How to Get Organized and Actually Stay That Way
If you've ever spent an entire weekend decluttering and setting up the perfect system, only to watch it fall apart within weeks (or days!), you're not alone. Getting organized is one thing—staying organized is a whole different challenge.
The good news? Organization isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. And with the right approach, you can create a system that not only works but also lasts.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Actually Need
Before you start organizing, you need to declutter. No system in the world will work if you’re holding on to too much stuff—whether it’s physical clutter, digital overload, or an endless to-do list that never gets done.
Go through each area of your life—your home, workspace, digital files, or even your daily schedule—and be honest about what’s serving you and what’s just taking up space. Ask yourself:
Do I use this regularly?
Does it serve a clear purpose in my life?
Would I buy this again today?
If the answer is no, let it go. The more you hold on to, the harder it is to stay organized. This goes for your email inbox, apps on your phone, and even commitments that drain your time. Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about making space for what truly matters.
Step 2: Create Simple, Easy-to-Maintain Systems
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, the next step is building a system that actually works for your life. The key to a good system is simplicity—if it’s too complicated, you won’t stick with it.
Start by making sure that everything in your life has a clear home. If something doesn’t have a designated place, it will end up in a pile, a junk drawer, or buried in a random email folder. Set up labeled bins for paperwork, create structured folders for digital files, and give frequently used items easy-to-access spaces.
For tasks you do regularly, use automation whenever possible. Auto-pay your bills, schedule recurring reminders for routine tasks, and plan social media content in advance so you’re not constantly scrambling.
If you run a business, organizing your workload is just as important as organizing your home. Using a planner like the Clever W.A.H.M. Business Planner can help you track business goals, finances, and marketing plans in one place so you’re never overwhelmed.
Step 3: Break the Cycle of Clutter with Daily Check-Ins
Most people struggle to stay organized because they don’t have a routine to keep things in order. The secret to long-term organization isn’t doing a massive cleanup every few months—it’s about small daily habits that prevent clutter from building up in the first place.
End-of-Day Reset – Spend just 5–10 minutes at the end of the day tidying up, deleting unnecessary emails, and checking your planner for the next day. A small effort now prevents a big mess later.
Weekly Maintenance – Once a week, set aside time to review your tasks, update your calendar, and refresh any systems that have started slipping. Think of it as a quick tune-up to keep things running smoothly.
The “One-Minute Rule” – If something takes less than a minute to put away, do it right away. Leaving small tasks unfinished creates unnecessary clutter that quickly piles up.
Batch Tasks for Efficiency – Instead of constantly switching between different activities, try grouping similar tasks together. Answer emails all at once instead of throughout the day, do all your content planning in one session, or dedicate a specific time each week for bookkeeping. Batching keeps your brain focused and your workflow smooth.
A little effort each day prevents the need for big overhauls later. Organization is much easier to maintain when it becomes part of your routine.
Step 4: Keep Your Digital Life Just as Organized
We often think of organization in terms of physical spaces, but digital clutter can be just as overwhelming. A messy desktop, a bloated inbox, and too many apps can create just as much mental stress as a cluttered home.
Unsubscribe from emails you don’t read – If your inbox is filled with newsletters you never open, take a few minutes to unsubscribe. It will reduce the mental clutter and make it easier to find important emails.
Use cloud storage to keep things neat – Instead of saving everything to your computer, use Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external hard drive to keep your files organized and accessible without slowing down your device.
Create clear folders for everything – Just like in real life, digital organization is all about knowing where things belong. Make folders for work, personal files, receipts, and anything else you need to keep track of.
Delete what you don’t need – Old screenshots, outdated documents, and duplicate files? Get rid of them. Keeping unnecessary digital clutter only makes it harder to find what you actually need.
A clean digital workspace means less mental clutter and better focus. When your files are organized, you spend less time searching and more time getting things done.
Step 5: Organize Your Time Like You Organize Your Space
It’s not just about organizing your home or business—it’s about organizing your time too. If you constantly feel busy but not productive, it might be time to reassess how you’re spending your time.
Use a planner to time-block your day – Whether you prefer a physical planner (like the Clever W.A.H.M. Business Planner) or a digital tool, scheduling your tasks ensures you stay on track and don’t waste time deciding what to do next.
Set boundaries on your time – Every “yes” is a “no” to something else. Be intentional about how many commitments you take on, and don’t be afraid to say no when something doesn’t align with your priorities.
Batch similar tasks together – Doing all your client calls, bookkeeping, or content creation on designated days saves time and mental energy instead of constantly switching between tasks.
Plan your top priorities first – Don’t start your day with the easy stuff—start with the tasks that will make the biggest impact. Once those are done, everything else feels easier.
When your schedule is as organized as your space, you’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
How to Maintain Organization Long-Term
Getting organized is great, but staying organized is what really makes a difference. The best way to keep everything in order is to regularly check in on your systems and adjust as needed.
Revisit your systems every few months – What worked in the past might not always work in the future. Set aside time to tweak your organization strategies as your needs change.
Declutter a little bit every week – Instead of waiting for things to pile up, spend 10–15 minutes each week clearing out clutter before it becomes overwhelming.
Stick to the habit of putting things back – If something doesn’t have a home, find one for it. Organization falls apart when things start floating around without a designated place.
Use tools that make staying organized easier – Whether it’s a planner, a task management app, or a simple checklist, find what helps you stay on track and use it consistently.
Give yourself grace – No system is perfect, and sometimes things will get messy. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s having a system that’s easy to reset when life gets busy.
Final Thoughts: Organization Is a Habit, Not a One-Time Task
Getting organized isn’t about perfection or strict rules—it’s about creating habits that make life easier.
When you have clear systems, simple routines, and tools that support you, staying organized doesn’t feel like a chore—it just becomes part of how you operate.
If you’re looking for a simple but effective system to keep your business, finances, and daily life organized, the Clever W.A.H.M. Business Planner has everything you need.
📌 Grab your copy today at CleverWAHMLife.com and start creating an organized life that actually lasts!
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Looking for more insights? Check out my previous posts like “7 Secrets to Health and Weight Management for W.A.H.M. Moms” and start your wellness journey today!
