Systems That Save My Sanity: How I Organize My Home for Productivity

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had this thing where I look for inefficiencies, at work, at home, everywhere. I can’t help it. If something feels clunky or slows me down, I want to fix it. I started building systems at work to make my day easier, and one day it clicked, why not bring that same energy home?

I’ve come to see routines and systems as two different things. A routine is what you do. A system is what helps you do it consistently. Here are some of the everyday systems I’ve created that have seriously saved my sanity.

Mail: From Pileups to Peace

Growing up, mail was everywhere. There were stacks on counters, stacks on chairs, stacks on other stacks. When I got my own place, I knew that wasn’t the energy I wanted. Now, I have a trash bin in the garage. When I grab the mail, I sort as I'm walking back to the house so I can toss the junk mail before I even step inside. No piles. No guilt.

If you don't have a trash can in the garage, still sort on your way in and immediately throw away the junk when you walk in the door.

Products: Less Clutter, More Flow

I didn’t start a real skincare routine until I was 46, and when I did… the clutter exploded. Bottles everywhere. So I gave each routine its own bin under the sink. Whatever bin I need, I grab it, set it on the counter and when I'm done, back down under the sink it goes.

After the shower deodorant, lotion, face lotion, etc. - all in one bin. Night time, the gels, the creams, all of it in a bin of its own. All my face cleansing bottles - grouped together and sitting right next to the sink.

My morning smoothies are routine, the system - grouping the protein powders, mct-oil, mixed seeds, greens powder, ceylon cinnamon and extras all together in the same spot so it's easy to use and make every morning. It sounds simple, but it’s a game changer to have all the ingredients I use every day all together.

Laundry: The Wrinkle-Hack That Changed Everything

I do laundry on Tuesdays and Fridays, and like most who work from home, it happens in between meetings or while I’m running around. I used to hit the “de-wrinkle” button way too many times before I finally folded clothes. That just delayed me being able to get a second load done. There had to be a better way.

Now, the first load is always towels and non-wrinkle items. As soon as that's done I can throw it in a basket and get the second load into the dryer. Nothing needs to be folded right then and when the times right, I can fold both loads. That small shift? Saves time and brainpower.

Readers in Every Room

Yes, I’m 47. Yes, I need readers. And no, I’m not ashamed. Instead of losing my one “nice” pair constantly, I bought a 5-pack (these are my favorite I've found) and stashed a pair everywhere I frequent. I have a pair at my work station, nightstand, couch, bathroom, purse. It’s so much easier. And if I move a pair, I put it right back. (My Type A self demands it.)

Vitamins by Time Zone

Instead of a vitamin cabinet, I do vitamin stations. Morning probiotic next to the water by my bed. Morning ones that need to be taken with a meal, near the smoothie ingredients so I get it ready to take when I'm drinking my smoothie. Mid-morning ones by my work station. I still set reminders, but having them where I actually am makes all the difference.

These systems didn’t happen overnight, but now they help me move through my day with less friction and more focus. Try one, tweak one, or share your own, what system has saved your sanity?