The Key To Organizing Your Life Is In These 9 Simple Steps

The 9 Baby Steps To Take For An Infinitely More Organized Week

Just the thought of getting organized is enough to send the even most chaos-averse among us into a tailspin. But if you can push past the heavy sighs and long groans that often bubble up at the words "plan ahead," you'll find that a set of weekly organizational goals aren't as hard to accomplish as they seem.

Behold, the baby steps that will help you do it.

The Goal: Make The Bed Daily

make the bed

The Shortcut: Eliminate The Extras
While throw pillows are adorable, too many can make the process of making the bed longer than it needs to be -- and nobody has time for that. Another time-saving trick: Ditch the top (or flat) sheet if you don't use it, so you have one less layer to worry about.

The Goal: Organize The Closet

organize your closet

The Shortcut: Buy Matching Hangers
Don't worry about making those "keep," "donate," and "throw out" piles just yet. Before you can tackle the contents of your closet, tackle the way it's set up. Streamlining your storage is one of the easiest ways to start.

The Goal: Keep The Bathroom Clean

straighten your bathroom

The Shortcut: Invest In Towel Racks And Hooks
Nothing (nothing) makes a bathroom look messier than a wet towel heaped in the corner of the floor or slung over the door. Designating a place for it will make a world of a difference.

The Goal: Keep A To-Do List

become a list person

The Shortcut: Buy A Notebook
Carrying around a place to jot down tasks and ideas throughout the day will put you well on your way to becoming the organized person you always knew you could be.

The Goal: Eliminate Clutter

eliminate clutter

The Shortcut: Assign A Spot For The Keys And Mail
Rome wasn't built in a day, and all the odds and ends around your house definitely won't find a home overnight. Start by picking a place to at least put the first things you always carry in your door on a daily basis.

The Goal: Grocery Shop Smarter

grocery shop smarter

The Shortcut: Keep A Meal Plan On The Fridge
Going to the grocery store without a plan isn't only overwhelming, it can quickly get expensive as well. Plan your meals in advance to save time and money. Or, at least, keep a list of things you need as you run out.

The Goal: Clean The Kitchen

clean your kitchen

The Shortcut: Clear Your Sink Of Dirty Dishes
What wet towels are to the bathroom, dirty dishes are to the kitchen. Letting them pile up gives the entire room a cluttered vibe. Make it a point to clear them up as you use them.

The Goal: Keep Dirty Laundry At Bay

tackle the laundry

The Shortcut: Quit Folding Your Underwear
Believe it or not, you can actually take your organizing habit too far. And folding your underwear when there are other staples to be hung and put away (like your shirts) is a prime example.

The Goal: Leave On Time In The Morning

leave on time

The Shortcut: Choose Your Outfit The Night Before
For most of us, it's probably painful to think about the minutes (and maybe hours) we've wasted standing in front of the closet wondering what to wear. Having decided before bed will free up time and mental energy in the morning.

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