Too much mail, too much paper, too much technology, too much… stuff. More and more people seem to be stressed and overwhelmed with it all. Their homes and offices are overrun with clutter, as are their minds. So, consider the following Top 10 Tips for Becoming More Organized—perhaps one or two of the suggestions can help you reclaim your home and office and restore them to the places of peace and efficiency they’re meant to be.

1.  Utilize systems and products that fit you and your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organizing.

2.  Don’t run off to The Container Store (yes, my personal favorite) until you take some time to really think about your organizing goals. Visualize the “after” picture of the space you are reorganizing, formulate a plan and begin sorting and purging the clutter first.

3.  Break all projects down into small steps. Start with one corner of the room, one cabinet, even one shelf. The next day, do one more, etc. Yes, it takes time, but it is much more manageable to execute your organizing plan in 15 – 30 minute increments.

4.  Make a date in your calendar to dig in, honor it as if you were going to the doctor, and have all supplies ready.

5.  Decide to decide. You will inevitably be faced with some difficult decisions. Be in the right frame of mind, be well-nourished, and add Kleenex to your list of supplies if needed.

6.  Know when you need help. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, your secretary, or a friend, sometimes you need extra hands, unbiased opinions and cheerleaders. Consider calling a professional organizer. They bring a large amount of experience, proven techniques and methods, confidentiality, guidance and motivation.

7.  Get your kids involved and make it fun! We teach our children many life skills from walking and talking to riding a bike and doing math. Do yourself and your children a huge favor and teach them to be  organized.

8.  Weed constantly. This is one of the top secrets of well-organized people. Go through your mail daily, straighten up constantly, donate unworn clothing seasonally and clean out your reference file system annually. When done on a routine basis, the job is not nearly as daunting.

9.  Embrace organization and its benefits. The words neat and organized are not always synonymous. They can be and often are, but not always. It is all about efficiency and what works for you. Being organized is not stifling; its liberating.

by Michelle Cooper

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Michelle Cooper is a Professional Organizer, Member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), Member of NSGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization) and President of Put It There Professional Organizing Services. She can be reached at 404.784.2100 or michelle@put-it-there.com