50 Hacks to Organize Your Life and Save You More Time

Inside: Use these hacks to organize your life as well as your home to save you more time.

Ever feel like you’re constantly running behind and can’t seem to catch up?

Life can feel overwhelming and chaotic at times, but by getting a bit more organized you can be better prepared to handle the busier seasons in life.

Use some of these organizing hacks to get your life and home more organized. They’ll help save you time and decrease your stress.

While you can’t manufacture more time, you can become more efficient by getting yourself organized, and using these hacks can help.

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” -Michael Altshuler

50 Hacks to Organize Your Life

I realize that a list of fifty hacks can feel like a lot. This is not a to-do list as that would immediately feel overwhelming.

Instead, read over the suggestions and focus on one area and just one or two ideas to implement now. You can save this post to refer to later as these organizational hacks cover various facets of your life.

The organizing hacks in this post are grouped by categories. You’ll find tips on managing your time, decluttering your home, using specific home organizing solutions, planning your meals, developing cleaning habits, and managing your money.

As you read the hacks to organize your life, consider which area you need to address first and start there.

Hacks to Organize Your Life: Managing Your Time

A key way to get your life more organized is to systematize how you spend your time.

1. Create a daily to-do list.

It seems we all have a lot of responsibilities to manage and not enough time to get everything done. However, when you plan effectively, you can get more accomplished.

One way to help yourself is by creating a daily to-do list. This can help you prioritize your tasks and make sure you’re staying on top of everything.

2. Set aside time each week to plan ahead.

In addition to your daily to-do list, it can also be helpful to set aside some time each week to plan ahead. This way you can see what’s coming up and make sure you’re prepared.

For many people, Sunday is a great time to prepare for the week ahead, but you can choose whichever day works best for your schedule.

3. Build in buffer time.

One thing that can help you stay on top of things is to build in buffer time. This means leaving yourself some extra time to get things done.

For example, if you know it usually takes you an hour to get ready for work, try giving yourself an extra 15 minutes so you’re not rushed. Having some buffer time also helps when unexpected things come up.

4. Use a calendar & sync it with your family’s schedules.

Another way to stay organized is to keep a calendar. This can help you track important dates and events. You can also use it to block off time for specific tasks or projects.

If you want to be able to keep track of your family’s schedules, sync them with yours. This can help you know when everyone is free and plan accordingly.

You can use a shared calendar, apps like Cozi or Google calendar.

5. Use a planner.

If you want to take your time management a step further, you can use a planner. This can help you keep track of your to-do list, calendar, and anything else you need to keep organized. It’s a great way to have everything in one place.

Have you tried to use a planner before but got to the end of the year with 11 blank months? No problem, there are other options for people who don’t like traditional planners.

6. Wait to say yes.

One reason that life becomes hectic and overscheduled is because people are overcommitted. Saying yes to too many things can leave you stressed and running around to too many places trying to be everything to everyone.

Set some boundaries with your time. Wait at least 24 hours before saying yes to any new commitment. Carefully consider if it really have the time for it. Realize it is ok to say no and remember that each time you say yes by default you are saying no to something else.

7. Create a command center.

A command center is a great way to keep track of important information visually. This can include things like bills, school papers, invitations, and a calendar.

You can use a bulletin board, whiteboard, or even just a simple notebook. Consider DIYing a command center that will function well for you and your family.

8. Do one thing at a time.

When you’re trying to get organized, it’s important to focus on one task at a time. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Not sure where to start? Make a list of everything you need to do and then tackle it one item at a time.

Multitasking is inefficient. Focusing on one task at a time will help you to be more productive.

9. Set reminders with your phone.

If you’re forgetful, setting reminders with your phone can be a lifesaver. You can use them for everything from remembering to pay bills to taking out the trash to reminding you to pick up your kids from school or activities.

10. Schedule maintenance appointments.

One way to avoid big problems down the road is to schedule regular maintenance appointments. This can be for your car, home, or any other important equipment you have.

By staying on top of things, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

11. Set appointments months in advance.

Other appointments to set well in advance are regular health care checkups. That includes your general physician, your eye doctor, your dentist, and any other specialists you need to see.

Many doctor’s schedules book up so being proactive is a good idea as it may be a while before you can get in.

12. Have a backup plan.

Life can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to have a backup plan. Whether it’s for your work, finances, or family, having a plan B can help you be prepared for anything that comes up.

Knowing who you can call or what you need to do if something happens lessens your stress about implementing your plan should the need arise.

Hacks to Organize Your Life: Decluttering

Removing unnecessary items will help to reduce distractions and get your life more organized.

13. Declutter your space.

One way to feel more organized is to declutter your space. This can help you clear your mind and make it easier to focus on what you need to do.

Not sure where to start? Check out this post on how to start decluttering your home.

14. Organize your paperwork.

If you’re constantly dealing with piles of paperwork, it’s time to get it under control. Start by decluttering what you don’t need and then designating a place for all the papers you need to save.

Then, create a system for organizing your paper files. For example, you can use folders or binders to keep things sorted. You can also scan and save important documents electronically.

15. Streamline your email inbox.

Is your email inbox overflowing? It’s time to declutter it and get organized.

Start by unsubscribing from any unwanted emails. Then, create folders to help you sort and find things more easily. You can also use an email filtering service like Unroll.me to help with this.

16. Simplify your wardrobe.

A great way to save time and stress is to simplify your wardrobe. This can be done by getting rid of anything you don’t wear or need.

Then, organize what’s left so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. Not sure where to start? Check out this post on how to ruthlessly declutter your clothes.

17. Purge your closet seasonally.

If you want to keep your closet decluttered and organized, it’s important to purge it regularly. This involves regularly assessing if you have pieces that you don’t love or wear.

The change of seasons is a perfect time to make sure the clothes you have are worth continuing to hold onto.

18. Invest in multi-purpose furniture.

If you’re short on space, invest in some multi-purpose furniture. This can include things like a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman or a bed with drawers underneath.

This allows you to declutter pieces that aren’t working for you to clear up additional space in your home.

19. Place trash cans and donation bins strategically.

Make throwing out trash easy by strategically placing them in various areas in your home. This can help cut down on clutter and make it easier to find one when you need it.

Having an easy-access donation bin will help make decluttering easier and encourage you to let go of things you aren’t using.

20. Declutter specific areas to help you get ready faster.

Are mornings hectic in your home? Declutter these essential areas to save more time and make getting ready a bit quicker and less stressful.

Hacks to Organize Your Life: Home Organizing

Try using some of these organizational tools and tips to make your things easier to access.

21. Organize your car with car organizers.

If your car is constantly a mess, invest some time in cleaning and organizing it. Using car organizers can help you keep things like snacks, drinks, and sunglasses within reach.

You can also use them to store shopping bags, hand sanitizer, and first-aid supplies.

22. Keep a first aid kit.

One way to be prepared for anything is to keep a first aid kit. This can come in handy for minor injuries and illnesses.

Be sure to stock it with all the essentials and keep it in an easily accessible place. This will keep you from running around when a kiddo inevitably ends up scraping their knee.

23. Use hooks in the entryway.

Make use of all that space in your entryway with some hooks. You can hang jackets, bags, umbrellas, and more.

This way, they’re out of the way and easy to grab when you’re headed out the door.

24. Get a shoe rack.

If you’re tired of your shoes taking over the entryway, invest in a shoe rack. This can help you keep them organized and off the floor.

You can find them in a variety of styles and sizes to fit your needs.

25. Don’t let the mail pile up.

One way to stay organized is to deal with your mail as soon as it comes in. This means sorting through it and getting rid of anything you don’t need.

Go ahead and pay the bills and file important documents or, at a minimum, put those papers in a to-do bin to take care of as soon as you’re able.

26. Keep a basket in the living room for all the remote controls.

Do you constantly lose track of your remote control? Keep them all in one place by placing a small basket in the living room for them.

You can also use it to store coasters or any other small items you would want to have readily available in your living room.

27. Keep a basket or bin near the stairs.

Make it easier to put items away without going up and down the stairs constantly by keeping a basket or bin near the stairs.

This can be for things like clothing items, toys, or anything else that needs to be put away upstairs. Make it part of your family’s decluttering habits to take care of those items before the end of the day.

28. Have a laundry basket in each bedroom.

Make it easy for everyone in the family to get their laundry into the washing machine by keeping a basket in each bedroom.

This way, they can just dump their clothes in and you can wash them all at once. It also makes it easier to give each person their clean clothes back to be put away in their room.

29. Put hooks on the inside of your closet door.

If you want to be able to hang things up quickly, put hooks on the inside of your closet door. This can be a great place to hang clothes, bags, or even jewelry.

30. Organize your makeup with a makeup organizer.

If your makeup is always a mess, use a makeup organizer to keep it organized. This can help you find the products you’re looking for quickly and prevent them from getting lost in the bottom of your drawer.

Before organizing, it’s really helpful to go ahead and declutter the makeup that you’re no longer using.

31. Store out-of-season clothes elsewhere.

If you don’t have enough space in your closet for all your clothes, store the out-of-season ones elsewhere. This can be in a storage bin under the bed or in the attic.

Just make sure to label them so you know where to find them when you need them.

32. Use drawer dividers.

If your drawers are always a mess, use drawer dividers to keep things organized. This can help you keep track of socks, underwear, and other small items.

You can find them at most stores that sell home goods.

33. Organize your handbag.

If your handbag is always a mess, take some time to organize it. This can help you find things quickly and keep track of what you have.

You can use a small pouch to store things like your phone, wallet, and keys.

34. Use a jewelry stand.

If you want to be able to see all your jewelry at once, use a jewelry stand. This can help you find the piece you’re looking for quickly and keep your collection organized.

35. Wrap cords individually & label them.

If you’re tired of tangled cords, use empty toilet paper rolls or binder clips to keep them organized.

Make sure to label them so you can find the ones you need quickly. Storing them individually will also prevent them from getting tangled.

36. Use clear storage bins.

The best organizational system is the one that works for you and your home.

For most people having clear storage containers is ideal. This can help you find things quickly and keep track of what you have without having to dig through every container.

37. Don’t forget about the fridge.

With the constant inflow and outflow of items in the refrigerator, it’s easy for it to become cluttered and disorganized, but you can fix that.

Use baskets or bins to organize things like condiments, spices, and food items. Keep the items on the outside of the fridge to the bare minimum to prevent it from becoming a cluttered mess of papers and magnets.

38. Use a spice rack.

If you want to be able to see all your spices at once, use a spice rack. This can help you find the one you’re looking for quickly and keep your collection organized.

You can arrange them in alphabetical order or by type of cuisine.

Hacks to Organize Your Life: Meal Planning

Another area of your life that might be able to use some organizing? Meal planning. Here are some ideas to get you started.

39. Keep a grocery list.

One way to make grocery shopping easier is to keep a list. This way, you can make sure you don’t overbuy on groceries and only get what you need.

You can also use it to help you plan your meals for the week.

40. Meal plan.

One way to save time and money is to meal plan. This involves planning out your meals for the week in advance so that you’re more efficient with your time.

Not only does this make grocery shopping easier, but it can also help you avoid eating out as much.

41. Make a master grocery list. 

If you’re tired of making multiple trips to the grocery store, make a master list of all the items you might need. Then simply check off the ones you want to get now.

This can help you plan your shopping trip and make sure you get everything you need in one trip. Ideally, this will help reduce the number of times you get home to immediately recall an item you should have picked up at the store.

42. Keep an inventory list of your pantry.

If you want to make sure you always have enough food in the house, keep an inventory list of your pantry. This can help you know when you need to restock items and plan your meals accordingly.

Hacks to Organize Your Life: Cleaning

Organizing your cleaning tasks can help keep your home neat and tidy.

43. Make your bed.

Starting your day by making your bed can help you feel more organized and productive. It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in how your day goes.

It’s one super small habit that will help keep your home neat and tidy with minimal effort.

44. Create a cleaning schedule.

If you’re tired of feeling like your home is a never-ending mess, it’s time to create cleaning routines that work for your home.

This can help you break down cleaning into manageable tasks. You can also use it to keep track of when you last cleaned something.

45. Do a daily sweep.

In addition to having a cleaning schedule, doing a daily sweep can help you keep your home in tip-top shape. This involves taking a few minutes each day to tidy up.

You can start by putting away any clutter that’s lying around. Then, wipe down flat surfaces to make your home sparkle.

46. Keep a cleaning caddy.

If you want to be able to clean quickly and efficiently, keep a cleaning caddy. This can help you gather all the supplies you need in one place and make sure you don’t forget anything.

Include things like cleaning products, rags, and gloves.

Hacks to Organize Your Life: Managing Money

The final area of your life to consider organizing is your finances. Use these organization tips to help.

47. Review your spending.

Another area of your life that can benefit from some organization is your finances. Start by reviewing your spending to get an idea of where your money is going.

See what ways you can simplify and save more money. Cancel subscriptions and memberships that you don’t need.

48. Set up a budget.

If you want to get your finances in order, setting up a budget is a good place to start. This can help you track your spending and make sure you’re not overspending.

Then, set up a system for tracking your spending and saving. You can use apps or spreadsheets to help you keep track of everything. The budgeting app we like best is YNAB.

49. Automate your payments.

If you’re tired of falling behind on your bills, sign up for autopay. This way, you don’t have to worry about remembering to pay them each month.

You can also set up reminders so you know when the money will be withdrawn from your account.

Set up an automatic withdrawal to your savings account.

Treat your savings like another bill and set up an automatic withdrawal from your checking account each month.

This way, you won’t have to think about it and you’ll be building savings on autopilot. But do make sure to keep your eye on your balances so that you don’t overdraw your account.

50. Be more intentional with your purchases.

A sure fire way to get your finances more organized is to be more intentional with shopping. Waiting to buy can help you to avoid making impulse purchases that you’ll regret later.

Save more money (and reduce clutter in your home) by resisting unnecessary purchases.

Which of these 50 hacks to organize your life do you plan to try first? Let us know in the comments!

There are many different ways to organize various areas of your life, and I hope the 50 hacks provided help get you started so you can save time and stress less.

Sign up on the form below to get weekly decluttering tips sent straight to your inbox. You’ll also get the free Your Home Decluttered Jumpstart which includes 100 easy items to declutter and 12 high-impact areas to declutter in 10 minutes.