How to Stay Organized While Everything is Virtual

By Holly Palandoken

This year has been unlike anything we’ve seen before. It has been challenging to keep everything organized while balancing the shift to online work and classes, but it’s important to create an organizational routine. Not sure where to start? Try out these tips for success.

1. Get a planner that works for you

The aesthetic bullet journals you may see online look nice, but they may not work for you. The important thing is to find a planner that meets all of your needs for school or work.

If you’re a student or an educator, check out planners that follow the academic year instead of the standard calendar. College bookstores often have planners that already have important dates printed in them (such as winter and spring breaks) so check out your college’s online store to see if you can order one.

Do you prefer virtual planners? Check out free online sources, such as Google Calendars, and plan your tasks out.

Once you’ve picked the planner that works for you, make a habit of writing down when your work is due, and any appointments or meetings you have. Writing down your due dates will help you remember to do them on time, and writing down any prior commitments will help you schedule when to do them.

2. Set reminders on your devices

We’ve all forgotten to do an assignment until the last minute, so why not have Siri remind you before it’s too late? Setting reminders on your phone can be a great way to keep you on track for success.

I personally set weekly alarms on my phone for 15 minutes before my scheduled meetings so I’m always on time. There are many free apps on the App Store and Google Play for more customized reminders, but the pre-installed clock apps on your phone also work just fine.

3. Learn how to manage your time

Figuring out how to manage your time is the key to being successful. Learn how to plan out your day so that you can get your work done, and still have free time.

“Effective time management is the effective use of your time that allows you to plan your days in such a way that you finish your work with less effort and make the most of the limited time you’ve got,” Marija Kojic said.

Scheduling planned times for getting work done can make a difference in your work for the day. Think about how long it will take you to get a project done, and plan to work on it during a specific time.

Don’t forget to schedule short breaks throughout the day, or you may feel overwhelmed by your work! During these breaks, step away from your computer, and grab a healthy snack or read part of a book.

4. Avoid procrastination

Virtual school and work is hard, but procrastinating only makes it harder. Plan to do your work ahead of when it’s due instead of putting it off until it’s too late. Your work will be higher quality, and you’ll have more time to yourself after finishing your work earlier.

Try to do your work as soon as possible, but it’s okay to work on it at a later date if you have other commitments. Look over your schedule, and pick a specific day and time to work on it ahead of the due date so you have time to check your work again before submitting it.