In this thing called life, it’s easy to get caught in the hustle and bustle. Minutes go by, days go by, months and years go by. I swear every year is going faster and faster for me, so it’s been really important to get organized and stay on top of things. The beginning of the month is kind of like a do-over. Humans like to “start” things (habits, new goals, challenges, etc.) at the beginning of the week, month, or year. While I’m a firm believer in “every day is a new day,” the start of the month is always refreshing and calls for positive changes.

There’s a few things that I like to start my months off with for a more productive, organized, and badass 28-31 days.

1. Schedule and record your bill payments

I do this on the 1st of every month! For all of my bills that don’t have auto pay set up (which most of mine don’t), I schedule those payments either before or on their due date. I always make sure to write the payment amount and which day it will be taken out on the monthly spread of my planner. I also keep track of my payments/balances on Google Sheets! I’m currently on a debt free journey and I write an update every month! You can see my spreadsheet over there!

Anyway, this strategy keeps you organized and will definitely prevent you from missing a payment. I’ve never missed a bill payment in my life because I keep track of all due dates and scheduled payments! It’s easy for the due date to quickly creep up so get it out of the way at the start of the month so you don’t have to worry about it.

2. Wash your sheets

Getting into my bed with fresh, clean, fluffy sheets is one of my most favorite things in the world! I think a lot of people don’t wash their sheets enough, which is kind of nasty. You sweat through the night and naturally shed skin cells. And if you don’t shower before bed or if you sleep with pets then it’s even worse. While ideally you should be washing your sheets every one or two weeks, at least you’ll do it once a month!

3. Put on a face mask

I definitely think you should use a face mask every one to two weeks, but it’s a great way to start off the month! There are tons to choose from, but these are my favorite or you could always try making your own! Slather it on your face and meditate or read for 15 minutes!

4. Put in a hair mask

Another beauty regimen to include at the beginning of the month is a hydrating hair mask! I like to use coconut oil, a little bit of castor oil, and tea tree oil! It makes my hair SO soft and shiny. I put that mixture mostly on my roots, but when I’m in the shower I use my favorite macadamia mask which is the perfect combo.

5. Deep clean your house/room

In addition to washing your sheets, be sure to dust, wipe down mirrors/glass, throw away clutter, organize, vacuum, scrub the countertops, etc. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to make your home sparkly clean. Of course some of these tasks should occur more often than once a month, but just in case you get behind you’ll still be able to stay on top of it.

6. Plan out your month/set goals

I’m planner obsessed, so I usually plan using my monthly planner, my dry-erase board monthly calendar, and I usually print out a couple of blank calendars for the month too! What you plan is completely up to your lifestyle. Plan your blog content, your YouTube videos, your children’s sports practice, your errands, your parties, your assignment due dates, your upcoming exams, etc. It’s great to have a visual of everything you have going on for the month!

I recently planned out 3 MONTHS worth of blog content for both of my blogs and YouTube videos! It felt amazing. I also made my goals clear by printing out 4 small blank calendars and using a check box technique to physically check off at the end of each day. It’s a lot easier to follow through with your goals if they’re right in front of you to see on a daily basis.

Of course any of these things can be done anytime in the month, but it’s best to start with a clean slate and get the ball rolling so you have an amazing year!

What do you like to do at the beginning of the month?