I am a list person in every way. A list person, a goal person, a planner person. You might say I am a little bit driven. (Ahem-crazy.) Anyway, I love planning and organizing my life. Let’s talk about my 5 favorite Tips to Organize Your Life and then I’ve got some free printable daily planner pages and calendars for you too.
I’m certainly no expert on this and I certainly have wild and crazy days. I’m a mom to 4 boys, active on the PTA, help out at school, busy with church jobs and like to do things with friends. Life can get soooo hectic. Sound familiar? So, here are my non-expert top tips to organize your life.
5 Tips to Organize Your Life:
#1: Plan out your week. Find a time that works well for you to sit down at the beginning of the week and schedule in all the things you have going during the upcoming week. I write down all of my activities and the kids’ activities on a planner page. Hubby’s too if they affect me. I even remind myself of things that are recurring every week because inevitably I will forget something if I don’t.
On a good week I will do meal planning during this time as well. I’ll also write notes about things I need to remember for various days like “send cookies to school” or whatever the need is. The truth is that writing it down stores a lot of this in my brain so that I don’t even have to refer to the planner all that often, but it’s there if I need it.
Here is a Free Printable Planner Page with the 5 week days broken down by the hour. This can be very handy when planning. There is room at the top and the bottom for note like meals or birthdays:
Download Free Printable Planner Pages
#2: Make a list of weekly goals. While you are planning your week, think about the things you want to accomplish during that week. For example, I might think “I need to call and schedule Dr. appts for the kids and I want to make my maxi skirt” among other things. Write a master list for the week of the things you need to do. Keep it reasonable and reachable, but having these things written down will give you direction during the week when you are trying to get it all done.
#3: Each day make a to do list. I love it when I actually do this-I’m not always consistent with it. But when I do, it helps me a ton. Start out the morning by writing down the things you need to accomplish that day. (Remember you can refer to your weekly goals list to remember things you need to do.) Don’t go crazy with what you write on this list. Be realistic but honestly evaluate what you need to get done or hope to get done and write it down. For me, I like to write things that I know I am going to do whether they are on the list or not because it feels good to check off a few easy things. It’s also ok to include non-traditional things like “Make My Kids Laugh” or other goals that you want to remember.
Then, as you go throughout your day, check off as many things as you can. When you get to the end of the day, if you haven’t accomplished everything, that’s ok! Move the things you didn’t get to on your list to the next day and try to get to them tomorrow.
I’ve created some pages to help with this as well. It’s got all of the days of the week here so that you can write your to do list and then easily move things to the next day if needed. Print these off if they will help you!
Free Printable Daily Blank To Do Lists
#4: Keep an eye on the bigger picture. Don’t just pay attention to what’s going on for the week ahead. You need to have an idea of what the month holds in store and what to expect next month. Be aware of any birthdays coming up, vacations you are planning or other large events. I like to keep a couple of calendars around for this so that I can easily see what is coming up. I mostly worry about the big things at this point and get down to the nitty gritty in my weekly planning.
Here are Free Printable Calendar Pages for 2014 for you. Use these to plan out your months.
#5: Take time for you. This may sound cliche but I am a big believer in it. As busy and crazy as my days can be, I try to make sure I do the things that will recharge me. For me that means getting enough sleep, spending time with friends, having weekly date nights with my husband and reading a good book often. Do what it takes for you to be happy. Then life will flow so much more smoothly and you will have the energy you need to keep going!
Hope those help a little. Good luck.
Still looking for more ideas? Check out these tips from other bloggers:
2. 52 Mantels
6. Dimple Prints
And then how about we talk about a giveaway?
Have you shopped Erin Condren before? I am so in love with their stuff. It’s all things planners, paper, stationary, calendars, you name it. Dreamy.
Well, how would you like to win a planner a gift box briefcase from them?
Nina says
This is awesome! I have been using the Erin Condren for three years, but I’m about to try the Kikki K.
Shaelynn says
Do you have the same monthly calendar free printable sheets for 2015? I love these print outs, and I’m in the process of making my own agenda!
Amber says
I will when 2015 roles around
Shaelynn says
Okay great, thanks so much!
Meghan Brester says
Life Planner – Happy Strips!
Andrea says
picture this full frame life planner – love them all though!
Charlotte cornett says
Love her 2014 life planners!
jessica says
Love the jumbo calendar!! Perfect for this crazy house!
Boom Hanrojanakul says
I love 2014 planner – dahlia.
Really want to be more organized by using the planner 🙂
Well, nice to meet you!
Jessica says
I absolutely love the fleur feliz watercolor. finally decided to go back to school (while still working full time), so staying organized is definitely a priority!
Darci says
The LifePlanner
Kyile says
I would pick the Jumbo Calendar
Keziah says
I’d love a life planner. The zen gem is really my type!
Erin says
I would definitely choose the 2014 life planner -frame me -pink/navy – it’s lovely!!!!
Jenna Schaefer says
My favorite planner is the multi colored paisley design! I love all things paisley.
Chelsea W says
I’d choose the 2014 life planner– Dahlia
Just love those colors!
Cavan Mulligan says
I’ll definitely use these tips, thanks! I love the 2014 Life Planner- bows!
kara says
If I win…I would choose the 2014 life planner -taffy stripes -pinks! Fun design! So many cute ones it was hard to choose!!!!
Amanda says
Love these free printables
Amanda says
I would want wild multi planner
Sonia mazur says
I love the Instagram planner or really any of her designs! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Nicole says
These are so cute! Great tips on organizing.
Ashley says
Definitely a life planner! Love love love them!
Katie says
Love these tips! I love the 2014 life planner -viva españa -granada groove!
Kaitlyn Meadows says
I would choose the the life planner or the planner that goes by the hour 🙂 Love the planners!
Jean says
I love the keep it simple notebooks!
Amanda says
I would choose the life planner! I love how bright and fun the colors are, and the space to write notes on the side is a genius idea!
Lina Machado says
Love the 2014 life planner -GOLD EDITION -turquoise, it’s wonderful!
Elaine says
I love the peacock life planner. Thanks for the tips.
Melissa says
ANY of her planners would make me happy. So cute and functional!
Kelly says
I also love the “taffy stripes” life planner!
Dee says
What a wonderful giveaway. Works great with my New Years resolution to get organized…
Jess S. says
i love the 2014 life planner – bouquet.
Sharon says
Great planner!!! I love your tips too. I would love to be entered for the Erin Condren gift box breifcase. Thanks for everything!!!!
Sharon says
2014 life planner -bouquet This planner is what I would chose if I could.
Jennifer Geist says
It’s between the photo collage or the inspired planners.
Sarah @ Bombshell Bling says
Ok, I do ALL of those things (probably not enough of #5, but I DO do it!), so how come I’m not as organized and on top of life as you are?!?! 🙂
Stephanie says
I love the party pops
Kelly says
Absolutely in love with the pink and gold life planner! Gorgeous!
Nicole says
When I actually take the time to organize my day/week I accomplish so much! I just finished reading a great self-help book called “The Now Habit” and seriously this is a life altering book! And well I now need to break out with my planner (if it is still in date).
sarah a says
I would get a life planner gold edition in turquoise.
Ashley says
I would choose the weekly. I like the monthly but I like to know what to expect that week and what time.
Cate says
I love Erin Condren! I haven’t bought any planners from her yet, but I would love one someday!
Darlene says
I would pick the 2014 Life Planner with zen gems.
nikki@nikkisnacs says
Great giveaway! I just ordered my planner, so I would choose the teacher planner in zig zag! I’d be thrilled to get it.
Charlene@APinchofJoy says
Love the turquoise and gold life planner!
Chrisitna Crane says
I would totally choose the Peacock Planner AMAZING!!!!
Taunya Butler says
I would choose the 2014 Life Planner – signature stripes or happy stripes!!
Sara Marin says
Love these life planners! I’m dying to get my hands on one 🙂
Gina says
I love the viva españa chevron life planner!
Rachel says
Game Time Ladies / Gentlemen! Thank you Amber for doing this Giveaway for all of us! It’s hard to choose just one because all of the products/designs are awesome, but I would choose the Life Planner for sure! What Style? They’re all so great – can’t narrow it down to one at the moment! 🙂 Thank you again! Good Luck everybody!
Rachel says
Thank you for doing this giveaway! It is a tough choice as ALL the products/designs are awesome, but if I won I would definately go with the Life Planner! What style? Not sure, they are all too cute!
Deanna says
What a great prize! I’d love the life planner 2014 in any of the cute stripes.
Gwen H. says
I love the Initial It Planner. Thanks for the giveaway.
Julie says
so hard to choose but I narrowed it down to three of the Life Planners…fluer feliz, inspire and chevron – I just love this site and anything that keeps me organized (and hip)
Danielle Reed says
I absolutely love the planners! Without planners, I think I would go crazy myself, they sure are my life-savers!
Elleny says
Those life planners are dreamy! Thanks Amber 🙂
Alexis @ We Like to Learn as We Go says
Love the life planner – viva espana watercolor. So awesome! I love planners too and have tons of to do lists all over. I’m totally a planner and list person. Redoing my calendar each month is a highlight for me – just ask my husband. 🙂
Heather says
I like the FUNctional family pads
Lindsay Hilosky says
That life planner looks amazing! I get so excited to order new calendars every year!
Lisa V. says
weekly planner or life planner would be perfect for me.
HaydenRossi says
happy stripes! I sure do need help getting organized and remembering things. 🙂
craftytammie says
granada groove looks cool!
Heidi Murray says
Life Planner looks amazing. I could use some help.
Makenzie says
I would choose the fleur feliz in teal. I love the pattern and color.
Beth says
I love the Initial It planner! Thanks for the printables – getting started now 🙂
Amy R. says
Oh, I would love to have the 2014 life planner -initial it! -purple/orange! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a planner!
~Amy in WI
Laura says
I really like the mod morocco! So cute!
Dianna says
I’m a planner junkie! I LOVE them! Now Im totally lovin’ these Erin Condren planners!
I really like the taffy stripes! Thanks for introducing me to such a cool product!
(Plus must make time to sew in the new year!)
Katharine says
I’ve never seen this website before! I’m a planner girl, I’ve had a Classic size black leather one for years. I’d LOVE to upgrade to the Gold Edition. Erin Condren’s products are gorgeous!
pat m says
love all the printables…..thank you
Katy says
My goodness I would choose one of the gorgeous wedding planners (so many, I so can’t decide!) Getting married this year and all my millions of different lists need somewhere to stay in one place.
Jenonymous says
I like the classic life planner. And thanks for the printables. I need more organization!
Ginger says
I like the Keep it Simple planner. I am a list maker, too! 🙂
Elisa says
I’ll chooose the 2014 life planner -paisley -multi
ALISON SAGERS says
I love the gold edition planners they are so pretty!! I also like the mod Morocco.
Amanda says
<3 the happy stripes planner!
Stephanie says
Love the Life Planner
Shirley says
I love the Picture This! life planner. I love having pictures of my kids around and since my planner would be filled mostly of things with them, it’d be perfect. 🙂 I have been so bad with lists lately. I need to do better. Love the post!
Darcy says
The Laura Condren Classic Life Planner! Was just looking at how awesome these are last week!!
lacey says
I am totally a list maker! my friends make fun & write “make more lists” on my to- do lists that they see lying around my house. 😉
melissa says
I love the life & weekly planner both being a busy mom of 5 either would work great and would help me tramidiously!! (:
Keely says
I would probably go for the Gold Edition – Pink. It looks so pretty!! I love these printables. Thanks for making them!!
Katie Carver says
I would choose the Life planner for both academic and exercise. Can those two be combined? Definitely the Life Planner.
Danielle says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been looking for some good weekly planner printables!
Michelle Tribby says
I like the life planner in inspire.
Beth W says
I love the 2014 life planner -bouquet -purple
Alyssa says
I love all of these! I just started using planners, and I wish I had done this years ago.
Ginny says
I love the Life Planner-Bouquet!It would be great to be organized this year
Moriah says
Love the life planner with party pops!
thanks!
Crystal says
I love the Initial It! Planner!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Kimberly D. says
It would be so hard to choose, but I love the Color Block (Black/Pink) 2014 Life Planner.
Sylvia Ekdahl says
I would choose a colorful monthly desk pad.
Tess @ Tips on Life & Love says
These are some great, simple tips. How do you deal when you start to feel overwhelmed?
Amber says
Eat chocolate. 🙂
Stephanie says
i love them all i would take any of them … but i really really like the happy stripes one
Alice S. says
I love the Life Planner Gingham. So cute. I things seem more organized for me too when I write them down.
Debra Womack says
I like the 2014 life planner -taffy stripes -multi. It’s so colorful!
Talena says
Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Shannon says
I love the idea of looking ahead in the month and making longer-term goals. I’m so used to just looking one day ahead. Great ideas!
Brandi says
I would want a life planner. I’ve wanted one from Erin Condren for awhile now but having a hard time justifying the expense as a newly single parent. I may have to bite the bullet though!
Casey says
I have been eyeing the daily planner for some time. I love how you can have your own pictures on the cover.
Jessie says
I would pick the life planner. With 3 young kids in everything imaginable I need it!
Tracy Lindsey says
I would chose 2014 life planner! 🙂
Lisa H says
I love the life planner-happy stripes! So cute!
Mary Ann says
I get more done each day if I write things down…..I love them all!!!!
April says
I really like the gingham print in pink. Cute products! Thanks
christine says
I still haven’t decided on a 2014 planner! Would love to try an Erin Condren this year.
Lisa says
I would love the life planner. I have many hats to wear and this planner could keep the hats all in one place.
Cant wait.
Ilse Jacquelinee says
I just love the gold edition life planners.
Jacqueline Osorio says
I would definately get the Life Planner in the Mermaid. I love it! I have always used a planner and theirs seems so neat because of the layout and all the extras to help stay organized! All of their stuff is AWESOME!
Maxine G says
I am so happy to have found your website. I am in no way organized so finding someone who is and they are willing to share-wonderful. This will definitely help me keep one of my New Years resolutions. Thank you Amber! I would chose the weekly pad-Oh what a week.
Arika says
I do a lot of this already – except I will meal plan for like 2 weeks then get lazy which is horrible because we are on a super tight budget! If I won I’d like the candy lace one it is awesome!
Tammy says
I would choose the life planner – signature stripes. With my husband getting a new hip in a couple of week this would help keep everything together until we are back to normal again. Plus I think once I start writing things done I would be able to keep at it everyday and would keep us both organized.
JR says
I really like the Pink Ribbon-Candy Lace planner. Since we homeschool, I would appreciate one on an academic (July through June) rather than the 2014 version. Cool products!
Shannon says
I have been drooling over her life planners- I would pick the Fleur feliz life planner!
Gudrun Yr Asgeirsdottir says
I love the 2014 life planner – happy stripes, I’ve had my eye on it for some time now.
Julia says
I would choose the Weekly Schedule Pad. Although I like to think I’d use a planner, as I really need one, however I need something that I can see from my most used spaces in the house. Planners tend to get tucked away. These note pads could be placed anywhere I needed them. I like the colors, very bold, the lined memo lines, and how it’s divided into days. It’s a nice way to make quick notes about what needs to be done. It’s also a nice way to quickly jot down any “firsts” or special moments I want to keep track of for later use in my Daughter’s baby books. Personally, 2014 is about taking daily steps and making daily changes to become closer to the meaning of what a Proverbs 31 Wife is. This is something that means so very much to me, to my family, and to my husband. Anything that can help me reach this/these very important goals and steps, is something I would like to investigate and use!
Thank you!
Amanda G. says
i would choose the life planner chevron. Although they are all great!
Terri says
I love the taffy stripes planner. It would brighten up all that stuff we have to do everyday.
Ali says
Love this. As a teacher, planning is critical and I’ve been eying the Erin Condren’s planners for a couple months now…
Stacey says
I would chose the Take Note! Notebook, pretty awesome. I am sorry if there are multiple posts my computer kept kicking me out of your website 🙁
Laura says
I love the water color design for the life planner. But everything seems so great… difficult choice!
Daneen says
Oh, too many great choices!! Haha!! I do love the life planners though!! 🙂
Jess says
I love Zen Gems!
Maria DLC says
I would choose the Life Planner with the collage of pictures on the front. I would totally love that!
Maria DLC says
I have recently discovered erincondren & love everything about it. Thank you for the giveaway! I love your website!
Cheryl Hutcherson says
Love the instagram one! Would LOVE to win!
Wendi says
I would like the stripes one with the photo for my baby 🙂
Rebecca F. says
I would choose the 2014 Life Planner – Zen Gems. So colorful and cheerful.
Jennifer Tikka says
I would love the life planner, lattice in the multi color design!
Nicole says
Would love the life planner
Stacey says
I am totally a list person. I love the feeling of checking or crossing things off a list. The only bad thing is once I cross something off there is always something to add to the list. I have yet to find a good way to stay organized that works for me. Maybe this will be it!!!!
Melissa says
The Life Planner is what I would choose!
Julie says
I would choose the weekly pad-Oh What A Week. I love the colors in it too.