How to Get Organized in 2018
19 Ways to Get (and Stay) Organized
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Benjamin Franklin once said, "For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned." Getting organized is one of the top resolutions that people make in the new year. With the KonMari Method sweeping the nation, Container Stores popping up in every city, and planners becoming It accessories, it's clear that everyone wants to be organized. Next year will bring a whole new crop of organizational ideas, methods, and approaches. Here are 18 organizational tools to help you get started for the new year.
1 Erin Condren Life Planner
Erin Condren products are a breath of fresh air in the world of organization. The products are brightly colored and created with individual tastes in mind.
"When I launched the first edition of the LifePlanners in 2007, the same year that the first iPhone was released, everyone told me I was crazy," Erin Condren explained. "I think that now, nearly 11 years from that moment, we can all agree paper planning is here to stay! We live in such a digital age and I think this 'old school' method of putting pen to paper and accessorizing with stickers and color-coding with pens is really resonating with planners of all generations! I think it's a beautifully personal activity that is so rewarding and therapeutic for so many people."
The Erin Condren Coil Bound LifePlanner ($55) is a staple of Erin Condren products.
2 Power Perch Outlet Shelf
The Power Perch ($8) is a simple, streamlined way to get organized. The perch can create a shelf in seconds using your existing wall outlet and allow you to display (or keep track of) all your electronic devices.
3 JR William Acrylic Box
The JR William Acrylic Box ($85) is stylish and efficient. Whatever you put in these acrylic (and stackable) boxes ends up looking like art on display. Cellphones, keys, jewelry: the options are endless. Created by a husband and wife team who were looking for affordable, stylish, and effortless home decor, JR William is the perfect combination.
4 Alldock Charging Station
Cords create chaos — it is inevitable and pervasive. The Alldock Charging Station ($129) keeps everything in one spot and still manages to look sleek and elegant.
5 Evernote
Evernote ($12) is an app that helps you keep track of all of your brilliant ideas that often occur in the most inconvenient places (traffic, deli line, waiting for a train). The Evernote app is available at all times through your computer, phone, tablet, etc., so you will never miss jotting down one of your million-dollar ideas!
Joshua Zerkel is the director of global community and training at Evernote, and he explained why so many people get overwhelmed when trying to organize their lives. "That overwhelming feeling stems from information overload," Zerkel said. "We are inundated with content that we create, content that is sent to us, and content that is found organically, and it is natural for anyone to be unsure where to begin when it comes to tackling that organization process. One way to begin is to start with the old-school method of making a list of your biggest priorities. Doing this before you begin anything else will help you reduce distraction and anxiety around what's in front of you."
6 Minted Pinboard
Whether you want to keep invitations or cards on display or you plan on creating a vision board for the new year, this Minted Pinboard ($52) is a gorgeous way to stay on top of your game. Display photos, notes, and more, or pin mementos to create a personalized gift. Choose from prestyled designs or create your own custom pinboard.
7 Yoobi Mini Supply Kit
Having all of your desk necessities in one place will save you loads of time. The Yoobi Mini Supply Kit ($5) portable set is also a great item to keep in your purse or backpack. It has everything you need in one compact piece.
8 Erin Condren 2018 Hardbound Life Planner
The newly released Hardbound LifePlanner ($25) features many of the same layouts as the original but in a velvety-smooth hardbound package that lays flat on your desk. It's perfect for organizing your busy schedule or keeping track of important dates to celebrate.
9 Moo Notebook
A place to keep track of all of your to-do lists is essential for organization. Digital print and design company Moo collaborated with artist Timothy Goodman on the limited-edition MOO Notebook ($22).
10 Apple Watch
With reminders, alerts, and the ease of portability, the Apple Watch ($329) will help keep you streamlined straight into the new year. You can customize your calendar to alert you to upcoming events, conference times, even picking up your kids from school. You can check the weather, receive phone calls, send emails, and keep a journal. If your goal is to incorporate fitness into your daily routine, closing the activity rings becomes as addictive as scrolling through Instagram.
11 Bamboo Slate
This sleek and trendy Bamboo Slate ($100, originally $130) allows anyone to capture their notes, drawings, and ideas on the go. With these slates, you can store and share your handwritten notes straight from your smartphone or tablet. It's a perfect way to hold onto your love of handwritten notes but make it more easily accessible.
12 TUL Custom Note-Taking System
Elevate your note-taking with the TUL Custom Note-Taking System ($25). The notebook's disc binding system allows you to add, remove, and rearrange pages effortlessly.
13 T-fal Ingenio Dry Storage Containers
T-fal Ingenio Dry Storage Containers ($50) are essential for an organized space. They create a clean, orderly, and eye-catching display of all of your favorite snacks. They also make it easier to keep track of what you are running low on.
14 Victorinox SwissCard Classic
The SwissCard ($30) from Swiss Army is a portable tool that fits in any wallet or purse. Not a day will go by where you won't find a need for one of the many items (pen, scissors, nail file, tweezers, etc.) tucked neatly inside the card.
15 Gladiator Garage Works
The Gladiator Garage Works Mobile Workstation ($300) combines the strength of hardwood and heavy-duty steel with the ability to create a work station wherever you need it to be. It will help keep your backyard parties running smoothly and can also be used in your garage or home office to create an additional (and always necessary) hard surface.
16 The Original Pink Box
The Original Pink Box Tool Set ($40, originally $50) is a perfect, compact toolbox for everyone. You will never lose sight of this vibrant pink box, and you will find uses for every single tool in your box!
17 Pottery Barn Beadboard Bedside Table
The Pottery Barn Beadboard Bedside Table ($249) has storage and a bookshelf, which is key to keeping your collection of books and magazines at bay. The simple design is easily incorporated into many bedroom styles.
18 Ban.do 17-Month Classic Agenda
If you are thinking of keeping a gratitude journal in 2018, the Ban.do Classic Agenda ($20) does the job with style. It's loaded with inspirational words and random holidays to celebrate (i.e. National Cookie Day), and it's bright, cheery, and compact.
19 Filofax Finsbury A5 Organizer
Everyone should own a Filofax in their lifetime. The Filofax Finsbury A5 Organizer ($119) is a tried-and-true staple for organizational needs. The name is derived from the description "file of facts," so start getting your facts organized for 2018; it's going to be a great year!
