Being organised is definitely a skill.

But organised people aren’t born that way. Often, it’s something they’ve learned along the way. Which is great news for those of us who have room for improvement!

And when life gets particularly demanding, it’s always helpful to have a few tricks up your sleeve so you can stay on top of things when it all gets a bit much.

So, if life has suddenly got a bit hectic and you need to hit the ground running, here are a few ways you try to get organised and more importantly, get things done.

How to be more organised

1) Write things down

Lists, lists and more lists. Organised people don’t necessarily have amazing memories, they just write things down a lot. I know for one, my handbag is always flurry of notes and bits of paper. It’s mainly because when I think of something, I know I’m going to forget it later on. But if I write it down and then see it when I next open my bag, I am much more likely to remember.

Of course, it doesn’t always happen. I have lost count the amount of times I have walked into the supermarket to buy bread and have come out with everything except bread. But practice makes perfect!

2) Have a place for everything

Whether you’re at home or in the office, giving everything a home is the ideal way to make sure you stay organised. Simply because it’s about repetition. I know where my keys are because they’re always in the top pocket of my handbag. I always know where my phone is because I keep it with my charger.

It can be the same for lots of things around the house. That simple pattern of finding things, helps you remember not only where things are, but it also saves you time – which can make all the difference to your day.

super organised cupboard with light pink and white clothing hung up and storage boxes

3) Maximise your spaces

Keeping similar things in one place is the best way to help you stay on top of things. And if you’re looking to get more storage space in your home, there are lots of ways you can maximise the space you have.

Cube furniture is great for giving you quick and easy storage space. The drawers allow you to separate out all your things while hiding everything away, so your rooms stay tidy.

They’re also great for the kids too as they can keep their homework and school books organised, ready for the next day.

There are lots of different shapes and sizes so it doesn’t even need to be one big piece. Dot around your rooms and pick fabric boxes in a colour to suit your themes.

4) Have reminders

Having a whiteboard or somewhere you can write notes up on the kitchen wall can be a real life-saver. Not only is it a visual reminder that catches your eye just before you go out the door, but as you see the reminders more regularly, you’re much more likely to remember them. They’re also great for families too, as the children can put up what they need for food technology, when they need their P.E. kit by and who they’re going to be with if they’re home late.

You can also use them to put up menus for the week as well as any to make a note of things you need to pick up at the shops.

neat home office with lots of reminders on the wall and photo frames

5) Make the most of your time

Heading out when you have kids can take up more time than you first planned! To help combat this, try and squeeze as much as possible into trips out and spare moments as you can.

This can mean when you head out to the shops to pick up that pint of milk, it’s the perfect chance to post that letter you’ve been meaning to send too.

Equally if you find yourself at a loose end, take the time to write up next week’s dinner menu and any food stuffs you need to pick up from the shops later on so you’re ready.

Thinking ahead really pays off!

6) Make a schedule

Sometimes, if you don’t have a deadline to have things done by, they can never get done!

Create a schedule and then add tasks as they come up. If you stick to your deadlines, it’ll be much easier to tick things off and make your way through your to-do list.

A digital calendar – like on your mobile or computer - is great for this as it will come up with reminders too!

7) Declutter regularly

Trying to keep on top of things while wading through unnecessary clutter can be a bit of a nightmare.

Having a regular tidy can make a world of difference. Not only that but tidying up regularly also makes it a lot easier as there’s less to do.

Make it a family activity where everyone takes responsibility for their own areas. And why not plan in a treat at the end of it to celebrate your beautiful, tidy home!

neatly organised home essentials in a cube storage unit

8) Stay disciplined

There’s no doubt about it, staying organised takes time and effort. However, it’s definitely worth it!

If organisation doesn’t come naturally to you, set aside some time each day to think carefully about what you need to have done that day and for the rest of the week. Make a list and put up reminders.

That way you’ll start to get in that habit of thinking ahead.

9) Know when to delegate

Being a parent can sometimes feel a bit like you have super-powers. It feels like you constantly need eyes at the back of your head, four arms instead of two and you’ve developed the ability to run perfectly fine on three hours of sleep...

However, there comes a time when you will need to delegate. Give yourself a break and make sure the rest of the family is pulling their weight.

Delegate tasks and make sure everyone is getting involved in helping things tick over around the family home.

10) Think things through

A lot of staying organised is thinking things through – and not just the big things. It’s all the little details too.

If you’re preparing for an event of for going away on holiday, take the time to think each step through. Where you’ll be, what you’ll need and who’s going to be where.

This will spark little thoughts of important things that you’ll need to not only remember on that day but things that you will need to do in preparation for it too.

For me, being organised isn't a chore, it’s something I love to do. So, get yourself kitted out with lots of lovely pens, notepads and calendars, and enjoy your brand new – organised – lifestyle!

For more tips and inspiration, head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages @HartleysDirect.