Everything You Need to Get Your Sh*t Together in 2026

A 2026 organization guide header image featuring a collage of acrylic storage bins, a 2026 planner, and closet organizers for the 'Get Your Sh*t Together' blog post.

Everything you need in 2026 — without burning out, overbuying, or turning your house into a Pinterest trap

If the idea of “getting organized” makes you feel equal parts motivated and immediately exhausted, you are in the right place.

This guide is inspired by the Lazy Genius philosophy from Kendra Adachi:

  • Be gentle with yourself.
  • Decide what matters.
  • Do the next right thing, not all the things.

I am breaking organization into small, non-overwhelming wins. This guide pairs practical mindset tips with ridiculously good deals so you can reset your space and your brain going into 2026.

Start Here: The Lazy Genius Way

(Read before you buy anything…)

Before I throw links at you, let’s ground this in sanity.

Rule 1: Name What Matters

You do not need to organize your entire life. Pick one pain point.

  • Losing papers?
  • Pantry chaos?
  • Laundry piles?
  • No idea what day it is?

That is where you start. Not everywhere.

Rule 2: Decide Once

Systems work when you make decisions ahead of time. For example:

  • “Bills live here.”
  • “Socks go in this bin.”
  • “This is my only planner.”

The products below help you lock in decisions rather than creating more clutter.

Step 1: Paper Planning (Your External Brain)

If your brain feels like it has 37 tabs open, paper planning is your best friend.

Planners: Start Small (You Can Always Upgrade)

Lazy Genius Tip: Choose the planner you will actually open, not just the prettiest one.

Calendars: Because Seeing Time Changes Everything

Lazy Genius Tip: Put calendars where decisions happen, like the kitchen, entryway, or fridge.

Step 2: Office Supplies That Actually Get Used

You don’t need a full craft store; you need pens that work and systems that stick.

Writing + Desk Basics

Bonus: Target has great office supply deals right now.


Step 3: Closet & Dresser (Low Effort, High Payoff)

You do not need a closet overhaul. You need containers that make decisions obvious.

Lazy Genius Tip: Organize for retrieval, not aesthetics. Can you grab it with one hand?


Step 4: Digital Calendars (If Your House Runs on Tech)

These are perfect for families, shared schedules, and visual learners.


Step 5: Laundry Room (Where Chaos Quietly Builds)


Step 6: Budgeting & General Organization

Bonus: The Shelf That Does It All


Pantry Reset (The Heart of the Home)

Smart Pantry Tools

10 Simple Steps to Regain Your Pantry Space

(Bookmark this, because it works)

  1. Empty everything.
  2. Wipe shelves.
  3. Toss expired items.
  4. Group by category.
  5. Use clear containers.
  6. Label everything.
  7. Adjust shelf heights.
  8. Use door and wall space.
  9. Create a restock zone.
  10. Maintain with 5 minutes weekly.

Small effort, massive peace.


Fridge Organization (Yes, It Matters)


Final Lazy Genius Reminder

You do not need a perfectly organized life. You need systems that support the life you already have. Start with one area, grab one or two tools, and let that win carry you forward.

If you’re looking for more chances to save big, be sure to check out my Deals section!

XOXO

Welcome to Lauren Loves A Deal

Lauren Loves A Deal hero banner featuring a photo of Lauren and the Bougie & Balanced logo.

If you love nice things and love a good deal, you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

I am Lauren, the voice behind Lauren Loves A Deal and Bougie & Balanced. I am a communicator by nature, a smart shopper by choice, and someone who genuinely loves helping people make everyday life a little easier. And cheaper.

Originally, I planned to be a journalism major. I have always loved writing. I enjoy explaining things, breaking them down, connecting dots, and making information useful. That instinct never went away; it just evolved.

This site is where my love for writing, helping people, life hacks, and never paying full price all came together.

Why This Site Exist — And Why I Care So Much

This did not start as a business idea. It started because I was already finding deals nonstop, explaining things to people, and sharing “wait, do it this way instead” tips. I kept thinking that someone else could really use this information.

I have lived real life, been a single mom at points, balanced demanding work, tight seasons, grief, and responsibility. Learning early that saving money is not about deprivation. It is about peace, control, and flexibility.

When I learn something that helps, I simply have to share it.

How My Brain Works (And Why That Helps You)

By day, I work in healthcare operations. I also:

  • live in systems, data, rules, and patterns.
  • love a spreadsheet
  • always want to know why something works and whether there is a smarter way.

That analytical brain shows up here in how I operate:

  • Tracking pricing patterns
  • Spotting real deals vs. fake discounts
  • Evaluating value rather than just hype
  • Thinking long-term instead of focusing on impulse

I do not share things casually. If it does not make sense financially, functionally, or mentally, I am not sharing it.

Life Hacks, Mindset, and “I Just Need to Tell You This”

This space is about more than shopping. I am deeply influenced by Kara Lowentheil and Kendra Adachi, which means you will see a lot of specific content here:

  • Mindset shifts that make life feel lighter
  • Permission to do what matters and drop the rest
  • Systems built for real humans, not perfection
  • “Good enough is actually enough” energy

I love life hacks, shortcuts, routines that stick, and random discoveries that solve annoying problems. If something saves time, money, or mental energy, there is a very good chance I am going to tell you about it.

I am a communicator at heart. Helping people is not a side effect of this work. It is the point.

What You Will Find Here…

This is not a “buy everything” blog. Here you will find:

  • Daily deals that are actually worth your time
  • Smart shopping tips so you never pay full price unnecessarily
  • Life hacks that make everyday life smoother
  • Wellness + GLP real talk in plain language
  • Honest product recommendations
  • Dry humor sprinkled in, because that is just who I am

Start Here: Pick What You Need Most

Daily Deals

This is the heart of the site. Fresh, ready-to-shop finds across home, beauty, fashion, and everyday essentials. I always include notes when something is especially good.

  • Best for: Deal hunters, busy people, and “just show me what’s good” energy.

Life Hacks & DIY

Laundry wins, home shortcuts, routines that actually work, and the kind of “you will thank me later” tips that quietly improve daily life.

  • Best for: Overwhelmed humans, shortcut lovers, and anyone who wants life to feel easier.

Wellness & GLP Journey

My real-life experience, mindset shifts, and practical tips explained clearly, without fear-mongering or perfection pressure.

  • Best for: GLP users, health resets, and habit-building without overwhelm.

Join the Bougie & Balanced Community

Join my community on Facebook! A supportive space to share wins, ask questions, and feel less alone in everyday life.


Want the Best Stuff Without Scrolling Forever?

Join my newsletter!

You will get the best deals, smart finds, and occasional life hacks with less noise and more value. No spam. No corporate nonsense.

Before You Go…

You do not have to overspend to live well. You do not have to do everything to be doing enough. And the small, ordinary wins in your day actually matter.

I am really glad you are here. Hope to see you in the group.