How to Get Organized (a list for clutter-freaks everywhere)

SORT

• Divide your clutter into piles of related stuff.
• Label the piles.
• Finish sorting before you toss anything (if an item belongs in another room, just put it outside the door until later--don't let yourself get distracted for now).

TOSS

• Go pile by pile, throwing out anything that's obviously junk
• Go through again, asking yourself if you really use everything.  If not, donate it.
• Toss cords if you can't find what they go to.
• Keep and store photographs, but throw out nicknacks and memorabilia (memories remain even if you throw things away).
• Throw out magazines more than a month old and newspapers more than a week old unless you reference them often.
• Toss expired warranties, expired insurance policies, and old instructions.

ASSIGN

• Figure out where things should go in the room.
• Place items you use frequently in easy-to-reach places.  Items you use less often can go in less-accessible places.

CONTAIN

• To store smaller items, buy containers that reflect your style.
• Measure items to make sure you get the right size containers.
• Buy containers like magazine holders that force you to organize (when it's full, it's time to clear it out).
• Label containers.

MAINTAIN

• Sort new items as you get them.
• Ask yourself: Will I really use this? If not, don't keep it.

Summarized from "How to Get Organized" in the 1/7/06 Seattle Times