Getting organized is the process of applying a structure or system to an otherwise chaotic process. In less technical terms, getting organized is removing part of the chaos from an area and then keeping the chaos from returning.

Take the simple analogy of a front yard. Left untended, the grass will die; it will become overgrown with weeds and debris and fall into chaos. If you apply an organizing system to it— clear the yard, install sprinklers, lay down sod, and fertilize—the chaos is gone. Temporarily. The system must also be maintained in order to keep weeds (chaos) out.

To get organized, it’s important to follow these simple steps:

How to Get Organized, Step #1: Start Small
If you feel your home is disorganized, don’t try to instantly organize everything all at once. Pick a manageable subset of the whole mess, apply an organizing system, and see if you can maintain the new organizing system over time.

For example:

Start with: How to Get Organized Personally
- A system for keeping personal phone numbers, street and e-mail addresses with you at all times
- A personal to-do list of only three items — the most important three items to be done each day
- A daily system for filing all incoming mail including bills, papers to be kept for taxes, etc., and discarding junk mail into the trash

Start with: How to Get Organized at Home
- A system for listing needed grocery items to be purchased during the next trip to the store
- A system for managing dirty clothes, separating, laundry schedule (wash/dry/fold/put away) for the household
- A system for tracking all your reimbursable expenses

Start with: How to Get Organized at Work
- A system for organizing names and addresses of business contacts
- A system for scheduling the weekly activities for each family member with start and end times, and any things that need to be completed prior to the activity
- An appointment system for all your calls, meetings and travel

As you implement and learn to maintain each small organization system, move on to the next small area of chaos.

How to Get Organized, Step #2: Apply an Organizing System
Try something, modify it, and don‘t be afraid discard it for a different system that might work better. Be clear about exactly what it is your trying to accomplish and how organization will help achieve that goal.

How to Get Organized, Step #3: The Organizing System Must be Simple
Your goals for organizing will include a system that you must maintain in order to stay organized. Don’t go overboard with an elaborate organizing solution. Simple is better. A system that is easy to set up and easy to maintain will almost always outperform a complex one. A difficult maintenance process will fail, and you’ll be back to chaos.

How to Get Organized, Step #4: Be Disciplined about Maintaining Your System
Reject the “I’ll do it later” syndrome. (Procrastination is often at the root of poor organization.) Commit to be disciplined and do it when it needs to be done now, not later. Most disorganization is not the result of a poor system; it is the result of not using a system when it needed to be used.

How to Get Organized, Step #5: Keep the Ultimate Goal in Mind
Don’t lose site of your original goal. Organization is a means to an end. For example:
- The goal isn’t to cut and alphabetize coupons; the goal is to save money.
- The goal isn’t to have neatly categorized piles of dirty clothes; the goal is to have the laundry done well and efficiently.

Organize the daily tasks according to a plan that achieves your goal. (See below for more information about tools for achieving your organizing goals).

Getting and staying organized saves time and money, but it might also require a little upfront time and/or money. Think of getting organized as a small, ongoing investment; spend a little now to save a lot of time, money, and frustration in the weeks to come.

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