Force yourself to get things done without waiting to finish them. Instead of putting things off, get them done immediately. Possibly the toughest item on the list, procrastinating is a major detriment to organizing your life. For example, finish “scrub the fridge” before “sort the mail” to give you momentum and make yourself more productive.

Finish the biggest projects on your to do list before getting to smaller ones.

You may even consider keeping it in your planner.

Keep your to-do list someplace you will see it often, to remind you of the tasks you have to accomplish.

Ticking off the boxes as you work through your day will give you a visual reminder of your hard work, and leave you feeling fulfilled and proud of your work.

Add little check boxes next to each task, even if it seems silly.

X Expert Source Kathi Burns, CPO®īoard Certified Professional Organizer Expert Interview.

Give yourself some clear direction with short, easy tasks (like clean the kitchen, scrub the toilets, and run one mile).

Don’t list major, vague projects (such as clean the house or workout more). However, think of your to-do list as breaking down your day into even smaller, more manageable pieces. Sure, a to-do list sounds oddly similar to using a planner to schedule your days. Large items, such as furniture or electronics, can be listed on online selling sites like eBay or Craigslist so that you don’t have to host a large event in order to make your money. Hold a garage or yard sale to make some money on the things you are throwing out.

Separate things you get rid of into piles such as trash, donations, and things to sell.

Sure, your great aunt may have given you that porcelain knickknack, but do you truly want or need it? Make steps to throw these things out, and don’t feel like a bad person for doing so.

Keep your emotions separate from the items you are sorting.

If you haven’t used it in a long time, don’t use it frequently, don’t like it anymore, or don’t need it, get rid of it. Sort through the things that constantly give you clutter and determine how useful it is to you. Although you might assume that you “need” everything you own, a disorganized house is probably likely to have some items you don’t.

How to organize your life and study