My desk is an absolute mess! I spend most of my time looking for stuff, and feel so embarrassed when anyone asks me for something. I really want to get organized, but I just don't know where to start. Can you help me?

I can help you because you said something very important--you said "I really want to get organized..." So let's get started.

One day this month, clear your  calendar, dress comfortably, turn off the phone, and close the door. As of today, you have my permission to throw out all the junk. To make this process bearable, you'll need the right supplies, including: 

1.  Garbage bags. 
2.  Envelopes and mailers, shipping labels, stamps, and a postal scale. 
3.  Fax cover sheets. 
4.  Calendar/PDA. 
5.  Company and other business directories. 
6.  Highlighter. 
7.  Clear plastic folders labeled as follows: To Do, To File, To Fax, To Copy, To Read, To Type/Write, To Pay. 
8.  Tickler (follow-up) file. 
9.  Spiral notebook (your To Do book). 

Starting the Process 
Move the piles to one side of your desk, and put your supplies on the other side. Pick up each piece of paper and make a quick decision about it. Make the garbage bag your closest ally during this process. Here are some things you might come across. 

1.  A notice of a meeting you'd like to attend. You have your calendar right there, so schedule it. Then put the paper in your tickler file for the day of the meeting. 

2.  A project you need to work on that's due next month. Schedule time on your calendar to work on it, highlight the due date, and put it in your tickler file for the day you've scheduled to work on it. 

3.  A document you need to file. Instead, ask yourself: will I need this information again? Can I get this information somewhere else if I happen to need it? If I throw it away and then need it, what's the worst possible thing that could happen? 

4.  Several reports and books borrowed from people. Put them all in envelopes, address them, weigh them and affix the postage if necessary, and put them in your Out box. 

5.  Work you should do this week. Batch similar work together and keep it separated in your plastic folders. If everything you need to copy is in your To Copy or To Fax folder, you can make one trip to the copier/fax later. IF you come across something you can do quickly, say a couple of minutes, go ahead and do it.

After you finish sorting, purging, and merging, you'll need to set up systems for everything. Use basic principles of organizing by giving everything a home, putting like things together, and using the right product to store it.

Keep going with this process as long as you can stand it. Take breaks if you need to, and be proud of your efforts. 

Getting rid of clutter is exhausting, but you can do it. To keep the clutter from coming back, you'll need to set up a filing system that is easy to maintain.
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Peggy Duncan is a personal productivity expert. For more free tips, visit her Website at www.PeggyDuncan.com.
 

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