According to the Daily Mail, over the course of a lifetime, the average person spends approximately 3,680 hours —about 153 days— searching for misplaced items. January 11th, National Clean Off Your Desk Day, serves as a reminder to rest, declutter, and build better organizational habits.
Staying organized reduces stress, saves time, and helps students feel more prepared. Below are several effective strategies one can use to stay organized at school and at home.
Making Lists
One of the simplest ways to stay organized is by making lists. Whether using a notes app, reminders, or pen and paper, lists help keep track of tasks and responsibilities.
“I make lists all the time,” says Human Development teacher Mrs. Rachel Pangu, noting they help her stay on track with students and grading.
Color Coding
Color coding can be used both inside and outside the classroom. At home, one can color-code their closet, food storage containers, or calendars to make items easier to locate. In school, students can assign different colors to folders, notebooks, and binders for each class. This system helps prevent confusion and saves time when searching for materials.
Ms. Chelsea Green, an English teacher, says that color coding within her classroom allows her to find things more easily, as she knows what color to look for.
Using Folders
Folders are a practical and reliable way to keep papers and assignments organized. By organizing folders by subject, unit, or color, students can ensure that important papers are kept together and easy to find. Using folders also helps prevent loss of crumpled assignments.
“I can always find my papers for my classes when I use folders,” states Sophomore Alessa Sturges.
Keeping a Calendar
Calendars help manage events, practices, meetings, and assignments. Whether digital or physical, they help plan and manage time more efficiently. Many people use free calendar apps on their phones, while others prefer paper planners or whiteboard calendars that can be customized to their lifestyle.
“I use my calendar for work and cheer, and it makes things so much easier to remember,” remarks junior Krystina Schuld.
Planning Ahead
Preparing ahead—such as packing a bag the night before, choosing outfits in advance, or waking up earlier—can reduce stress and improve daily flow.
Since unexpected issues can always arise, being prepared allows one to handle situations calmly and confidently.
“When I get ready in advance for things, I always feel a lot more prepared,” states Sophomore Zahra Chopra.
By using these strategies, students can save time, stay focused, and be more in control. National Clean Off Your Desk Day is a great opportunity to start fresh and build habits that last a lifetime.
