Life Hacks:

1. Create a correspondence corner

This is my tip: corral all greeting cards, postcards and envelopes into a single drawer or box. Add stamps. You are now a fully actualised adult and do not need to continue reading this article (joke, joke).

2. Turn off self-view on video calls

Everyone else can still see you, but you don’t have to stare at your bad hair day for 12 hours straight.

3. Try a triple list

The first of several list suggestions on this, er, list. 

Every day I list three things I must do: 

   one annoying task (eg, post letter)

   one uncomfortable one (eg, attend gym class) 

   one painful one (eg, no sugar). 

Having three of varying discomfort means I am more likely to do the lesser ones as a way to productively procrastinate on the bigger one.

4. Sort your boxes

Take 10 minutes to tackle the inevitable plastic boxes and lids situation in your kitchen. Recycle the ones you can’t match.

5. Set – and communicate – financial boundaries

"It’s important to establish and maintain clear financial boundaries, especially with friends and family,” says Bola Sol, the author of Your Money Life: How to Afford the Future You Want. “Communicate your limits assertively to avoid being pushed into financial commitments that hinder your own goals. This can be as simple as deciding not to lend money unless you’re sure it won’t disrupt your budget, or prioritising your savings over social spending.”

6. Have a place for your keys

A hook or bowl for keys somewhere convenient avoids almost infinite pain.

7. And label other people’s

You might think you’ll remember the Lego Stormtrooper keyring is for your neighbours’ back door, but you won’t.

8. Become a refill person

Refill shops stock far more than you’d expect, from shower gel to snacks. What got me using mine regularly was the realisation that you can take any old receptacle along – no need for impeccable Tupperware. I now bring old bubble bath bottles and plastic bags; the important thing is to go.

9. Manage your mail

The key thing is to handle it as soon as it comes into your home,” says professional organiser Rachel Cordingley of A Tidy Mind's decluttering service. “Have a paper recycling bin by the door or letterbox to get rid of all junk mail immediately.” Cordingley also recommends putting an identity protection roller stamp by the door or letterbox – this is a quick way to obscure your personal details on posts you want to chuck.

10. Do dog walk prep

Take poo bags off the roll and open them pre-walk, especially in winter when you’ll be wearing gloves.