Question:

I am a horrible clutterbug and am often overwhelmed by the amount of paper in my life. I am trying to make a change by starting fresh with a new custom-designed home office, which I will share with my husband. I'm afraid, though, that once I've moved back into my brand-new office, everything will go downhill from there. Can you give me some tips on how to organize my office so that it won't get buried under a lot of clutter again?

Answer:

Getting a fresh start by creating a new home office space is a wonderful first step, but when it comes to banishing clutter, old habits die hard. The new systems you implement (and maintain) are just as important as the physical space. Keep any home office working for you by sticking to a few basic principles:

File Away
The tried-and-true "touch it once" rule really works — once you touch a piece of paper, either act on it, file it, or throw it away. Assign file folders with categories that work for you, and discipline yourself to drop each piece of paper into the appropriate file the first time it crosses your desk. Resist the temptation to let piles build. If something comes along for which you don’t have a file category, create one on the spot.

Take Control
Create a system that allows you to decide when to work on what, so you don’t feel ambushed by the paperwork, bills, and invitations that flood your office. Set up an in-box for containing unread items and an out box for things ready to be passed along. A desktop file rack should hold only current project files, with less frequently needed items tucked away in cabinets or on shelves. Have a wastebasket (and perhaps a paper shredder) within reach so you can instantly trash items you don’t need.

Divide and Conquer
Separate personal from professional paperwork, birthday invitations from bills. Set aside a reasonable amount of time to do scheduling, respond to invitations, and pay bills, but don’t try to do it all at once. Keeping like items grouped together will allow you to deal with things more efficiently.

Storage Smarts
Books, magazines, and other reading materials you intend to keep should be kept on shelves or in cabinets. Attractive document boxes and magazine files are widely available and will help keep the space looking clear, so you enjoy spending time there.

Purge
If you notice the piles of paper starting to build, don’t panic — just address them. When your files are bursting out of their cabinets, it’s time to devote an afternoon to purging.

Kate Parker
Home Department