ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE | minimalist organization hacks

Hi everyone! Over the years I've developed some very helpful organization habits and skills that have really helped me to become and stay organized. Here are 8 minimalist organization hacks to help organize your life.
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Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and does not substitute or replace medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own. This description contains affiliate links, which means that if purchases are made when clicked, I’ll receive a small commission. Thank you!
Meghan Livingstone, CNP
Certified Holistic Nutritionist

[@Carolmaizy]

Functionality over beauty..... that's something I haven't heard anywhere else. Makes sense. Thank you, Meghan.

[@yersiniasilverfors6552]

Form follows function is a concept from design and architecture. I picked that up from my mother who is into interior design and always tried to apply it to my life. It's really easy to remember and reiterate while you are shopping.

[@MilesDeep]

1. Use online calendars 2. Use a smaller carry bag/ handbag 3. Use less paper 4. Keep paper organized

[@jemimahgillam3049]

I love these tips! Your videos are always so relaxing and inspiring 🖤

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

I find I can be more organized by simply placing an item in it's place. Then when I need it, it will be there. A designated place for all things helps everything to be found easily. I can also then see if something is out of place when I notice an item is not in it's place. That's a reminder to put it back to be found later.

[@sarahfenlonfalk]

Meghan, Your videos are just so relaxing. You give a lot of suggestions and information that may SEEM overwhelming, but the way you present is very calming. I appreciate that. Thank you for sharing!

[@meghanlivingstone]

I'm so happy to hear that -- I try to explain/present things as simple as I can!! xoxo

[@soojinlee2649]

I LITERALLY love this video!

[@amyzee714]

Love ur ideas thanx for sharing

[@sleepysartorialist]

Digital is actually worse for memory. There have been repeated studies on this. I’m way more interested in preventing dementia down the road than worrying about organizing. Just have enough self control to use ONE notebook that you take everywhere. I use Whitelines paper and it’s corresponding app. I also have a bullet journal and use that app too. I also use Amy Landino’s calendar blocking system for my schedule. This includes really minute tasks like “eat breakfast”. It’s VERY specific and the constant phone reminders force me to get up when I get annoyed enough to get off my bum. Haha. I like to empty my wallet and bag daily when I know I’m done leaving for the day. It’s just easier to make sure i’m not bogging my bag down. I also use a bag organizer that I can swap into other bags as needed. I have healthcare essentials in there so I can’t use a small bag, but I CAN make my bag(s) less cumbersome to use. It sounds to me like you’re not a super visual person? I am. Literally if I put things out of sight? They don’t exist anymore. So instead of accordion files, filders, etc, I have transparent documentation containers and hard folders I use and stick a dry erase label (Target dollar spot loves you) on so if I need it for something else later it’s an easy switch. Shredded documentation goes on the compost heap.

[@sayani6731]

Ur videos are really stress buster...🙏☺😀🌸

[@allesneu7178]

I love your videos! Definitely will adopt some of your organize habbits

[@meghanlivingstone]

That's wonderful!! :D

[@theindoorgardener9428]

You have been so honest with the tips.. No fancy KZbin'er tips that make life more difficult. Thank you for all these tips

[@meghanlivingstone]

You're very welcome Deblina! :)

[@alexandrahitch5663]

Hey, Meghan! Just wanted to say thank you for everything you do for us, the motivation and inspiration you spread around! And a big hug from Russia! 💜

[@meghanlivingstone]

Thank you so much Alexandra!! What a lovely comment to read. Big hug back to you from Canada! xx

[@jennifernethery3841]

Great video!!

[@remyajose7368]

Nice , simple,inspiring content ..Thank youuu

[@glaiza5499]

Yes, literally. 😂

[@soyHayani]

Oh Meganthis is absolutely helpful video. Thank you so much, I do most of this things but I am very fan to have an Agenda ;)

[@jane584]

I love the digital notebook idea--I've gone paperless and have a self-created system for project lists and such but I'd like to try adopting Evernote. Would you consider a video on your use of it? I've found Evernote's own and most on KZbin really complicated. I'd like a simple set-up, in terms of content and aesthetics. Thanks, Meghan, for such great ideas.

[@kellys6164]

Hi, I'm new to you :) I LOVE and adore productivity and organization. So I'm super excited to find your channel. Great job.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hi Kelly! Happy to have you here and glad to hear you love those topics too! xx

[@marcusanark2541]

Good tips and excellent video.

[@MarielaMerino]

as a minimalist myself, these are great! I haven't used Evernote but I do use Trello

[@meghanlivingstone]

Ohh I've heard of Trello! But I haven't used it before.

[@carmencampana3329]

switching to a digital notebook was a game changer for me ! Great video

[@meghanlivingstone]

Absolutely! Best thing I ever did.

[@fiemusen53]

Great video and tips. For my note taking system I use OneNote for anything I want to keep. And I use the notes app on my phone for things like grocery lists. When I comes to planning I use outlook for calendar blocking and a bullet journal. I use this system because I don’t like to take my bullet journal with me all the time, so I can just look at calendar on my phone. But I am more likely to do the things on my to-do list if I write them down on a piece of paper

[@meghanlivingstone]

Interesting that you find writing them down helps you accomplish them! I've also not tried OneNote before but it sounds pretty popular. How do you find the bullet journaling? I've never done it before.

[@fiemusen53]

Meghan Livingstone when it comes to bullet journaling you have to play around, to find what fits you. I have tried so many bullet journal setups and also digitally bullet journaling. And the times I tried doing it digitally I did it because it was practical, because I could see it on my phone, tablet and laptop. But after a couple of weeks I did not use it anymore, because I wasn’t excited anymore. And I had to go back to a physical bullet journal. And I have gone back and forth many time the last 3-4 years, because I liked the idea of a digital bullet journal but it’s just not practical for me. So now what works for me is a physical bullet journal, but only with a few other spreads then a monthly calendar and a daily todo. And some of those other spreads are a fitness tracker, books I want to read and books i have read. I think the reason I prefer onenote I because it’s what I have used in school the last 5 years and it’s saved on my one drive, which is where I have all my documents and pictures.

[@fatimarufaatazyeenshahed5339]

Hey Meghan, i was someone who used to stuff her purse with unnecessary things thinking i need to be prepared for any situation. Lol!! I used to stuff my Baby bag with sooo many things for my 1st baby and end up never using them. I always used to overpack my baby bag. With my 2nd i understood to pack my baby bag accprding to the duration im travelling and keep my bag light. I too love to keep my purse light and keep only necessary things in it so that im not frantically searching for keys when everyone else is waiting for the door to be opened. 😆

[@meghanlivingstone]

Haha it's so true! It's the worst when you cannot find anything in your bag. And that's great you found a way to pack lighter in your baby bag -- I'm sure that made a huge difference.

[@bakaneko-chan9382]

Snacks, water bottle, bullet journal(and pen.) hoodie, sometimes pepper spray/ hunting knife. My wallet is also a makeup bag and cell phone holder. So big purse and bigger wallet yes, but those are all things I feel like I need. I tend to have children in my care despite not yet being a mom and the space to carry stuff for them helps too.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Bigger bags/wallets can be super handy that's for sure! Especially when your wallet doubles as a phone holder. I've thought about getting one of those myself!

[@Ricky-ke5qc]

I recently changed things up in my room for a better "functional" life and would love to learn about other people's systems of life organization, and then this video came out, wow! You read my mind Meghan😜🍀 Definitely more tips about this topic please👌🏻🌸💗

[@meghanlivingstone]

I'm so happy you enjoyed this topic!! I'll be sure to chat more about it in future videos. Functionality in a space makes such a big difference :-)

[@Ricky-ke5qc]

Meghan Livingstone Yay I'm so happy too! Your are the best I love you!! Yes huge difference indeed, I feel it too✨

[@katiemynette4285]

Hey Megan. I'm watching you. Happy Saturday. Katie in Kentucky.

[@c_wanderluster]

Sometimes you prefer have important documents printed or on paper in case your computer doesn't work anymore! When I wrote my thesis during my bachelor, I lost my computer on which I was working: it just shot down and I couldn't use it anymore! So I prefer paper, since I am organised with them and I know where to find them

[@LifesGuideToExcellence]

I love your first habit, I use my digital notebook to record self-development tips

[@meghanlivingstone]

That's a great idea!

[@melissavillegas16]

Meghan, I definitely recommend you check out the new iPad 2018 with the apple pencil, it's cheap and made the paperless experience so smooth. You can use goodnotes and handwrite your notes while having them organized all within the app, it's easy to carry around. I feel like you'd love it, it's definitely reduced so much paper clutter from my desk :)

[@meghanlivingstone]

This is really cool to know! Thanks for sharing Melissa. I do love writing so that may be a good idea!

[@sophiek3292]

I was paperless for years and I "literatelly" 😊 forgot how to hand-write! My handwriting was a mess! So, no more paperless for me.. 😕

[@meghanlivingstone]

Oh no! That's no good. I enjoy writing so I'd hate to lose those skills!

[@suecathcart4687]

I do like Evernote but I find there is too much in it if you know what I mean - at the moment I am using Teaux Deaux - paid for an annual subscription $25.00 and if I think of anything during the day I add to it either via my phone or the Web link - that way I can then move it to where I want it to be - on daily, weekly stuff I have been creating to do lists using Google sheets which is only this last month so I may change - do you journal on line or still do that manually ... just supposing you journal! Thanks for your videos I always find them helpful

[@breve711]

so a few mths back i stopped buying handbags, they were probably my one true shopping addiction. then i splurged on one for my birthday in july that's slightly larger than the one you have, and it's the only purse/handbag i use now. it's just large enough for me to fit a small reusable water bottle, and that forces me to just take the essentials on a daily basis. so much easier to find things when i need them.

[@meghanlivingstone]

That sounds perfect! It's great when you find something that works really well for your lifestyle.

[@katiethomas5889]

I do use the calendar and set a reminder on my iPhone and then write it down also so that seems to work...

[@ErinLivia]

Your super pretty!!

[@Rosalyn1984]

You are gorgeous. Thank you for this video. It is very informative.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hi Rosalyn! Thank you so much! Happy to hear you enjoyed the video :) xoxo

[@makaylar.6722]

I keep hearing a ton of people talk about evernote! I might look into that but i am not sure yet. By the way I have been loving your videos even if I can't comment on them most of the time because of work. 💛 have a great day.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hi Makayla! Well thank you so much for taking a moment to comment 😃 Definitely look into Evernote, it's great :-)

[@makaylar.6722]

@@meghanlivingstone will do! I always love organizing videos...they teach me so much. 😊

[@jennabulgrin5887]

Another good thing about going mostly paperless and putting the most important papers in an accordion folder is that it can be easily grabbed if you ever need to leave your home quickly, like if you're evacuating for a natural disaster.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Good point! I didn't even think of that.

[@isobelrigg5738]

I love the Wunderlist organization app 😁 It sounds similar to Evernote

[@meghanlivingstone]

Never heard of that one! I like the name of it :P

[@soblu2]

I just started like September 2nd to use wunder list to keep all of my notes together ..l

[@mehr2892]

Wunderlist and Evernote my favorite Apps! @meghanlivingstone u should try using Wunderlist.. am sure u will love it !

[@mehr2892]

@@meghanlivingstone love this video!

[@SharonGirl317]

Thanks for helping me organized my life better! :0)

[@ConbiniChips]

Do you register your different passwords and credit card codes on evernote ?

[@evelinebloom8832]

Great video do you use cash or a Card?

[@monikakamila]

I love my paper and pen.

[@pammeetsworld8733]

I love Google Keep...you can color code and pin important checklist at the top for easy access. You can access from phone or computer in real time. Great video

[@meghanlivingstone]

Oh that's perfect! Colour coding can be super helpful and I like the idea of pinning to the top. Thank you for sharing!

[@priscillajimenez27]

Like LITERALLY 😂

[@donaldmcgreggor3631]

nice video, i would suggest to but mani wonders wallet if you are into minimalistic things

[@meghanlivingstone]

I'll look into it!

[@mossyoakmom8880]

I love paper!! I’m not happy with digital.

[@sarahthatcher123]

I would like to know what you suggest doing with receipts? I like to keep them for some time because sometimes I buy something (usually food and if I get a 'bad' bag of say lemons then having the receipt to return them is very helpful)

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hey Sarah. Hanging onto receipts can be really useful sometimes, so if you feel you want/need to, just put them in a little folder. For my business for example I have to keep certain reciepts, and I store them in an accordian folder along with other important documents.

[@sarahthatcher123]

Thank you for your reply.

[@AuthorKatKaye]

Just discovered your channel. This is the first video I've seen from you. I loved your advise & you're totally adorable & easy to relate to. Best, Amy K

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hi Amy! Thank you so so much. Happy to have you here :-)

[@maricelaandsammyshauls894]

Tfs

[@mikaylacook564]

Himym: she’s giving my Victoria vibes 🧁🍰 is this just me?

[@lifewithzoeh4680]

Your skin is amazing! 😒

[@meghanlivingstone]

Wow thank you very much!!

[@delta0921]

3 Debbie Downers? They prob have messy desks & rooms. Awesome video!

[@meghanlivingstone]

delta0921 haha thank you 😛

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hahaha

[@EmeliaSings]

I probably don't need a big bag, but I really like to be prepared for me or for other peoples sake. If you need a band aid, I got you. Need to cut off a piece of fabric strand hanging loose on a shirt? Got a tiny siccor. Need gum, a hair tie, bobby pins, sanitary products, even a nail file, got you! (I break my nails very easily in public, so I like carrying these things)

[@meghanlivingstone]

Haha! Gotta have someone who's always prepared!! xx

[@innocentgirl007]

Always gotta have one of you in a circle of friends :)

[@Marie-ww3mb]

I'm just discovering your vidéos and I really like them but some questions pop up in my mind while watching you. One of your advise is to go paperless and use online planners or things like that, I get the positive impact that it can have on our today's life and organization. But, what do you think about this advise in an ecologist way ? I mean, if we use that much internet and our computers, will it be not as bad for the planet as using paper, which can be recycle ? It is absolutely not a judgement but a simple question about how you see things. Thank you !

[@mjelvehful]

I use trello

[@nakerlu]

Can you tell, which digital notebooks you're using?

[@meghanlivingstone]

I mentioned it in the video and linked it in the descripton box - I use Evernote :-)

[@c_wanderluster]

Actually, writing down things on a paper(either agenda or not) helps me to remember things, even if I have to remember a lots! Because that's how I learn

[@meghanlivingstone]

Good point! I find it helpful sometimes too actually.

[@ThelightManifest]

I like trello note app

[@summerpuppy6523]

I’m an artist so I cant really go paperless 😅

[@priscillajimenez27]

I've always felt like functionality of furniture was considered when making something beautiful honestly

[@monikavilardo2290]

you mention decluttering often; have you ever heard or tried the kon mari method? she swares that once you do a thorough de-clutter, you will never have to do one again. just wondering if this method works?

[@meghanlivingstone]

I haven't actually! But I've heard of it. I should really look into it more :)

[@cindyluna9549]

Go paperless...the most difficult tip, but the post important!

[@meghanlivingstone]

So true! It can be hard to avoid paper sometimes...!

[@carlav8357]

I can't stand paper! 😆

[@meghanlivingstone]

Carla Veronica it can cause so much clutter!

[@pjtaylor9492]

For official, legal administrations paper is the necessary virus. When a problem occurs we cannot deal with e- proves. They are not enough for the authenticity. In some European countries by law we are obliged to keep certain papers up to 10 years.

[@Pathologymadesimple]

You look like scandinavian 😍 not sure if you are but I feel you might be😬 or you have scandinavian ancestry😜 Love your videos😍

[@meghanlivingstone]

Interesting! I don't have Scandinavian ancestry that I know of! But maybe somewhere along the line :P

[@elisamartinez381]

MY NAME IS ELISA M GOMEZ I AM FROM PLEASANTON, TX I LIKE WATCH YOUR VIDOES

[@AlexHolland123]

I like notability but unfortunately it costs money

[@c_wanderluster]

Digital doesn't work for me! I get easily tired if I use a digital agenda, calendar or if I write digital notes. I prefer an normal agenda where I can write by hand. I am able to visualise better. Also reading o studying from a computer or from any screen tires me

[@maximumdigital-9252]

Go paperless to use less paper, you say? Hmm. Have you tested this theory? I’m skeptical.

[@lindak990]

High forehead