The pace at which we all make, then break our new year’s resolutions each January has become a running joke – but that doesn’t mean they’re futile.
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘fail to prepare and you prepare to fail’ – I got it from my dad at least a thousand times the year I took my A-levels – but there is truth in it. Quite a lot of truth actually.
In the same way we write a to-do list in the morning at work so that our day runs smoothly, planning how we are going to kickstart our resolutions (and keep to them once January is a distant memory) is the key to achieving them.
And the good news? You don’t need to be a natural-born organiser to do this effectively. From wall charts to apps, there are things to help you get – and stay – organised in 2020 and beyond. Whether you’re going vegan and need to meal prep to stop you straying into the sausages aisle when hunger takes over, or just want to get back to doing that thing you used to love doing but never have time for, these products should make that little bit easier.
Here’s to achieving big dreams in 2020 or, you know, just keeping your wardrobe tidy…
Hardcover 2020 Goal Diary, Trouva, £22
I don’t know about you, but as far as I’m concerned anything with a hard cover means business, and this goals diary certainly does. It’s split into three sections and gives you space to get straight on your goals, plan your week and then budget your life. There’s also a bonus section for doodling and brainstorming which I predict will be the section I use most.
One Year To An Organised Life: From Your Closets To Your Finances, Amazon, £10.99
This book asks: who would you be if you felt at peace and had more time and money? My answer: one very smug human. Author Regina Leeds has been helping people turn their lives around for years and her week-by-week approach will help even the most chaotic start to live a more orderly life – and I don’t mean that in the boring sense of the word.
Busy B Breezy Blossoms Weekly Planner Pad, John Lewis & Partners, £10
Too many plans, too little time? This gorgeous weekly planner will help you master your schedule and maximise your time. Simply record your daily reminders, from meetings to meals plus other to-do’s, and then tear off the lists and take your plans with you. Simples!
Spending Tracker App, Apple App Store, Free
There’s no point planning out dinners, hobbies and trips if you don’t have enough money to do them. This spending tracker app is the easiest version I’ve come across to help you stick to a budget – and it’s great if you’re trying to save too. Track your finances on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis, set up budgets and get to grips with where your money is going. I feel all the richer for it!
Evfun USB Charging Station, Amazon, £24.99
Making sure all our gadgets are charged and that the leads don’t get lost or tangled is a full-time job. Given we do most of our organising on our own phones now, getting low on charge has a bigger impact than not being able to browse Bumble. This clever device will charge every gadget you own in one place and means you need never chase round the house, tipping out laundry bins and stripping beds, in order to find the right charger.
Magnetic Meal Planner, Amazon, £2.42
Getting organised doesn’t have to cost much. In fact for less than £3 you can ensure that your entire week is planned out when it comes to food. Great if you’re trying out a new diet or have a family to feed and the tear-off shopping list means that you’ll never wonder the aisles aimlessly again.
Black Mesh Wire Notice Board, Not On The High Street, £78
I haven’t had a notice board since I was 12 but – you know what? – I was pretty organised when it came to homework back then. So, I vote we bring back notice boards, because writing reminders and to-do lists is only helpful if we actually get to see them!
Doodle App, Doodle, From £3 a month
If you’ve ever tried to organise a plan involving more than two people then you’ll know just how stressful it can be. No one can do the same date, the times get mixed up, people suddenly get booked up or need to make changes last minute – it’s enough to stop you seeing your loved ones altogether. This app makes it a lot easier though – everyone just downloads it and marks the dates they can do; the app collates the info and tells you what would work best. Genius!
2020 Eucalyptus Year Planner, Not On The High Street, £12.50
Being able to see your whole year set out in front of you is an easy way of working out what extra time you have, what you can fit in and how it will all piece together into the 2020 you really want. Brilliant if you’re starting a business, travelling a lot or just trying to work out who is where at what time.
Metal Mail Letter and Key Rack Holder Organizer, Wish, £7
How many times do you think to yourself ‘I must send that letter’ or ‘pay that bill’ but then forget to do so as soon as you leave the room? This handy rack means you can put letters, shopping lists and general ’to-do’s right beside your keys so you never forget them – unless you’re someone who always forgets their keys, in which case I can’t help you there.
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