When I’m disorganized, it feels like my life is falling apart.

Maybe that’s a little dramatic, but isn’t life so much easier when you have it together? When you’re on time and can find your wallet/purse/phone/shoes, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.

Resources to Get Organized

I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle in the organization department, but it’s not from lack of trying.

I’ve tried just about every organization hack or idea on Pinterest. Of them all, here are some of my favorites. They’re simple to implement and cost-effective. Happy organizing!

1. Find designated locations for everything

I’m always losing my keys and my phone, so I’ve started trying to keep them in designated places. Not only does this reduce the time you waste looking for things, but it also keeps everything tidier.

Find a place for things that you typically lose, both in your home and in your life.

For example, I have a designated pocket in my purse for my keys. When I’m out and about, I slip my keys in the pocket and always know where they are. At home, I have a key rack in our entryway. As soon as I come in the house, I hang my keys up, take off my shoes and coat, and put my purse away. Then, when I’m ready to leave, everything’s right where I can find it.

2. Create a command center

I’ve saved so many different command centers on Pinterest (#pinterestfail, anyone?!?).

The key to creating a command center is to create something that works for you. I currently keep a calendar, an emergency contact list, and doctors’ business cards taped into one of our kitchen cupboards.

I also keep a vertical file organizer inside a cupboard (I found this organizer at Target). I keep three folders inside: a folder for things that need attention (like upcoming bills), a folder for paid bills, and a section for school papers.

The file organizer is thin enough to hide in a cupboard but sturdy (and pretty, although cute folders help) enough to function.

A magnetic weekly calendar (I keep this dry erase calendar on my fridge) can also do wonders, especially if you don’t have a designated “command center.” Each week, I spend a couple minutes listing our meal plan and upcoming activities. The rest of the family knows what to expect for dinner and where we’re going every day.

3. Use a family planner/calendar system

Whether you’re a lover of all things digital or a pencil and paper kind of person, a planner/calendar system that works for your family is essential.

I use Google Calendar to remind me of recurring events like birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc.

I also use the Day-Timer planner to keep track of my daily appointments, to-do list, etc. It comes with a weekly and monthly calendar view, but I ended up designing The Organized Motherhood Planner to track daily tasks, goals, and healthy habits all in one place.