The Desk.  It stands looming, heavy with paper, piled with unmade decisions, hiding forgotten tasks, controlling your sanity.  Why is paperwork so difficult?  Why is it more fun to shop for office supplies than actually put those supplies to work?  Does anyone have control over their paperwork?!

Staying on top of the paperwork pile is an ongoing, daily commitment.  If you are not one of the few “dedicated to organization” souls with control of that pile, here are some tricks to help you conquer The Desk.

1.  Location, Location, Location  Think of your desk in terms of real estate.  Areas closest to you are $$$/square foot; downtown. Keep items here that you use daily, hourly or every minute.  Areas within a quick stretch are $$/square foot; just outside of downtown.  Keep reference/monthly items here.  Areas that require you to stand are $/square foot; suburbs.  Keep longterm or backup items here.

2.  Homes  Everything needs a home, even items you are currently working on or want to work on.  You need a place to hold To Do, To File, To Read, To Consider & Longterm Storage.  These could be letter trays, baskets or hanging files.  If you file & forget, try labeled baskets/trays on shelves. When deciding where these trays/baskets should be located, refer to #1.

3.   Edit  Do you really need 50 pens?  Donate. There are needy people who can use them.  Orphan cords you don’t know what they go to or an old laptop?  Recycle @Best Buy.

4.   What if? Overcome the What If!!?  Box up items you keep because of What If. Choose a timeline to visit your box; 3 months, 6 months, 1 year.  Schedule it on your calendar & write date on box.  Store out of way.  If you haven’t needed anything in box by scheduled date, eliminate contents.  WARNING: This does not apply to keepsakes.

5.  Do In the words of Yoda, “Don’t think, just do.”  No wiser words were ever spoken on the big screen.  Luke was then able to channel The Force & do great things.  Are you ready to knock out tasks that have been hanging around your neck like who is really your father?  Don’t think, just do.

There are other tricks that can help complete your desk taming.  More tips & ideas to come through this week’s posts on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook page,@StyledOrganized on Twitter & the Styled & Organized Living Pinterest page.  These Daily Tips will show you how to gain more control over your life through organization because Life is Better Stylishly Organized!