Carolyn Hogg

Staff writer 

ceh5530@psu.edu

Students who moved back to campus this weekend and had to sort through their belongings and plan activities around a check-in time may have been especially aware of the need for more organization in their lives. How can one keep their inner world running smoothly when the rest of the world seems to be in a state of disarray? 

First of all, it’s essential to determine which areas in one’s life may benefit from some more organization. What’s working and what isn’t? Start small by acknowledging that simple changes in daily organizational habits can contribute to an overall happier and more peaceful life. Here are four ways to do just that: 

1. One of the most effective ways to organize one’s daily schedule is to utilize a weekly planner. Schedule important dates/deadlines as well as the tasks that ought to be completed in the days leading up to them. Not only does planning ahead eliminate unpleasant surprises, but it also helps determine where to focus one’s energy throughout the days and weeks to come.
2. Creating daily to-do lists is another way to dramatically alter one’s ability to manage time and achieve goals. Prioritize essential tasks while also looking ahead to see what can be accomplished in advance. Have larger goals in mind, like finishing an important project or lifting a certain weight in the gym, and work toward them with smaller daily goals, such as putting a few hours into the project or gradually increasing weights each day. A daily to-do list can help people align their activities with their visions, but if writing everything down seems excessive, try using phone reminders or sticky notes to stay on track during the day.  
3. In terms of organizing one’s belongings, consider assigning each item (or category of items) a specific place to be kept consistently. Knowing where items are without having to search for them – or trudge through them to get to something else – can greatly reduce stress by creating a cleaner and more orderly environment. Consolidate items such as clothing, school supplies, toiletries, food items, dirty laundry, etc., and dedicate them to their own specific places like drawers, closets, totes, or folders. And as soon as an item is no longer needed, be sure to return it to where it belongs so that a clutter-free space is easily maintained.
4. Lastly, begin identifying which items are most personally valuable and, conversely, which items no longer bring joy but instead contribute to clutter. While it may be difficult to let belongings go, it’s important to recognize when they’ve become more of a burden than a source of practicality or pleasure. Take into account clothing that hasn’t been worn in years or any other possessions that may be broken, unused or excessive. Start donating or tossing these unneeded items and then relish in the physical and psychological spaces that their absences have the power to free up in life.