This one certainly describes me. I have paper clutter on my kitchen counter, my dining room table AND my office. Sheesh! Full story http://www.heraldnet.com/homeandgarden/story.cfm?file=04042218491258.cfm

Published on HeraldNet on Thursday, April 22, 2004

From chaos to order, with a little help

Susan Davies is an organization woman, one of those professional people who know how to find a place for everything and put it there.

By Christina Harper , Herald Writer

Whether it's the magazines stacked on shelves, the piles of mail on the kitchen counter or the drawers overflowing with bits and pieces, the urge to get organized arrives with spring. But for some people the overwhelming clutter and mess is too much for them to handle alone. "Things get disorganized when there is a big change" such as a move, said Susan Davies, a professional organizer based in Everett.

People don't go through their stuff before moving. They bring it with them to their new home intending to go through it there, she said. Then it just sits there. Davies says people are often more organized than they think they are. It's about being able to find what you need when you need it, even if there is a mess. "If you know where you favorite pen is in the holder, then you're organized," she said.

The problem might be that they try to put together a system, but it's the wrong system. "They try to organize but it's that factor of going from A to C right now," Davies said. People get hung up on B. That's the sorting, filing, going through things one item at a time and having to decide what to do with it. This is where they most likely give up on the project. "You have to make a decision about everything," Davies said.

She advises clients to consolidate. She says take things out of containers and go through them. Put the items to one side and the container to another. Group items in a way that works best for you. Once you've thrown away what you don't need, make a decision about what fits best in what containers. It's a good idea to group your items, then to buy containers. Often, people buy neat-o boxes and bags that are too dinky and end up not being used.

Davies says that generally home offices are the most difficult spaces to work with because there are lots of different elements such as filing, bill paying and mail. She has clients ask themselves questions about their habits. Are you going to open the mail standing over the recycle or trash can? Do you take the mail immediately to the kitchen counter? Make a system that suits you and you can stick with. Place things in a space according to your tendencies. "It's hard to break habits so work with them," Davies said.

[snip]

The desk was the first area of concern, especially since no one could find the computer keyboard. . . . [snip]

Davies describes a cluttered or messy space as a funnel. Everything come into it and gets stuck. She makes suggestions based on the client's needs, such as what supplies buy or filing system to set up. "I would say that the file system is the heart of the office," Davies said. Files are easier to see on hanging file folder tags. Forget putting manila folders inside them. Too many tags get messy. "Make it easy on yourself. Label everything," Davies said. Labeling containers or shelves makes it easy for everyone in the family to see and use.

Going through items to throw away or sell is an emotional experience for some people. They associate the thing with a memory. Perhaps Granny gave you that lime green doily that you hang onto because you wouldn't want to hurt her feelings. Get rid of it, Davies said. "The spirit of the memory will live on." Ask yourself when was the last time you used the item? Do you love it?

Davies says that you have to be a little selfish when it comes to odd or awful gifts and trinkets. Decide what you want your life to be. If you want to simplify, get rid of it. "Surround yourself with sacred things you love," Davies said. "It's all about doing what's best for you."