1. Address your desk problems in blocks of time. You may be able to straighten out the clutter in a few hours, or you may need a weekend. Sometimes it’s better to devote a couple of hours a day to the job until you’re done.
2. Have on hand a trash can, a pen, file folders, labels and the other desk organizational aids mentioned above that suit your needs.
3. Clear the space you want to organize (the desk surface, one of the drawers, etc.). Then make a big pile of all the paper.
4. Evaluate each item, categorize it and put it away (in the desk drawer, in a file, in one of the desk organizers, etc.), throwing out as much as possible.
5. Even when you are feeling overwhelmed, just keep sorting and categorizing. If you devote the necessary time, your desk can be cleared.
6. Enlist the help of a partner, a spouse, a secretary, someone who can help you keep going.

What are you waiting for? Organize your home office.