Have you ever walked into someone’s home or workspace and wondered how they keep everything so tidy and efficient? Highly organized people don’t just have a clean home—they have systems and habits that keep their lives running smoothly. The good news? You don’t need to be a naturally tidy person to adopt these habits. By making a few small changes to your daily routine, you can create an organized home, manage your time better, and reduce stress.
Here are 10 habits of highly organized people that you can start using today!
1. They Start Their Day with a Plan
Highly organized people don’t wing it—they begin each day with a clear plan so they can prioritize tasks and stay focused. Whether it’s a written to-do list, a digital planner, or a mental checklist, having a plan helps eliminate decision fatigue and procrastination.
How to do it:
- Take 5 minutes in the morning (or the night before) to write down your top 3–5 tasks for the day.
- Use a planner, digital calendar, or app like Todoist or Google Keep to organize your schedule.
- Prioritize tasks based on importance, deadlines, and urgency.
Bonus Tip: Keep your daily goals realistic—a never-ending to-do list can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
2. They Declutter Regularly
Organized people don’t let clutter pile up—they make decluttering a regular habit rather than a once-a-year event. By routinely clearing out unused items, they free up space and reduce stress.
How to do it:
- Adopt the one-in, one-out rule—for every new item you bring in, get rid of one.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes a day to declutter one small area.
- Do a monthly purge of clothes, kitchen gadgets, and office supplies you no longer use.
Why it works: When you own less stuff, you have fewer things to organize, clean, and store, making your space much easier to manage.
3. They Have a Place for Everything
Highly organized people don’t waste time searching for lost keys, shoes, or phone chargers because they have designated spots for everything. This simple habit makes daily routines more efficient and reduces stress.
How to do it:
- Use labeled bins, drawer dividers, and storage baskets to keep everything in its place.
- Create a drop zone near the entryway for keys, bags, and shoes.
- Store frequently used items in easily accessible places, and rarely used items in higher or hidden storage.
Bonus Tip: If you frequently misplace something, create a dedicated home for it and make it a habit to return it there.
4. They Keep Their Surfaces Clear
Cluttered surfaces make a home feel messy and overwhelming. Highly organized people keep countertops, desks, and tables mostly clear, only displaying essential or decorative items.
How to do it:
- Do a quick 5-minute reset at the end of each day to clear off surfaces.
- Use trays or baskets to contain small items instead of letting them spread out.
- Keep kitchen and bathroom countertops as minimalist as possible.
Why it works: A clutter-free space helps you feel calmer and more focused, reducing mental overwhelm.
5. They Make Their Bed Every Morning
It sounds simple, but making the bed sets the tone for an organized day. This quick habit creates an immediate sense of accomplishment and makes the bedroom feel tidier instantly.
How to do it:
- Take 2 minutes every morning to smooth out your sheets and fluff the pillows.
- Use a simplified bedding setup (like a duvet instead of multiple layers) to make the process easier.
Bonus: Studies show that people who make their bed daily tend to be more productive and feel happier throughout the day!
6. They Clean as They Go
Highly organized people don’t let messes pile up—they clean as they go to prevent overwhelming cleanup sessions. Whether they’re cooking, working, or getting ready in the morning, they put things away immediately instead of waiting for later.
How to do it:
- Wash dishes while cooking instead of letting them pile up in the sink.
- Put away clothes right after changing instead of tossing them on a chair.
- Wipe down bathroom counters daily to prevent buildup.
Why it works: Small, consistent efforts keep your home clean and organized without requiring hours of deep cleaning.
7. They Follow the “One-Minute Rule”
If a task takes less than one minute to complete, highly organized people do it immediately instead of putting it off. This prevents small tasks from piling up into overwhelming messes.
How to do it:
- Hang up your coat instead of tossing it on a chair.
- Put dirty dishes directly in the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink.
- Wipe spills immediately instead of waiting until later.
Bonus: The one-minute rule creates a habit of immediate action, which keeps your home tidy without much effort.
8. They Maintain a “Sunday Reset” Routine
Instead of scrambling to get organized during the week, highly organized people set aside time once a week to reset their space and schedule. This habit ensures that they start the week feeling prepared and in control.
How to do it:
- Clean out the fridge and plan meals for the upcoming week.
- Do a quick home reset—tidy up, vacuum, and put things back in place.
- Review the upcoming week’s schedule and make a game plan.
Why it works: A weekly reset prevents chaos from building up, making daily life more manageable and stress-free.
9. They Use a Digital or Physical Planner
Highly organized people don’t rely on memory alone—they use planners, to-do lists, and reminders to keep track of their responsibilities. Whether it’s a paper planner or a digital app, having a system helps them stay on top of tasks and appointments.
How to do it:
- Use a planner or bullet journal to jot down important dates and to-do lists.
- Set reminders on your phone for bills, appointments, and recurring tasks.
- Plan out your week ahead on Sunday night to stay on track.
Extra Tip: Keep a daily to-do list short and realistic—prioritizing the top 3–5 tasks each day prevents overwhelm.
10. They Do a Quick Nighttime Reset
Before going to bed, highly organized people take a few minutes to tidy up. Waking up to a clean, organized space sets the tone for a productive day ahead.
How to do it:
- Spend 5–10 minutes putting things away before bed.
- Load the dishwasher so you wake up to a clean kitchen.
- Lay out clothes and prep any essentials for the next day.
Why it works: A simple nighttime routine helps you start each day feeling calm and in control, instead of overwhelmed by clutter.
*This article was created with the help of AI.