I can’t even begin to tell you how many times that people have said to me “your home must be so perfect and organized!” or I’ve received questions on how I balance being a full-time business owner and mom to identical twins. I am always flattered to hear that it looks like I’ve got it together and all figured out, but I would be lying if I said that it was easy and that I truly don’t work hard every day to keep my business, home, and family running smoothly.

I was recently asked by Ringlet Studio to share my organizing tips for business owners, and I wanted to share a couple of the tips on the blog because I know that they can be used in your life regardless of what your work or home life looks like.

4 ORGANIZING TIPS FOR THE BUSY PROFESSIONAL

1. KEEP A PLANNER OR NOTEBOOK IN YOUR BAG TO STAY ON TOP OF EVERYTHING THAT COMES YOUR WAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
   Whether it’s a meeting request, a play date plan for your kids, or just a reminder that you need to add eggs to your grocery list, being able to clear the mental clutter will help you stay focused on your day's priorities and help you schedule out what is needed to get done. No one can keep everything they need and want to do in their head!
   
2. CORRAL YOUR NECESSITIES.
   Dedicate a zippered document pouch or small bag for items that you need to take with you that day in addition to your handbag or work bag. Instead of remembering to grab a handful things (permission slips, receipts to make a return at the store, swim goggles, etc...you know how crazy it can get!) as you're running out the door, put it all into the zippered pouch so that it's contained and you can just grab the pouch to find what you need.
   
3. ORGANIZE YOUR CLOTHING BY CATEGORIES TO CUT DOWN ON THE TIME IT TAKES TO GET READY AND OUT THE DOOR IN THE MORNING.
   While you don't have to keep your clothes color-coded, it is helpful to categorize by type (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.) so that you can cut out the guesswork and know where to find a specific type of clothing when you are building your daily look. Keep items that you wear on a daily basis front and center in the closet and easily accessible.
   
4. PREPARE FOR THE "WHAT-IFS".
   Taking a chance that your day or schedule will go off without a hitch is risky, so prepare for the "what if" situations. Whether it's giving yourself a 15-minute cushion to account for traffic delays, always keeping a $20 bill in your wallet for those "cash only" situations, or keeping a small makeup bag in your purse for touch-ups when last-minute invitations are offered will make these type of situations easier to manage when they unexpectedly pop up.