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How to stay organised
How to stay organised: 5 Simple steps to get ahead every month

How to stay organised – a question every busy woman asks herself at least once a week (if not more often!).

Perhaps you lack energy when it comes to keeping on top of running your home. Maybe you feel like the months blur together in a never-ending rush of to-do lists, unexpected tasks, and little to no time for yourself.

If so, you’re not alone. I used to feel the same – constantly reacting to what life threw at me rather than feeling in control. But over time, I realised that a little preparation at the start of each month could make all the difference.

 

“Organising isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life.” 

Christina Scalise

 

It’s possible to get – and stay – organised!

How would you like to get organised once and for all, and make this month your best month ever? How would you like to make every month feel amazing? 

By dedicating just a little time at the start of each month to planning and organising, you too can create a smoother, calmer, and more intentional month ahead. Here are a few things I love to do that give me clarity and help me feel in control. Do this right now, at the start of the month, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy it at a pace that feels manageable. These five steps are simple yet powerful, and they’ll help you make space for what truly matters.

 

How to stay organised in 5 simple steps

 

Step 1: Review your calendar

 

A clear overview helps you stay in control and ensures you make time for what matters most. Knowing what’s coming up gives you the chance to prepare. Whether it’s work deadlines, social events, or family commitments, reviewing your schedule ensures you’re on your A-game and not caught off guard. Plus, you can identify free time to plan activities that bring you joy.

Self-care/downtime

It didn’t take me long as a business owner to realise that if I didn’t block out time for days off, self-care, my family and my husband, it wasn’t going to happen! Now, I make sure these things go in my monthly calendar before I plan my work schedule. Planning time to relax ensures you are prioritising your well-being. By blocking off time for family, hobbies, exercising, or simply resting, you’ll recharge and avoid burnout, especially if you’re a busy professional or parent. Why not book that pilates class you’ve been meaning to go to or message that friend you’ve not seen in ages and set a date to catch up?

Plan one thing to look forward to

Scheduling something fun or a treat you will really enjoy – a spa day,  movie night, trip to the theatre or a coffee date with friends – gives you something to be excited about and helps balance work and play.

Work/school

Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail, as they say! Prep for what’s coming up. Meetings, appointments, social events…look ahead. Who would you like to connect with? What do you need to focus on? Check the school app if you have children, and note any events or appointments you need to remember. 

Celebrations, Events and Personal

Check your calendar for important celebrations, dates and events for the whole month ahead.

Buying cards, gifts, or outfits early helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures you’ll be prepared to celebrate loved ones without rushing around. Compile a list and buy gifts, cards and outfits required as soon as possible. 

Book any personal appointments ahead of time (doctor, dentist, beauty, nails, hairdresser).

 

Step 2: Meal Plan

 

Meal planning saves time, money, and mental energy during the week. It helps you shop efficiently, avoid food waste, and make healthier choices. 

Make a rough plan or rolling programme (I call it a ‘meal formula’) of the type of meals you want to have each day/week, e.g., Meat-free Monday, Chicken Tuesday, Fish Friday, Sunday Roast etc., then each week plan in more detail exactly what you’ll make for the seven days ahead and create a list of ingredients you’ll need to buy. 

Batch cook to make life easier and freeze the extra. 

Download my free printable MEAL PLANNING BUNDLE to get you started.

 

Step 3: Know your numbers

 

Money in and money out. Do you know where your money is going? Reviewing your finances and setting a budget at the start of the month will help you stay in control of spending and plan for upcoming expenses. 

Look at your transactions and expenses for the previous month. Measure against the money coming in. Do your sums and make adjustments to ensure you spend less that you make. If you want to build wealth and you’re not in debt, try to save 10% as soon as you get paid. 

Check standing orders, direct debits, subscriptions and memberships. Look to see what’s renewing or sitting dormant to ensure you’re not paying for things you don’t need and edit/delete accordingly. 

Set a budget for the month ahead and stick to it. Work out how much you need for basic essentials like shelter, food and transportation and how much you have to save and spend.

 

Step 4: Handbags and receipts

 

Empty your purse and refresh your bag. Starting the month with a tidy bag or wallet helps you feel organised and ensures you’re not carrying unnecessary clutter around. You’ll easily find what you need and feel lighter without all that stuff in there! 

Keeping receipts in order helps you stay on top of finances and reduces stress if you need to find something later (like for returns or tax purposes). File receipts away in your receipts file.

Remove last year’s receipts from the pocket and check to see what can be discarded/recycled and what needs to be kept longer.

 

Step 5: Digital declutter

 

Clear out your email inbox, unsubscribe from retailer marketing emails (you don’t need or want more stuff, remember!), delete unused apps from your phone, and edit/delete and streamline photos in the previous month’s camera roll. Maintaining this monthly routine will help you work more efficiently and reduce digital overload and distraction.

 

Bonus step – give yourself time to plan 

 

By implementing these tips at the start of each month, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more intentional, and enjoyable few weeks ahead. I can tell you from experience that the difference is night and day when I take the time to plan versus when I don’t.

I still remember how it used to be when I’d be rushing off to buy birthday gifts the night before or scrambling to figure out what to make for dinner on the way home from work. Those moments left me feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. Now, with a little preparation, I have the mental space to truly enjoy special occasions and the everyday moments in between.

Life isn’t just about ticking off tasks – it’s about creating space for what matters most. So grab your planner, a cup of tea, and take a few minutes to set yourself up for success. 

Whatever your plans are this month, I hope you can make it an organised one! And the next one after that!

Remember, if this is all new and it feels too much to implement all at once, that’s ok. Try one idea this month and another one next month. Start small, take it easy and you’ll get there, one step at a time.

What’s the first thing you’ll do to kick-start your month? Let me know, I’d love to hear your ideas – connect with me here on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, or SEND ME A MESSAGE.

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