We all know the New Year brings new goals, after all it is the perfect time to set intentions and get organized for the months ahead. Whether you’re tackling work, school, personal goals, or family commitments, staying organized and on top of your schedule is key to your success in 2025. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, in fact it can be fun! With a few simple tools and strategies, you can start the year off on the right foot. Here’s how:
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1. Use a Planner That Fits Your Lifestyle
A good planner is the cornerstone of staying organized. Choose one that matches your personal style and needs:
Physical Planner: There’s something satisfying about writing things down by hand. And there’s something even more satisfying about marking off each task as you complete it. Look for planners with ample space for daily to-do lists, monthly overviews, and goal-setting pages. If you’re into creativity, opt for a bullet journal and customize it to suit your needs. Here are some of my favorite (and affordable) planners: this one from bloom comes with stickers, this one from Tersus has the full 7 day week in a 2 page spread (my favorite layout), or if you’re looking for a more simple design check out this one from Artfan.
Digital Planner: If you prefer technology, try apps like Notion, Google Calendar, or Todoist. Digital planners are great for syncing with your devices and setting reminders.
Whichever type you choose, dedicate a few minutes each day to updating it. This small habit can make a huge difference in keeping you on track.
2. Get Creative with Colorful Pens and Markers
Color-coding is a game-changer for organization. Using colorful pens, markers, or highlighters can help you quickly distinguish between different types of tasks and events. When I was in college, color-coding my planner was the only way I was able to stay on top of my school work and balance having a full time job. Personally, I love a good ol’ click top Papermate Inkjoy pen and some fun highlighters like these from Mr.Pen, or the ol’ trusty BIC highlighters. Here are some ideas on how to use color-coding in your planner:
Categories: Assign colors to specific areas of your life (e.g., blue for work, green for personal tasks, pink for social events, etc).
Priority Levels: Highlight urgent tasks in red and lower-priority ones in yellow.
Motivation: Add doodles, stickers, or decorative washi tape to make planning enjoyable and visually appealing.
Having a visually engaging planner not only helps you stay organized but also makes the process fun!
3. Display a Monthly Calendar at Home
A large, visible calendar in a central location can keep everyone in your household on the same page. Consider these tips:
Wall Calendar: Hang a monthly calendar in your kitchen, office, or entryway. Use it to jot down family events, appointments, and important deadlines.
Dry-Erase Boards: For flexibility, try a dry-erase board calendar. You can easily update it each month and make quick adjustments as plans change. I love this one from Neatsure, it’s magnetic and clear so it won’t clash with your aesthetic. I love keeping mine on the fridge so I can see it multiple times throughout the day, and most importantly, first thing in the morning as I make my coffee & breakfast!
Customization: Add color-coded stickers or magnets for different family members or recurring activities.
Seeing your schedule at a glance helps prevent double-bookings and ensures you’re prepared for what’s ahead.
4. Make Organization a Habit
Tools and strategies are only effective if you use them consistently. Here are a few habits to incorporate into your routine:
Weekly Planning: Set aside 30 minutes every Sunday to review the week ahead and update your planner and calendar.
Daily Check-Ins: Start each day by reviewing your planner and prioritizing tasks.
Reflect and Adjust: At the end of each month, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Adjust your system as needed to keep it effective.
Final Thoughts
Getting organized for the new year doesn’t have to be complicated. By using a planner, colorful tools, and a central calendar, you can stay on top of your goals and commitments. More importantly, you’ll create a sense of clarity and control that sets the tone for a productive and fulfilling year. Take the first step today, and watch how these small changes can make a big difference!