Simple Ways to Feel More Put Together — Even if You’re Not

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Between work, family, social commitments, errands, and hobbies, feeling put-together and organized can seem like a pipe dream. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated. A small change in your routine or wardrobe can make all the difference in sorting out your life. Discover nine ways to feel more organized even when things are hectic.

1. Invest in Versatile Basics

Wearing clothes that you feel good in can do wonders for your confidence. Choose clothing that flatters your body type and characteristics. Then, invest in versatile pieces — a classic white T-shirt, a well-fitting pair of jeans and a blazer. 

Try the 333 method — a pared-down version of a capsule wardrobe — and select three tops, three bottoms and three shoes you can mix and match to create multiple outfits. With versatile basics, getting dressed becomes a breeze, and you’ll always look put together.

2. Try Something New

Does life feel stagnant? Shake things up by trying new activities. Maybe it’s exploring a new recipe, joining a different workout class, or riding a bike to work. A new hobby can add excitement and purpose to your life. It gives you something to look forward to, making your days more structured. You might even discover an undiscovered passion or talent, so go ahead and be adventurous.

3. Stock Your Fridge

A well-stocked fridge will make your life more put-together, especially on busy weekdays. Say goodbye to stressing about mealtime and what to eat when you’re hungry at midnight. Fill your fridge with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy snacks. This way, you’ll always have ingredients for a nutritious meal — no more takeout orders or late-night food deliveries!

Take this time to clean your fridge, too. Toss expired condiments, wipe the shelves, and add organizers. You’ll feel more together after that.

4. Meal Prep

Meal prepping can help you save time, even if all you do is order takeout or boil a pack of ramen. When your food is prepped in advance, you don’t waste time driving to a restaurant or scrolling through TikTok recipes. Meal preppers enjoy bigger savings, too. You can save around $1,600 annually because grocery trips are more intentional now.

Make meals you can reheat quickly in a microwave, air fryer or toaster oven. Some examples include chicken and apple salad pita, beef and pepper mushroom skewers, and chicken with broccoli. Collect recipes from magazines, social media platforms, and your friends to make prepping more exciting. Share your dishes online and entice followers to prep their meals, too.

5. Deep Clean Your Home

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a clean and organized home. Deep cleaning takes time, so do it in small steps. Start with vacuuming the floor or wiping the kitchen counters. Do one chore every day, and the habit will soon grow on you. Set a day to check items requiring maintenance, such as your HVAC system, pipes and chimney. Smoke detectors have a 10-year life span and may require a replacement, so add this task to your checklist.

6. Surround Yourself With Organized People

Surrounding yourself with neat individuals can help you adopt an organized mindset. Their habits can influence you so you become more put-together. They can also assist you in developing your organizational skills. For example, ask a co-worker for tips on maintaining a clean inbox or seek time management advice from that friend who balances work, life, and hobbies.

7. Manage Your Time Wisely

Time is a precious resource, so manage it wisely. If time management is challenging, use a planner or calendar to help you block out your day. Prioritize your to-do list and tackle the most important things first. Doing this can help you feel more in control and put together.

Identify your time-wasters and plan how to minimize them. This might mean putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode during focused work periods or uninstalling apps that take up much of your time.

8. Automate What You Can

Let technology take over repetitive or mundane tasks to make time for more important things. Consider automating the following:

• Bill payments: Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and protect your credit score. Most banks offer services that let you schedule advanced payments.

• Grocery shopping: Use grocery delivery services with recurring orders for your regular items. If you have a pet, consider subscribing to monthly pet food deliveries.

• Home: A home automation system lets you oversee and manage appliances from your phone. You’ll never have to worry about leaving your oven on or the front door open.
  

9. Create a Routine

Routines provide stability, predictability and control. Begin with one or two self-care habits you want to add, like a morning walk or a nightly reading session. Show up every day, even without motivation. Even 15 minutes of something is better than nothing at all.

Your routine must reflect your goals and preferences. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Design a set of activities that works best for you. For example, if you’re most productive in the morning, schedule your high-impact tasks for that time.

The Benefits of Feeling Put Together and Organized

These strategies can yield positive results, including:

1. Less Stress

An organized space and life can help reduce stress and boost productivity. Cleaning out clutter, whether it’s your closet or email inbox, can feel liberating. Suddenly, you have more time to explore new activities, meet your friends or read.

2. Better Sleep

A self-care routine and a clutter-free environment can improve your sleep, allowing you to rest properly. Getting enough shuteye will make it easier for you to achieve your goals. While you don’t necessarily need to overhaul your life overnight, it’s worthwhile to add self-care and decluttering practices to enjoy a restful night.

3. Happier You

Doing things that make you feel more put together — even if you’re not feeling it — will make you happier. These strategies are designed to help you get things done more effectively and efficiently, leaving you more time for enjoyment or relaxation. 

Practice These Life Tips

These simple yet effective strategies can help you look and feel more put together, even when you don’t feel like it. Remember, these pieces of advice aren’t overnight solutions — they are tools you can use to create a more organized and fulfilling life. Start with the simplest tip, stick to it and watch yourself flourish.