20 Monthly Must-Do Tasks to Stay Organized and Stress-Free

Life gets busy, especially for women over 45 who juggle countless responsibilities every day. Staying organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about creating simple habits that keep you on track. That’s why I’ve created this list of 20 monthly must-do tasks that help you declutter, plan ahead, and focus on what truly matters.

These tasks are quick, actionable, and designed to make your life easier and more stress-free. Plus, you can grab a free printable checklist at the end of this post to keep everything in one place. Let’s get started!

Declutter & Organize

Deep Clean Your Email Accounts

If you’re anything like me, your inbox can get out of hand quickly! Between newsletters I no longer read and random promo emails, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Once a month, I unsubscribe from emails I don’t need, delete old messages, and organize important ones into folders. Keeping my inbox tidy saves me time and helps me feel more in control—it’s one less thing to stress about.

Remove Unused Apps and Icons from Your Phone

I’m guilty of downloading apps to try and then completely forgetting about them. Before I know it, my home screen is cluttered with apps and shortcuts I never use. Once a month, I go through my phone, delete what I don’t need, and simplify my screen. It makes navigating so much easier and saves me from endlessly scrolling to find what I actually use.

Organize Photos on Your Phone and Computer

Women over 45 often have years of family memories saved on their devices. Taking the time to organize these photos helps preserve those moments and makes it easier to share them with loved ones. Plus, clearing out the clutter is a great way to create space for new memories.

Go Through Books, Magazines, and Papers

For women in their 40s and beyond, we’ve likely accumulated years of paper clutter—old bills, magazines, and books we’ve already read. Taking time each month to declutter these areas helps keep your home feeling fresh and reduces stress when searching for important documents.

Empty All Pockets and Purses

After decades of carrying around everything from receipts to kid snacks, we women know how quickly purses and pockets can turn into black holes. A quick monthly reset ensures you’re only carrying what you actually need—and maybe discovering a long-forgotten gift card along the way.

Check for Things at Home to Donate or Trash

By this stage of life, many of us are ready to prioritize simplicity and let go of the items that no longer serve us. Each month, take a few minutes to clear out clothing, decor, or gadgets you don’t need. It’s empowering to lighten your load and focus on the things that truly bring joy.

Digital Refresh

Change Your Phone’s Monthly Theme or Wallpaper

Each month, I love giving my phone a fresh look by updating the wallpaper. My favorite thing to do is choose a picture of my grandkids to make my home screen—it always makes me smile when I pick up my phone. It’s such a small change, but it feels like a little boost of joy and helps keep my digital space feeling fresh and personal.

Update Passwords on Critical Accounts

I’ll admit, updating passwords isn’t my favorite task, but it’s one I take seriously—especially with how much of life happens online. Each month, I pick one or two important accounts (like banking or email) and update the passwords to something secure. It’s a small step for peace of mind, knowing I’m protecting my information and staying ahead of any potential risks.

Financial Check-In

Review Bank Accounts for Errors or Unusual Activity

I make it a habit to check my bank accounts at least once a month. It only takes a few minutes to scan for errors, duplicate charges, or anything that looks suspicious. A couple of years ago, I caught a recurring fee I didn’t even know I was being charged for—it was a good reminder to always keep an eye on things. Staying on top of this gives me peace of mind and helps me avoid unnecessary surprises.

Update and Review Your Budget

As an accountant, I try to live according to my budget, but even I know it’s easy to get off track! Each month, I sit down and compare my actual spending to my budget. It’s a great chance to see where I might need to adjust or where I’ve done well. This monthly check keeps me accountable and makes sure I’m working toward my bigger financial goals.

Check Subscriptions or Memberships to Cancel

Subscriptions can sneak up on you—I’ve been guilty of paying for things I never use. For example, I once paid for a gym membership for almost a year without setting foot inside. Now, I make it a point to review my subscriptions and memberships every month to see if there’s anything I’m not using. Canceling those unused services not only saves money but also clears that nagging feeling of wasted spending.

---

If you’d like a printable version of this checklist, get it in your email by entering your info below. You can also get access to the Project: Improve Me Freebie Vault. Make sure you bookmark that page, because I add things there all the time!

---

Plan & Schedule

Check and Plan for Upcoming Events

At the start of each month, I grab my calendar and take notice of what’s ahead—birthdays, appointments, work deadlines, or even time with family. For me, this often includes planning a visit to my son’s house if he’s cooking or spending time with my grandkids. Setting reminders for important dates keeps my schedule manageable and ensures I have time for the things that matter most.

Schedule Monthly Home & Health Appointments

Our health becomes a bigger focus as we age, so scheduling appointments like mammograms, annual checkups, or physical therapy is essential. A quick monthly check-in ensures you’re prioritizing your well-being, along with keeping your home in tip-top shape.

Prepare Cards of Gifts for Monthly Occasions

At 45 and beyond, connections with family and friends are more meaningful than ever. Preparing cards or small gifts for loved ones’ birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones is a thoughtful way to strengthen those bonds and show you care.

Personal Growth

Choose a Monthly Learning Goal

It’s never too late to learn something new! Whether it’s a creative hobby, a new app, or diving into a topic you’ve always wanted to explore, choosing a monthly learning goal keeps your mind sharp and your confidence growing.

Set One Personal Goal for the Month

Women in midlife often find themselves juggling family, work, and personal growth. Setting one achievable goal each month—whether it’s decluttering a closet or starting a gratitude journal—can make a big difference without feeling overwhelming.

Do a “Brain Dump” to Clear Your Mind

If your brain feels cluttered with to-dos and ideas, you’re not alone. Women over 45 often carry mental loads that include family schedules, work priorities, and personal goals. Writing it all down monthly helps create clarity and makes everything feel more manageable.

Reflect & Recharge

Reflect on Your Spiritual Life and Practices

At this stage of life, many women find themselves reflecting on their values and spiritual practices more deeply. Whether through prayer, meditation, or quiet moments of gratitude, connecting with your spiritual side can bring a sense of peace and purpose.

Journal About the Past Month’s Wins and Challenges

As women over 45, we’ve been through a lot, and journaling is a great way to celebrate progress while learning from challenges. Reflecting monthly helps you appreciate how far you’ve come and sets the tone for what’s next. If writing in a notebook doesn’t feel like your style, consider starting a blog like I did—it’s been my favorite way to reflect, share my journey, and connect with others. Whether it’s private or public, blogging can turn your reflections into something meaningful and even inspire others along the way.

Plan One Day for Self-Care and Relaxation

Living alone and working from home can sometimes make it easy to skip self-care. But women over 45 know how important it is to recharge. Plan a day just for yourself—whether it’s enjoying your favorite Netflix show (Bridgerton, anyone?), taking a long bath, or exploring a hobby you love. You’ve earned it!

Remember – It’s Progress, Not Perfection

I hope this list of monthly must-do tasks inspires you to stay a little more organized and find more peace in your life. Believe me, I’m right here on this Project: Improve Me journey with you—still figuring things out, making mistakes, and trying again. That’s the beauty of improvement; it’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up for yourself, little by little, every day.