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5) HANDLE IT ONCE - And handle it now. That's how
organizing professionals suggest you handle paperwork, whether it's incoming mail or something on your home office or work desk. If you can't handle it now, then put it in a tickler file labeled with a specific intention (e.g. holiday cards to mail by month, bills to mail by week).
6) MAKE IT YOUR SYSTEM - I once knew a woman who placed labels inside her kitchen food cabinets. So cans of green beans and peas always went on their designated label or row and a can of tuna went on its labeled space. When you could see
label that just meant it was time to buy more tuna or green beans. Was this a bit over
top with detail? Not for her. The system suited her personality. It worked for her. Lesson learned: Own your home organizing system. You can use other people's home organizing tips but only if they suit you, they suit your thought process and they mesh with your daily routine. You're
ultimate user of
home organization system. 7) BE FLEXIBLE - If your entire home organizing system, or just part of it, is not working, change it. Try a different method. Put something in a different spot. Observe other peoples homes and work spaces for ideas. Look at photos in home decorating magazines for ideas. Don't be afraid to admit temporary home organization failure and start again as often as needed. It's okay!
8) BE PATIENT WITH OTHERS - You know
cliché...you can't change other people. Unfortunately, that cliché is usually true though so many of us choose to learn it
hard way. Don't expect everyone in your family to start immediately singing your home organization tune. They may never do so. But you can try for compromise and understanding. And you can make subtle polite requests like "honey, will you put your shoes in
closet for me so I can vacuum that area" or "will you put
car keys here when you get home so I can find them in
morning without waking you."
9) GET HELP WHEN NEEDED - Not everyone is good at clearing clutter, especially quickly; nor is everyone good at thinking in an organized, almost analytical, way. And that's okay. But if that's you, consider calling in a paid professional home organizer (search online or in
phone book). Even if you just hire an organizer for a few hours or a day, he or she will at least be able to help you brainstorm about organizing your home in a manner that suits you. Then you can take that next step toward home organization on your own. And keep stepping until you get it done eventually. You will!

Karen Fritscher-Porter writes about home organization at http://www.EasyHomeOrganizing.com. Visit www.EasyHomeOrganizing.com to read more than 50 FREE articles containing dozens of home organization ideas and solutions. Plus subscribe to the FREE newsletter updating you about the latest home organizing products sold in stores.