We want to be organized. After all, it sounds great. What’s better than knowing where things are, being on time for things, and saving time and money every single day just by having your life in order? It sounds calm and relaxing. Peaceful even.

Getting there though…that’s the tough part.

The idea of getting organized can be very overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. This is why it’s so important to look at this as a lifestyle change brought about by a series of new habits rather than just one more great big thing on your “To Do” list.

Which habits should you be focusing on to get organized?

Take Notes
All too often the biggest culprit of wasting time is we forget to write down things like appointments or schedule changes. By getting into the habit of jotting down stuff as it happens, you’ll find it much easier to stay on top of what you need to.

Use Your Calendar
Now that you have notes, get in the habit of putting everything on the calendar. This way you know where you are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there every single time.

Don’t Put Stuff Off
Procrastination is the mortal enemy of organization. The best way to stay on top of things? Create the habit of doing it now.

Have a Place for Everything – and Put it There
Clutter tends to become clutter simply because you have no place to put it. Find homes for stuff. You might need to get creative with storage solutions, or even get a little harsh with yourself and get rid of the things you don’t need. Once you have a place for everything, get in the habit of putting everything in its place. Also, as a bonus habit, make a point of getting rid of something every time you buy something new. This helps you to keep from rebuilding clutter over time.

Handle Paper Clutter
What do you really need? For example, when you get a notice in the Mail about an upcoming dental appointment, immediately put the date on your calendar and toss the card. The best habit? Make going paperless your new habit.

Habits are fairly easy to form. The key is consistency and repetition. Once you’ve tackled these habits, look for other habits which will help you to create organization in your life.