The Best Tool I’ve Found to Be Better Organized This Year

So I want to be better organized this year.

Hoping for things to run just a little more smoothly and reduce the stress of my schedule.

You too?

While I’m not one to make many New Year’s Resolutions, I can’t help but acknowledge that this is a good time of year to stop.

Evaluate.

And see where I can improve.

Not merely for my own sake, mind you, but also for the sake of my marriage and my family. Because when I’m disorganized, it seems that we all suffer. Too often, I’ve double-booked or missed an appointment or forgot to pick up something or even someone. Yikes.

How can I be better organized?

I want to get back to meal planning.

There’ve been too many nights over the past few months where I’ve had to scramble to figure out dinner. And while I could blame a number of circumstances, the responsibility comes down to me. So I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the FREE Menu Planning Sheets that comes with my favorite Daily Planner (more on that below).

I want to return to shopping lists.

Closely related to the goal above, I want to go back to making lists—especially grocery shopping. Ugh. I don’t even want you to know how bad I’ve been with this lately. I have to remember that lists are my friends. Saves time, money, and stress.

I want to write down all appointments and plans.

And not only my own, but also those of others in my family. We are increasingly scattered in many directions, and if I want to make family plans (or a nice family dinner, ahem!), then I need to know what works and what doesn’t. I need to get organized!

I want to carve out set-aside time for rest and refreshment.

I’ve noticed that if that time isn’t purposely marked out, then most days and many hours get filled. And it’s too much. So I’m looking forward to designating chunks of time where we don’t have anything on the calendar. (Doesn’t that sound delightful, though?)

And speaking of calendars, that brings us to the best organizing tool I’ve found… 

The Best Tool I’ve Found to Help Me Get Organized

I’m always surprised at how often I get asked this question: What is your favorite planner and why? The answer is simple.  My friend, Sue Hooley (whom I’ve known ever since our kids were little), created this planner, and it’s the best I’ve found to get me better organized.

Here’s why:

• It’s pretty. (Don’t you think it’s nicer to have a lovely planner?)
• It’s the perfect size. Small enough to fit into my purse and large enough for me to actually write in (and see what I’ve written).
• It has encouraging verses and quotes throughout.  For example, on the cover: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice. ~ Psalm 32:11 What a wonderful reminder whenever I pick up my planner!
• It has year, month, and week sections.  Necessary for short-term and long-term planning.
• It offers additional sections for tasks, projects, info, and shopping (and a perforated shopping list section allows you to take the list with you).
• It also has easy tabs and is spiral bound.
• Oh, and it’s very reasonably priced – did I mention that? (Much less expensive than what you find at your office supply store!)

Here’s a “peek” at some of the features you’ll find on the inside:

The Monthly Calendar is a place to jot upcoming events such as church functions, birthdays, school activities, appointments, holidays, etc. This helps me with weekly planning since I can see at a glance what will be happening over the next few weeks.

My favorite section is the Weekly Planning layout.  Under the heading Task List are spaces to write specific duties that need to be done sometime during the week (phone calls, appointments, balancing the checkbook)}, and so on. There are plenty of lines for daily duties, appointments, and a place for menu planning.

I also appreciate the Perforated Shopping Lists. This makes it convenient for me to write down things we need as I’m thinking of them. Then all I have to do is grab the list and go to the store! Easy-peasy.

You can see why I’m such a fan of this Daily Planner, can’t you? It’s amazing how one little spiral book can make such a difference in how things run around here. Now all I have to do is USE it! 🙂

Learn more about the Daily Planner – Plus, free Menu-Planning Download—> HERE

I don’t know about you, but I’m actually getting excited about this coming new year. I’ve been very thankful for the last couple of weeks of holidays and celebrations, but I’m going to be ready for that fresh start! 

Happy New Year, my friends!

In His grace,

*A small reminder, or if you’re new here: I only recommend products that I actually use myself and genuinely love. I sometimes get a small commission for these, but this does not in any way affect your price. See my full disclosure.