What’s your preferred method for staying organized and managing your time effectively while working from home? We asked 18 remote work enthusiasts, and they shared their top strategies for staying productive.
- Use a Handwritten List
- Implement the Power Block Method
- Adopt the Pomodoro Technique
- Focus on Three Priority Tasks
- Utilize Time Blocking
- Time Block with Google Calendar
- Rely on Routine and Asana
- Work in Focused Chunks
- Practice Thematic Block Scheduling
- Set a Stopping Time
- Use Handwritten Sticky Notes
- Follow the Getting Things Done Method
- Customize Notion for Efficiency
- Use Time Blocking and Eisenhower Box
- Time Block with Digital Calendar
- Have a Dedicated Workspace
- Use TickTick for Seamless Organization
- Maintain a Professional Home Office
18 Time Management Tips and Strategies When Working from Home
Use a Handwritten List
Unfortunately for productivity apps and their investors, the most effective way to stay focused (and feel accomplished) working from home is still the handwritten list. Let me explain why, and share four steps to make it work for you.
Apps are distractions in themselves. Every gizmo gets forgotten (sorry, pomodoro timer) or cleared off the desk when it’s time to de-clutter, taking any semblance of a newly formed habit into the storage bin with it. But the lined notebook is too plain to distract and too versatile to discard. It’s omnipresent, low-profile, and crucial to a productive, satisfying workday (and life).
To manage stress, you need clear priorities. As Jeff Bezos said, “Stress comes from ignoring things you shouldn’t ignore.” Staying organized and focused is key to reducing stress when working from home.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Write down everything you need to do that day. Include basics like “make coffee” and “lunch,” tasks you can finish today and those you can’t. Add fun plans too—like seeing a friend or watching a favorite show. Seeing it all on paper helps you stay balanced and motivated.
Step 2: Keep the list near your workstation, ideally in an open notebook. When you feel lost or off-track, refer to it—it’s your guide back to focus.
Step 3: Check off items as you go, even the small ones (hello, “make coffee”). At day’s end, draw an “O” next to unfinished tasks to re-add them tomorrow. Anything without a check or “O” probably isn’t important—cross it out.
Step 4: End each day by reviewing your list. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what needs attention tomorrow. This helps you wind down and sets you up for success the next day.
Working from home will always bring distractions. But a handwritten list is your roadmap through the chaos. It keeps you focused, lowers stress, and reminds you of what matters. At the end of the day, it’s not just a tool for productivity—it’s a record of a life well-lived, balancing accomplishments with the things that bring you joy.
Sascha Tettero-Weyman
Founder, Head of Product, andor willow
Implement the Power Block Method
The freedom of working from home is amazing, but it requires serious discipline to stay organized and use your time wisely. For myself, my staple is a version of what I call “The Power Block Method,” paired with an organizational tool like Asana to keep it all in check. This way I remain focused and productive without getting too involved in work.
The Power Block Method is all about chunking my day into focused work sessions to work on one task or grouping of similar tasks. For example, I’ll block off 90 minutes in the morning to work on creative projects such as concepts for web design or content strategy for clients. During this time, I turn off all distractions—no emails, no phone notifications—because I want to be fully able to do the work. After the block has finished, I take a 15-minute recharge break; it might be a 5-minute coffee break, or stepping out for fresh air.
Asana is a big part of this system that allows me to plot out what my priorities are for the day and week. I spend 30 minutes on Sunday night planning the week ahead. I create my high-priority to-dos in Asana, with deadlines and projects. Every day, I access the list and orient my Power Blocks around the most important things to do. This system keeps decision fatigue at a reduced level and helps me keep moving forward, even when new tasks arise.
One piece of insight I’d pass to any phone zombie working from home: Plan your most intellectual tasks during your peak energy hours. For me, that’s the morning, and I use that time for long-term strategy and problem-solving. Administrative work, such as answering emails or updating projects, is relegated to the afternoon, when my concentration tends to flag.
The beauty of this system is its flexibility. If something urgent arises, I can just push around my blocks in Asana without losing sight of my priorities. When you pair a structured way of managing your time with a tool to visually organize your tasks, you can achieve productivity and balance while working from home, and I’ve very much done that. It’s really just about finding some sort of rhythm that works for you and committing to it.
Darryl Stevens
CEO, Digitech Web Design
Adopt the Pomodoro Technique
Working from home definitely has its perks, but let’s be honest, it can also feel like a freefall into a vortex of distractions. One minute you’re tackling your to-do list, the next you’re knee-deep in a spontaneous laundry session or locked in an intense staring contest with the refrigerator. To stay focused and productive amid the chaos, I’ve become a huge fan of the Pomodoro Technique.
It’s incredibly simple: you work in focused bursts of 25 minutes (one “pomodoro”), followed by a short 5-minute break. After every four pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15-20 minutes. This approach helps me break down my tasks into manageable chunks and prevents burnout. Plus, knowing a break is just around the corner keeps me motivated and prevents my mind from wandering off to plan my next snack attack.
To keep myself on track, I use a handy little app called Focus Keeper. It’s not fancy, but it does the job perfectly. It’s like having a tiny, non-judgmental timekeeper on my desktop, gently nudging me back to the task at hand. And the best part? Those little “ding!” sounds when a pomodoro is complete feel like mini-celebrations throughout the day. Who doesn’t love a good reason to celebrate, even if it’s just finishing a 25-minute work session?
Cindy Cavoto
Founder – Cindycavoto.Com, CindyCavoto.com
Focus on Three Priority Tasks
When working from home, our team relies on a method we call the “3-Task Focus” to stay organized and manage our time effectively.
Each morning, we identify three priority tasks that must be done that day no matter what. These aren’t just random items on a to-do list; they’re the ones that drive progress on key projects or deadlines. We write them down and keep them visible in our workspace. This keeps us grounded when distractions pop up or smaller tasks threaten to derail our focus.
To make this work, we block dedicated time for each task on our calendars. For example, if one task involves reviewing a proposal, we’ll schedule a 90-minute window for it. This not only keeps us accountable but also creates the mental space to tackle tasks without feeling rushed.
It’s simple but effective. By focusing on fewer, high-impact tasks, we end the day feeling accomplished rather than overwhelmed. Plus, it’s easy to adapt, even on busy or unpredictable days.
Vikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Utilize Time Blocking
Let’s be real: Working from home sounds great until you’re trying to finish a report while the washing machine is running, your dog is demanding attention, and your favorite show is calling you. Staying organized in this chaos isn’t easy, but I’ve found a method that really works for me: time blocking.
Here’s how it works. Every night, I sit down and plan out the next day, dedicating specific blocks of time to whatever I need to get done, whether it’s tackling a big project, answering emails, or even taking a break to clear my head. I treat these blocks like can’t-miss appointments, which allows me to stay focused and avoid the “just one more distraction” trap.
To make things easier, I use Google Calendar. It’s simple and the color blocks help visually organize my day. I can tell my focus time from my meeting time in seconds. And let me tell you, there’s something satisfying about knowing when to unplug and recharge without feeling guilty.
The key here isn’t perfection. Some days life is full of surprises and plans change. But this structure helps me stay on track most of the time. Working from home can sometimes feel like a circus, but with a little strategy, you can be the master of ceremonies rather than the juggler.
Kraig Kleeman
CEO, The New Workforce
Time Block with Google Calendar
My secret weapon for staying organized while working from home? Time blocking with Google Calendar. I treat every task like an appointment—whether it’s a client call, deep work session, or even a lunch break. It keeps my day structured and guilt-free when I unplug. Bonus hack: color-code your blocks (work, personal, admin) to see your balance at a glance. It’s like Marie Kondo for your schedule—less chaos, more joy!
Justin Belmont
Founder & CEO, Prose
Rely on Routine and Asana
I’ve worked 100% remotely since 2017. While working from home, I’ve relied heavily on routine and on my project management application (Asana). I kick off each day by reviewing open Asana tasks with my Virtual Assistant to determine what’s due, what can be delegated, what’s pending my approval, and what’s blocked by another team member. I alternate between working my task list, working my emails, and answering incoming phone calls throughout each day. I go for short walks when I need to break up the screen time. This allows me to focus and perform my best when I’m back at my desk—refreshed and ready to tackle my remaining Asana tasks!
Susan Snipes
Head of People, Remote People
Work in Focused Chunks
I’ve been working from home for over a decade. My preferred method for staying organized and managing my time involves splitting my workday into smaller, focused chunks. I started by adopting the ultradian performance rhythm, which recommends working in 90-minute intervals followed by short breaks. Over time, I transitioned away from strictly timing these intervals and instead focused on working intuitively in chunks.
Each work chunk ends with a walking break to refresh my mind and body. When I finish an entire task, I reward myself with a longer break, such as lunch, a workout, or even a power nap. This rhythm helps me stay productive and energized throughout the day.
One downside to this approach is that a standard 8-hour workday can take me 10-12 hours to complete. However, the trade-off is invaluable: I feel consistently fresh, inspired, and mentally sharp every time I sit down to work. This method allows me to maintain high-quality focus and creativity without the burnout often associated with long, uninterrupted work sessions.
Additionally, this approach provides a tangible way to care for my mental well-being. As soon as I notice my thinking becoming sluggish or strained, I defer the task and take as long a break as needed to recharge. When I return to my desk, it feels like starting a new day with a fully recharged battery. This balance between work and recovery has significantly improved both my productivity and overall well-being.
Anil Ramsey
Digital Marketing Manager, GoSkills
Practice Thematic Block Scheduling
Having worked from home since 2008, I’ve developed a rhythm that blends productivity with balance. Before diving into any task, I start my day by enjoying a cup of coffee in complete silence. This simple ritual helps me ground myself, reflect, and set the tone for the day ahead. Balance is incredibly important to me, and I believe it’s essential for staying organized and focused.
One specific strategy I use is “Thematic Block Scheduling.” I assign specific parts of the day to different types of tasks-coaching, writing, admin work, or strategy. This structured approach minimizes decision fatigue and ensures I give my full attention to what matters most. By pairing this system with my morning ritual, I create space for both productivity and well-being, which has been vital in managing my time effectively across home and office environments.
Claudia Scheffler-Perrone
CEO / Coach, Killer Press
Set a Stopping Time
The central key to working efficiently from home (where normal time and space boundaries don’t exist) has been to pick a “stopping time.” It doesn’t have to be the same time every day, but I’ve found that deciding, in advance, what time I’ll stop working on any given day allows me to fully apply the principle of Parkinson’s Law, which states that work expands to fill the time allotted.
When we lack physical boundaries between work and home, it’s important to create this time boundary. Picking a stopping time ensures that a) my work doesn’t bleed into all aspects of my life and b) that I’m more productive because I’ve given myself a defined period of time to get things done. I have a certain set of things I’m trying to accomplish on any given day, and now I am essentially trying to beat the clock, which kicks me into high gear.
Alexis Haselberger
Time Management and Productivity Coach, Alexis Haselberger Coaching and Consulting, Inc
Use Handwritten Sticky Notes
As the working parent of a child with special needs, it’s very important for me to stay organized. When working from home, the most important strategy for me is to have a handwritten list that prioritizes my tasks and mimics what I have when I am at the office. To accomplish this, I have used sticky notes to write everything down and then duplicate them so my office and home office are synchronized. For me, tangible notes work to effectively remind me of the tasks at-hand, and there’s no better feeling than the satisfaction that comes with crossing items off of my handwritten notes.
Chris B.
PR Rep, Minuteman Press International
Follow the Getting Things Done Method
As a woman entrepreneur, staying organized while working from home is essential to make the best use of time. I use Trello along with my time management model, which I developed from the book “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. Each morning, I dedicate time to identify tasks and assign their priority. I only include enough tasks that I can realistically manage during the day, ensuring that completed tasks are marked as done.
I focus on critical tasks first, ensuring I stay focused on what matters most. This system keeps me organized, helps me track progress, and provides a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. This is important to me because I prefer to transition to my personal time feeling that I have achieved enough for the day. I move any pending normal priority tasks to the next day planning list to ensure they are addressed the next day.
Anam Barkan
CEO, HireGO Minibuses
Customize Notion for Efficiency
I use Notion to manage my day-to-day tasks, and I’ve customized it to make it super efficient. I also try to keep only the necessary things around me while working to avoid distractions. Lastly, I don’t force myself to work when I’m not feeling it. I’ve realized that the more I push, the more it drains my energy and kills my productivity. So, I keep things light and always assign important tasks for the morning when I’m at my best.
Abdullah Ahmed
Digital Marketing Strategist, Reactree
Use Time Blocking and Eisenhower Box
Blocking time is a game-changer for organizing work-from-home days. Imagine your day as a series of blocks, much like a Tetris game, where tasks fill each block. The goal is to match task importance and energy with the corresponding time block. For instance, match high-energy tasks with morning blocks. This prevents the all-too-common pitfall of multitasking, which ultimately disrupts productivity and focus.
The Eisenhower Box can refine what goes into each block. It’s about discerning what’s urgent and important each day. Sorting tasks through this matrix reveals what truly demands attention while filtering out distractions. Categorize tasks into four boxes: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, not urgent and not important. Focus on the first box but allot time for the second because it’s proactive rather than reactive. This prioritization aligns daily tasks with broader goals efficiently.
Will Yang
Head of Growth & Marketing, Instrumentl
Time Block with Digital Calendar
Working from home offers flexibility but requires intentional strategies to stay organized and manage time effectively. One of my go-to methods is time-blocking with a digital calendar. I plan my day the night before, assigning specific tasks to designated time slots while leaving room for unexpected interruptions. This approach helps me stay focused, avoid multitasking, and ensure priorities are completed on time. I also utilize my schedule as a project/task management tool to keep track of ongoing projects and deadlines. Regular breaks and a dedicated workspace further enhance my productivity. And don’t forget to hydrate and stretch every so often!
Sherri Papich
Certified Productivity & Organizing Consultant, Certified Virtual and in-Person Home & Office Professional Organizing, Home Staging & Unpacking, Organize Your Life LLC
Have a Dedicated Workspace
I stay organized and better manage my time by having a dedicated workspace. While some people can stay productive working from the couch or even in bed, I find having my own home office makes it much easier to switch on and stay motivated throughout the day. For me, this works best when the space is only used for work. When you sit down at your desk, you instinctively know it’s time to get to work.
Having a dedicated workspace also makes it easier to avoid everyday distractions. Whether you have kids, a partner, or just can’t stop yourself from tinkering with things around the house, having somewhere private to work definitely reduces interruptions. This place must also be comfortable, so improvements like an ergonomic chair, a high-quality desk and extra monitors are worthy investments.
Seth Geftic
Vice President Product Marketing, Huntress
Use TickTick for Seamless Organization
I love the TickTick app for organizing my work and home life seamlessly. It’s a one-stop app for tasks, calendar, and prioritizing your to-do list. Many people who work from home can end up falling down non-essential rabbit holes. Learning to organize time-sensitive, important, and mandatory tasks can make your day look very different.
Veronica Hanson
Motivator for Moms Who Are Stuck, Nomad Veronica LLC
Maintain a Professional Home Office
I am a firm believer that the external environment plays a significant role in my internal “mental” environment, which means the space and place from which I work is critical to my ability to focus and achieve peak productivity levels. My work from home days do not look much different than the days I spend in my office or at a client’s office. I maintain the same start and finish times, dress professionally, use my calendar, planner, and task management tools in the same way; you get the picture! By treating the home office (which is set up to strictly be an office, with all the work tools I need) the same as any other professional office, I am able to stay organized and prioritize my tasks and my time well.
Elisabeth Galperin
Executive Coach | Business Productivity Consultant, Peak Productivity
