The Law of the 1st Step
A good first step in getting organized is to 3-pile everything:
pile one is for those things to throw away, pile 2 is for those things that need immediate action, pile 3 is for those things that can be taken care of later, or filed, or both.
The Law of the Past

What do your storage spaces look like? Do you know exactly where to go when you are looking for something? Is your system logical? Designing a meaningful storage space requires a lot more than just putting stuff in a closet, drawer, or cabinet. You need STRUCTURE -- some proven guidelines to follow while setting up your storage spaces. Let's begin with these basic organizing principles:
PLAN BEFORE YOU ORGANIZE

Some people seem to be born organized. You probably remember them from school: the ones who always had well-organized pencil cases equipped with erasers, sharpeners, pens, scissors and glue-sticks (probably in duplicate). Their hair was always neatly done; their clothes ironed and bearing a full complement of buttons.

3-Step Clean Sweep Program
1 - Purge
2 - Simplify
3 - Organize

Getting Started

Chances are, most of you have a lot you need to get done.
Oftentimes, there are projects on your to-do list that require SEVERAL steps in order to complete the task at hand.
I've come to realize that it is important to not only WRITE DOWN my chores but to break them up into bite-size pieces, brainstorming ALL of the possible parts that may be involved in completing each chore.

Hasn't time flown? Already we're into the last quarter of the year and isn't it perfect timing to clear out the cobwebs of winter and prepare yourself for the next few months of sun, sand, surf or is it work, work, work?
You know it's time to take action when:
You have difficulty finding things

Your colleagues make comments about your mess

You can't see your desk for the mess

You start each week with great intentions. You are determined to get a grip of your workload. You are determined to write a to do list, you even promise yourself that you will stick to it and use it and reprioritise each day so that you finish what you want to every day.