Hit refresh by organizing and cutting out the clutter. Here are five simple tips to help you organize your life:

1. Find your perfect planner. Organize everything by writing it down in a planner or your Google Calendar (or both). Set alerts, write to-do lists and plan your day ahead of time to make sure you get things done. Color code important events/tasks like class, work, exams and errands to help organize your planner further and keep it looking pretty.

I purchased a 17-month agenda from Ban.do and I was really excited to start using it once August 1st came around. This agenda comes with fun stickers, color-coded month tabs with fun illustrations and quotes for every month and fun to-do’s for every weekend (like “Clean your house in roller skates” and “Throw some confetti”). Check out  Ban.do’s blog post on where you can find their fun agenda.

2. Make schedules and deadlines for yourself. Clean the house before tomorrow. Do laundry at 12 pm on Wednesday. Finish writing that paper by Thursday at 3 pm. Work on the design for two hours on Friday.

Prioritize your tasks and create schedules and deadlines for each of them to make sure you devote time to each and complete them.

3. Do things one at a time. 

Trying to get three things done at once is, most likely, not going to benefit you. Focus on one project at a time to simplify and do things more efficiently.

4. Declutter. 

Someone once told me that a cluttered desk meant a cluttered mind. It’s true. Split up areas of your home and/or workspace and take time to declutter each area one by one to keep your head clear and organized.

5. Take a break. Everyone needs one.

You can’t stay organized while stressed. Remember to take a break and enjoy time with others and by yourself.  Take a hike, see a concert, read a book or do yoga.

Train at the California Mid-State Fair

Do you have any tips for organization? Share them in the comments below!