I live in a small house. I have a desk set up in our spare bedroom, but it’s used more for stacking and storing things than an actual working desk space. I also work a full-time job on top of freelancing. Within my business, I’m juggling anywhere from 2-6 clients, providing different deliverables (some I provide content, others I run their social media).

How do I stay on top of everything? How do I stay organized? How do I ensure no assignment, meeting, or email slips through the cracks?

While I’m definitely not perfect, I definitely pride myself on my organization. I’ve always been a paper planner user, list maker, and time scheduler. Though obsessive in my high school and college days, my organizational skills and attention to detail have definitely played into my professional success.

Now is more important than ever to stay organized while working from home since thousands of people are home, trying to balance work and life while in the same space.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years that help me stay organized with my clients and workload.

• Use a planner. I religiously, and probably somewhat obsessive compulsively, use my planner. Like an actual paper, bound planner. I enjoy the physical act of writing my assignments, meetings and appointments. I carry it with me in my laptop bag or purse, and every morning look to see what’s happening for me that day. Then, throughout the day, I check or cross items off as they get done. I also use stickers and highlighters for the important due dates and things I can’t miss.

  Whether you use a paper planner, the calendar on your phone other electronic device, or a planner app, do whatever works for you. Try and be sure to log everything, including assignments, deadlines, meetings, and other time-bound information so nothing gets lost in the shuffle of life.

• Time block your day. Creating a routine is important if you’re working from home. I like to get up, shower, make a cup of coffee and check my emails and messages. Then I review my planner and lay out what I have to do for the day. I try to estimate how long each task will take, or dedicate the appropriate amount of time.

  Be sure to schedule breaks and lunch. By creating time blocks and focusing on one assignment at a time for a specific period of time, you’re more likely to be able to stay focused and get work done.

• Color code. I color code with my planner. You may color code per client, by day, by task, etc. Do what works for you. I have different colors for different parts of my life – my full time job, my business, my personal life, etc. Each is a different color, so when I look at my planner each morning, I can see what needs to be done (or is scheduled) for each part of my life. It helps me easily determine if I need to move or bump things, reschedule, etc.
  
• Make to-do lists. I love to-do lists. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to cross something off a list once you complete it. I’ve even been known to add something to a to-do list just so I can cross it off. Seriously, though, write a list each morning of everything you HAVE to get done that day. Then, create a separate list of things you COULD get done that day if you have time. Start at the top, and work your way down. Or, start with the easiest/quickest task and work up to the longer or more difficult ones.

  However you decide to complete the tasks, check it off when you’re done, and at the end of each day, look at all you’ve accomplished. I find that creating lists, especially when you first sit down to work, can help you focus your day and what you have to accomplish.

• Use a content calendar. When I’m working on items for my own business, I stick to my content calendar. Each month, I write out what I will blog and post on social media about each day. Then, every morning, I review what is being posted that day, or decide what I need to write next for publishing.

  By determining at the beginning of the month what will post, I’m able to keep myself more organized, avoid repeating topics or posts too close together, and help stay on track with blog creation. Content calendars are great tools for planning your blogs, social posts, email sends and other content production.

• Don’t be a hoarder. This one is hard for me. I keep EVERYTHING. You should see what I have to go through when I move. However, it’s important to not be a hoarder when it comes to your business or freelancing, because that’s how things get lost and overlooked.

  Obviously keep the important things, like invoices, receipts, paperwork, contracts, etc. Organize it all by client in file folders or on your computer. But when it comes to other things, like edited drafts of blog posts, to-do lists from six months ago, notes on clients or other scraps, get rid of it! Do a daily, weekly, or at least monthly purge of your paperwork and desk to ensure you’re keeping and organizing what you need, and getting rid of all of the other clutter.

• Turn off technology, including web browsers open simply for surfing. Obviously the laptop or phone you’re using for work doesn’t count, but avoid checking your phone messages, checking social media, scrolling through your personal email, playing Candy Crush, watching Netflix, and anything else that could be a distraction. If that means putting your phone on silent, or keeping it in another room, do it!

• Avoid multi-tasking. It’s scientifically proven that there’s no such thing as multi-tasking. I still have a hard time believing it, because I feel like I’m good at it, but that’s what they say. While you’re working through your daily to-dos, don’t jump around from one to the next, because by the end of the day you’ll have done a little bit of a lot of things, and probably not ‘completed’ anything.

  Also, trying to do other things like watch videos, talk on the phone, and even listen to music (especially if it has words) can be so distracting. If you’re set out to work, do the task at hand and avoid anything else that can be a distraction. This will make it more likely you’ll get done what you need to be done.

• Separate clients and assignments. In the past, I’ve had up to six clients at once. That’s six clients to work with, who are sending me emails and assignments, with different deadlines, and different means of communication (email, Upwork messages, text, etc.) Let me be the first to say it’s easy for clients or assignments to slip through the cracks, or deadlines to pass without submitting work.

  I’ve found it helpful to have a different folder for each client where I save all of the work, a separate email folder that automatically funnels emails in from that client, and client assignment lists with due dates. When I’m creating my to-do list, I go through and check who has assignments due first, who needs worked on, and what needs to get done before anything else. It’s helpful to do what you can to keep all clients and assignments separate so you don’t get confused and forgetful.

• Don’t procrastinate. I’m the first to admit I’m the queen of procrastination. In high school and college, you’d find me writing papers, studying and completing assignments the night before, or even the day of, the due date. I used to say I “worked better under pressure.” While this is true, and I think a skill I’ve perfected because of my journalism and news background, it’s not necessary or conducive to a positive work from home environment.

  Procrastination causes stress, and things can more easily slip through the cracks. Especially as a freelancer, you can’t miss deadlines. Avoid waiting until the last minute so you don’t have to worry about getting things done, or worse, forgetting assignments. 

What are your favorite tips for staying organized and productive while working from home? Comment below!