This applies when STARs/Approach permit. Aka no mandatory speeds, etc:
My personal technique is when inside 30 NM radius of airport, I "start thinking about" Flaps 1 and slowing down. 30 NM I will roll speed back from 250 to 220 or 210. I am for sure Flaps-1 and 210-ish or maybe 215 on downwind. If I am 210 on the speed, I am almost always putting flaps 1 out, to help with VLS and speedbrake usage. Base leg, 180 and Flaps 2. Turning final, 170 and flaps 3 to 4 and gear will be dependent on where I am on the approach. Outside of the FAF, I am typically pushing speed to managed and further configuring.
IMC or VMC, I personally seek to be fully configured, all checklists done, at 1500 feet, and absolutely by 1000 feet.
May seem like grandpa flying but this keeps me ahead of the plane and keeps the blood pressure and excitement down.
*** again, STAR/Approach dependent and local ATC (NY Airspace, etc) dependent. This is my general technique
If I am in a heavy 321 I am more OCD about slowing down.