help you stay super organised every month!
3. Clear Out Your Purse
I’m not sure about you, but my purse seems to become full very quickly! By the end of the month, it’s loaded with loose change and old receipts which I’ve kept just in case. Clearing out your purse at the beginning of the month is a great habit to start doing to get rid of the clutter which you no longer need. Not only will your purse feel lighter but your life will feel just that little bit lighter too.
4. Make Plans With Friends and Family
Most of us are usually very busy therefore finding the time to see friends and family, needs to be planned in advance. Use the beginning of the month to reach out to your loved ones and schedule dinner dates, nights out and days out. This will avoid any last-minute plans which you or one of your friends might not be able to make! Also, don’t forget about the family you live with. Even though you see them every day, plan activities and fun things to do together.
5. Schedule Appointments
Review your calendar at the beginning of the month and schedule appointments to make sure you get the time and date which works best for you. Do you want to get your hair done? Are you due for a check-up at the dentist? Have you been meaning to treat yourself to a massage? Get your appointments booked and you will feel super organised and productive!
Tip: When I’m planning my calendar, I like to put all of my tasks, appointments and events into my calendar, starting with my non-negotiable, which includes tasks such as work or school. I then schedule time for self-care, exercise, and time to see friends and family. After all of these appointments and tasks are on my calendar I add in the jobs related to my blog or any projects I’m working on. By doing this I can clearly see what my days look like and if I am packing too much into one day or if I am wasting a lot of time on things which aren’t important to me.
6. Buy Birthday Cards
At the beginning of the month make a list of all the birthday cards you need to buy for the month ahead. It’s best to include the first week of the following month too, just in case someone’s birthday is on the first! You can also do this if you plan on buying birthday gifts too. Next time you’re out shopping you can pick up everything you need and avoid those embarrassing belated birthday wishes.
7. Deep Clean Your Home
Stay super organised by giving your home a deep clean at the start of every month!
Deep clean your home: Once you have de-cluttered your closet and you’re feeling fantastic because of it, find a day or a weekend that you can dedicate to cleaning your home.
De-clutter your closet: Let’s be honest, you know that you have items in your wardrobe that you’re never going to wear again. I recommend reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying
Organise your workspace: Your workspace should inspire you, it should motivate you, and should help bring out the best in you. After all, this is where the magic happens. Don’t let your workspace get cluttered with paperwork and unwanted items, organise your work and make life easier for yourself. Try adding photos, candles or inspiring quotes, and if you can, treat yourself to some new stationery.
8. Budget For The Month
The start of the month is a great time to budget for the month ahead. You can figure out how much you need to spend on bills and groceries etc. With your remaining money, you can work out how much you want to save and how much you want to spend.
9. Choose a Book to Read
I love a good book and I always give myself one or two books to read every month. I like to mix it up with a self-development book and a fiction book. Try to pick out at least one book at the beginning of the month.
10. Clean Out Your Refrigerator
Stay super organised at the beginning of each month by cleaning out your refrigerator. Spend just 15 minutes clearing out those items that are expired. From this exercise, you will get a good idea of what items you need and you will be able to plan your meals more effectively using what you already have.
Laura x
The Comments
Indya | TheSmallAdventurer
Making plans with friends and family is something I really struggle with. I constantly feel like I don’t have enough hours to do everything I need to do at home and work let alone make plans to go out, but I always feel better when I do go out and socialise.
I am also guilty of having 1000+ photos of my phone, and most of them are random screenshots that I really don’t need! I definitely need to set aside some time to organise them all ????
http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/
Those Positive Thoughts
> Indya | TheSmallAdventurerI completely understand, once we leave school or university or once we move into our our home it can be so much harder to find time for our friends and family. That’s why scheduling time in your calendar at the start of every month can make your life that little bit easier. P.s I still need to go through the pictures on my phone!! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Deronda
> Those Positive ThoughtsAll of the suggestions listed above are awesome. Now, I just need someone to come live with me and keep me on tract. I am disorganized. I want to be organized, I read the how to’s, what to’s and when to’s, but it never gets done or done consistently. I know being organized would save me time and money… Ok, I’m going to give this an Honest Effort…..
Those Positive Thoughts
> DerondaThank you Deronda, I’m so glad you’ve found these tips helpful! Good luck getting organised, I know you can do it!
Stef
> DerondaI used to be the same. Then I got t a job where i had to keep track of trillion tasks and conversation to have and started talking baby steps that stuck. I called it a book of everything – every little task ent three as soon as i got it. Of course you fall of the bassoon few times, but bcs it is such an easy thing -just write down whatever you need to do, it’s easy to jump back in review what was done since you lady updated and you are back in track.
Now I’m finally getting myself to bullet journal and I’m very excited. After you learn those small things you kinda get addicted to being organised. At least for me it brings peace of mind I’ve never known before
Turner
> Indya | TheSmallAdventurerGreat article, check your spelling(organized).
Those Positive Thoughts
> TurnerThank you! and I’ve spelt “organised” the English way 🙂
Joanne Downs
> Those Positive ThoughtsThanks for that 🙂
Great list – particularly item six. I very nearly forgot my sister’s birthday this month, so I definitely need to do this.
Those Positive Thoughts
> Joanne DownsThank you 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
deborah
> Indya | TheSmallAdventurerI already do most of the tips,they are great.. I also like to check the air in my tyres and oil at the beginning of the month,plan the menu,buy a months grocery ( not dairy and everyday things obviously )and buy presents a month before ( especially if they are ordered online ) .
Deronda
> deborahThose are great ideas, My Mom also makes out the birthday cards that she sends to everyone for the month. I wish I had gotten the Organizing Gene.
Those Positive Thoughts
> DerondaThank you! Glad you liked the post 🙂
Liv
These are such good ideas, especially the camera roll organising and buying birthday cards! Something I definitely need to start doing.
Those Positive Thoughts
> LivThank you, I’m glad you like them 🙂
Daynna
Omg, so much yes to this! I’m a massive organization nerd and I adore hearing other people’s tips and tricks for how they stay organized lol. Do you mind if I share this article with some of my followers? I don’t have a ton because I just started my blog, but I recently also wrote a post about organization and I think this is such a great recommendation for further reading!
Those Positive Thoughts
> DaynnaAh thank you, I’m glad you liked it! Happy for you to share the post with your followers 🙂 I’ll be sure to check out your blog! Thanks for commenting.
Tatum Skipper
Love these!! I tend to do these on a bi-weekly basis actually (well most of them) because I get stressed too easily!! A clean purse and bed sheets make a lot of difference!! I also write down everything on a huge calendar and color coordinate so I don’t miss a thing! You read my mind 😉
Those Positive Thoughts
> Tatum SkipperOoh I love the idea of a writing down everything on a colour coordinated calendar! I might need to give this a go 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Shirley
I have really been putting off organizing my pictures, especially the ones on my computer! I just stick them in a file on my desktop and search for them later, lol. I really like the idea of buying birthday cards to make sure every special person is remembered during the month.
Those Positive Thoughts
> ShirleyGetting your birthday cards for the month is one which I find the most helpful. It can save so much stress, especially when you need to allow time to post them! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Phyllis Arnold
> Those Positive ThoughtsI have a plastic shoebox filled with cards. I’m a card freak. Anytime I read a card I like, I have to buy it. I usually know who it’s for as soon as I read it. It also helps in case I hear it’s someone’s birthday, anniversary, loss, etc on the spur of the moment.
Those Positive Thoughts
> Phyllis ArnoldAww I love this! And this way you will give out cards which are more meaningful instead of buying them in bulk!
Lauren C. Moye
Clearing out the purse and the fridge! So much yes! I need to do these things more often.
Those Positive Thoughts
> Lauren C. MoyeThese little things can save so much stress! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Chelsea
I love looking at the start of a new month as a “fresh clean start”. Something I forget is cleaning my bed sheets right at the beginning, haha, gotta get to that. Also, phone photos… I get lazy to clean out my photos. Great post! x
Those Positive Thoughts
> ChelseaThank you 🙂 I’m glad you liked it! I’ve always found the start of a new month to feel like a fresh start. It’s around this time when I think about my goals and my to do list. Thanks for commenting.
Sarah | I Heart Frugal
I love your tips! I try to buy all of my birthday cards in bulk! I need to start clean out my purse more! 🙂
Those Positive Thoughts
> Sarah | I Heart FrugalThey’re little ideas but can really help you be more organised 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Suzie
Oooh, I love these ideas. I’ve got into the habit of weekly things like cooking for the week ahead. But never thought about the things to do less often (but still regularly). I can see this will be really useful.
Those Positive Thoughts
> SuzieThank you! They’re good habits to get in to 🙂
Jen O’Donnell
I found myself nodding my head “yes” after each of your 10 organizational tips. By the end of the article, I felt like a bobble head!! Haha. Thank you so much for these simple, but awesome ideas.
Those Positive Thoughts
> Jen O’Donnellhaha I love your comment! and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment x
Lisa
Great tips, but just one thing…. sheets should be changed weekly, biweekly at the least.
Those Positive Thoughts
> LisaHi Lisa, thank you and yes that’s a very good point. I’ll update the paragraph! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Zuzu
I love these ideas, especially the birthday cards!!! Oh, and clearing out your purse. So important to stay organized when you’re a working woman doing what it takes to get ahead! Thank you!!!
Those Positive Thoughts
> ZuzuAww thank you, I’m so glad you’ve found these ideas helpful! The birthday card ideas is one of my favourites too, those little things can save so much stress and time later on! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Abby Lyn
I love this! As a total organization nerd, I do these things all of the time and they totally help!
Those Positive Thoughts
> Abby LynAww thank you! Do you have any other organisational tips? I would love to hear them! 🙂
Calvonia
I need to adapt them all. I thought I was organized
Thanks for pushing me.
Those Positive Thoughts
> CalvoniaYou’re welcome! I’m glad you’ve found these tips helpful 🙂
Mimi Willis
I tend to colour coordinate my wardrobe then my shoes to find the perfect style and colour of clothes to match my shoes PS:your tips are so super helpful they have helped me a lot thank you everyone??????????
Those Positive Thoughts
> Mimi WillisOoh do you, that’s a cool idea! I bet you’re wardrobe looks really pretty and colourful 🙂 Thank you, I’m so glad you’ve found these tips helpful x
Deronda
> Mimi WillisPhoto Please… My question is with prints, do you go by the largest amount of colour? or how do you colour coordinate them?
Anders
Hey Laura,
Thank you for this post. Good advice all over (I don’t personally use a purse though, so can’t say how good that is, but seems smart. 😛 )
We recently started a more planned way to organize our months in our family. We got a daugther about 2½ years ago and it’s like they say, it changes everything. For the first year you’re just trying to keep awake and not feel totally overwhelmed with all new stuff. Plus you’re walking on clouds since you’re so happy.
The second year we started to wake up from our baby-coma and realize that we needed a system to get things done. We started monthly (and sometimes weekly) planning meetings. Part of this is weekly budget meetings to go over the budget, with a big one at the end of each month. We even plan time to be social with people – and ourselves. My wife and I have to plan date nights, otherwise it just won’t happen.
I like your post since it encourage people to do more planning and see the benefits from that. A lot of people avoid making plans since they think it’s a waste of time. What they don’t realize is that not planning leads to loss of time, since you’re less focused.
Thanks again Laura!
Hope you have an awesome day.
Those Positive Thoughts
> AndersHey Anders,
Thanks for your lovely message and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
The budget meetings sounds like a great idea! I just live with my partner so haven’t yet experienced life with children but we are renovating our home which requires a fair bit of budgeting. I may just have to use your idea of having a weekly/monthly budget meeting 🙂
Scheduling date nights and other social events are such a great idea! Because like you said, otherwise it just doesn’t happen.
I’m really glad you enjoyed my post. Being organised doesn’t take much time or effort but it can save you so much time and stress later on.
Have a great weekend!!
Laura
Nicole
Thanks I love this! I probably do about 5 of these without realising but I really needed some more ideas to save time. Another one I make sure I do is meal plan. Thanks for your suggestions!
Those Positive Thoughts
> NicoleHey Nicole, I’m glad you found some more organisational tips from my post 🙂 Meal planning is a great idea too and is something which I need to be better at. Thanks for commenting!
Danielle
Just came across your post on Pinterest reading all your ideas has made my head abit clearer and hopefully will make me abit more organised now I can start on April ?
Thank you
Those Positive Thoughts
> DanielleThat’s amazing, I’m so glad my post has helped clear your mind! And now Spring is here it seems like a good time to get organised and Spring clean our mind and life! x
Sophie
I loved this post! I tidy out my bag at the start of every month too, I use my school bag the most often so that’s the one I tend to prioritise and it honestly gets in such a state.
Soph | http://www.lovesoph.co.uk
Tracey A
Just found this through Pinterest and what a fabulous idea. One I will definitely adopt from next month. Thank you for sharing.
Tracey.x
Those Positive Thoughts
> Tracey AThank you Tracey! Glad you found some ideas to adopt! x
Rhiannon Day
This is such a great list! I’ve started having a ‘get your life together’ day at the start of each month and it’s like a system reset for my life. It feels so much better going into the month with a gameplan and a clean slate. Thanks for some great ideas to add – I love the one about choosing a book to read!!! I am passionate about reading but I’ve let that passion slip as I’ve gotten older. Making it part of my system reset day will help with that habit for sure! Thank you for sharing!
Those Positive Thoughts
> Rhiannon DayThank you 🙂 You’re re-set day sounds fab! And I couldn’t agree more, it feels so much better going into the month with a plan x
esa
What a good and simple tips! I start this month! Thanks you
Soumya
Hey this was very helpful ,thank you so much!
Those Positive Thoughts
> SoumyaI’m glad you found it helpful!
Sabrina | The Budding Optimist
I definitely need to work on #2 and #9. I just cleaned out my fridge the other day and I think I need to do this more often. Thanks for these great tips!
Those Positive Thoughts
> Sabrina | The Budding OptimistThanks! Glad you liked them 🙂