Organization is a skill that can be learned. The most difficult part is breaking a lifelong habit (like letting paperwork pile up). The key to getting more organized is to start with one small step and then take others one at a time. You may find that what you’ve put off for years takes only an hour to do. And once you see the benefits in one part of your life, you’ll be motivated to go on.

When you have been disorganized for a while it is difficult to stand back and take an objective look at your surroundings. If you feel overwhelmed it is hard to know where to begin. Here are some tips to get you started.