1. Attitude…organizing is like planning, if you take the time to do it, it will save you time in the long run.
2. Time Management…whatever your calendar method, maintain it, and be sure to schedule time for family & friends and organizing maintenance!
3. Maintenance…spend some time each day putting things back in their place.
4. Incoming paper…make quick decisions about whether to keep it our not. Limit the items you keep “To read” or weed them out once a week.
5. Categorize…To Do, To Delegate, To Read, To File.
6. Containers…think about the types of containers that you need whether it’s a filing drawer or a bookshelf.
7. For creating a system - manage it as a project…plan the project (what to do, what to contain, what to sort, etc) gather everything that needs to be organized into one space, and break it down into small pieces (one pile, one corner of a room).
8. Use Outlook to your advantage…set up Rules Wizards to sort the emails as they come in. Set up subfolders for each of your clients.
9. Read your email everyday and make quick decisions and categorize…see #5. Move it out of your inbox unless it’s something you need to follow up on. Categorize the items in your send box as well.
10. Keep the space in front of you clear...whether it’s your inbox in Outlook, your wall (void of post-its and memos), or your computer desktop.clear space relieves stress.

Author's Bio: 

Karen Koedding is a Professional Organiser and the founder and CEO of A Little Elf. A Little Elf is a Professional Organising firm that was founded in 2004 and works with clients in Sydney and New York. Karen is a member of NAPO and AAPO, the professional associations for Professional Organisers. Her firm specializes in creating organised, functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces for clients by providing ideas, information, and teaching new skills. A Little Elf offers hands-on organising, relocation assistance, one-day re-design, and consulting services for residential and small business clientele.