10 Essential Tips for Starting Every Month Right

The start of a month is a great time to get yourself and your home organized! Starting your month of the right way will help keep the whole month running smoothly and help you stay on top of tasks during the month.

1) Make a monthly calendar

 Using a big wall calendar for the "big picture" and a weekly planner for the details can help you stay on top of your schedule and manage your time effectively. It's important to note any recurring or changing events, appointments, and deadlines to ensure you don't forget anything. Keeping a calendar at home and at work can also be helpful in staying organized and staying on top of your schedule. Filling out the calendar can also be a helpful way to keep track of your commitments and plan your time effectively.

2) Create or check your budget

Creating a monthly budget is a great way to track your income and expenses and manage your finances more effectively. You can start by making a simple 2-column list of your expected monthly income and expenses, and update it as the month goes on to keep track of your actual income and expenses.

Over time, as you become more accurate in tracking your spending, you can start to identify areas where you can cut back on expenses and save money. This can be done by going into more detail and setting specific limits on certain types of leisure spending.

If you find it difficult to create a budget on your own, you can consider using a budget workbook or other resources to guide you through the process. With time and effort, creating and sticking to a monthly budget can help you achieve your financial goals and build a more secure future.

3) Set goals for the month

Setting monthly goals is a great way to stay focused and motivated, and can help you achieve your long-term objectives. You can start by making a list of your goals for the month, and then breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps.

One helpful tip is to create a digital list of your goals on your phone, and then set it as your background. This can serve as a daily reminder of your goals and keep you on track to achieving them.

There are many resources available for setting and achieving your daily goals, including goal-setting apps, books, and online courses. By taking small steps every day towards your goals, you can build momentum and achieve great things.

4) Make a monthly to-do list

A monthly to-do list can be a great way to stay organized and focused on the most important tasks and goals for the month. This list should include high-priority items such as bills that need to be paid, appointments that need to be scheduled, and deadlines that are due. It's also important to keep in mind your monthly and yearly goals as you plan your tasks and prioritize your time.

In addition to your monthly to-do list, it's important to maintain a weekly to-do list as well. This list should include smaller, more specific tasks that you need to accomplish during the week in order to stay on track with your monthly goals. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, you can make steady progress towards your objectives and avoid feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

5) Do a deep clean

A monthly deep clean can be a great way to keep your home feeling fresh and clean, and avoid buildup of dirt and clutter. To approach a monthly deep clean, it's helpful to create a list of cleaning tasks that need to be done on a monthly basis. This list can include items such as cleaning shower curtains, deep cleaning the fridge, dusting ceiling fans, and other deep-cleaning tasks that aren't part of your regular cleaning routine.

By scheduling a monthly deep clean, you can keep your home in top condition and avoid the stress and hassle of having to clean these items throughout the month. There are also many resources available to help you plan and execute a successful deep clean, including cleaning checklists, cleaning challenges, and other cleaning resources. By taking the time to deep clean your home on a monthly basis, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable living environment.

6) Schedule appointments/meetings/plans

Scheduling appointments and events at the beginning of the month is a great way to ensure that you have the time and resources to attend to your priorities and goals. When you schedule your appointments, make sure to take into account your work schedule, family obligations, and other important commitments, and choose times that work best for you.

It's also important to update your monthly calendar as soon as you schedule your appointments and plans, so that you can stay on top of your commitments and avoid double-booking or missing important events.

By taking the time to schedule appointments and events at the beginning of the month, you can reduce stress and uncertainty in your schedule, and create a more organized and productive lifestyle.

7) Decluttering

Starting your month with a decluttering session can be a great way to create a more organized and comfortable living environment. By decluttering your home, you can get rid of unnecessary items, create more space, and reduce stress and anxiety associated with clutter and disorganization.

When decluttering, it's important to start small and focus on one area of your home at a time, such as a closet or a room. You can also use a systematic approach, such as the KonMari method, to help you decide which items to keep and which to get rid of.

In addition to making your home more organized and comfortable, decluttering can also help you save time and money, by reducing the need for storage and making it easier to find and access the items you need.

Overall, decluttering is an important part of maintaining a healthy and organized living environment, and starting your month with a decluttering session can help set you up for success and create a more positive and productive mindset.

8) Go a monthly household shopping trip

A monthly household shopping trip can be a great way to stock up on essential items and set you up for success throughout the month. By making a list of the items you need and shopping strategically, you can save time and money, and ensure that you have everything you need to meet your family's needs.

This trip should be for things like paper towels, cleaning supplies, pet food, etc. For groceries most people have to get them weekly but any non-perishables or seasonings you can consider trying to buy on a monthly schedule too, this helps eliminate some of the stress when weekly grocery shopping.

Remember, the start of the month shouldn’t be stressful! It should be an opportunity to help make the rest of the month smoother and less stressful.

When making your shopping list, it's important to take into account your family's regular consumption of food and household items, as well as any special events or occasions that may require additional supplies.

It's also a good idea to plan your shopping trip at a time when the store is less busy, such as during the weekday or early in the morning, to help reduce stress and save time.

Overall, a monthly household shopping trip can help you stay organized and prepared throughout the month, and can be a great way to reduce the stress and hassle of frequent shopping trips for small items.

9) Digital organization

Digital organization is becoming increasingly important in today's world, and taking the time to keep your phone and email inbox organized can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.

For your phone, some key steps to follow include decluttering your home screen, organizing apps into folders, and removing any apps that you no longer use. It's also important to regularly clear out old photos, videos, and files to free up storage space.

When it comes to your email inbox, creating folders for different types of emails and regularly archiving or deleting old messages can help keep your inbox organized and easy to navigate. It's also important to unsubscribe from any email lists or newsletters that you no longer find useful or relevant.

Overall, taking the time to organize your digital life can help you feel more productive and in control, and can help reduce the stress and overwhelm that often comes with technology and information overload.

For your inbox the best steps to start with are:

A– create folders for any emails that you want to keep. Be specific with the categories and sub-categories.

B– delete any promotional emails where the promotion has ended.

C– unsubscribe to any emails that are spam or that you never open.

10) Start a 30 day challenge

30-day challenges can be a fun and effective way to work towards personal growth and self-improvement. They provide structure, accountability, and a clear goal to work towards. And like you mentioned, there are so many different types of challenges out there that can help you develop new skills, habits, or hobbies. It's all about finding the right challenge that aligns with your interests and goals.

 Taking the time to plan and organize at the beginning of the month can help reduce stress and make the rest of the month more manageable. It's important to find a system that works for you and to be flexible if things don't go exactly as planned. Remember, the goal is to set yourself up for success, not to add more stress to your life.