Everyone has that one friend who is not a good organizer, causing them to lose their assignments or other school supplies. Being organized and staying organized can be very easy, if done right. Mastering the skill will make school and other tasks easier. Here are some tips on how to become more organized:

1) Have separate folders and notebooks for every subject, and write the name of the subject on the folder or notebook.

“Keep track of times within the day so you know what time is best to stop at your locker,” senior Maggie Griffin said. “Having separate folders or binders will also keep you from getting classes mixed up and losing assignments.”

2) Have a planner. A lot of schools give out agendas with calendars in them, as well as sections to write down homework or upcoming tests. Keeping up to date with a planner daily will keep you on track with what will be going on that week. Write down everything in them, even if there is a day where you won’t be attending school, so you will be on top of what you will miss out on that day.

3) Get a case for pens, pencils, highlighters and other small supplies to keep in a backpack. It is hard to keep track of pencils or pens, and friends ask to borrow them or leave one behind in a class. Having several pencils and pens in the case will come in handy.

4) Break up study times. This will help a lot around finals week and even more if a study hall is in your schedule. Decide on what days and at what times you should study. Don’t wait last minute and cram your brain with information the night before. Take some time out of each day and study for which test is closest.

“Plan ahead, write a to do list everyday to prioritize the most important tasks you need to keep track of so you will be ready for school,” says the Fennimore school district.

Organization won’t happen overnight, but these tips will help to get started on becoming more organized with schoolwork and throughout classes.