National Clean Off Your Desk Day is January 13, 2003 -- highlight this date on your calendar. This organizing holiday was the idea of Anne Chase Moeller, daughter of the author of Chase's Annual Events. Anne occasionally worked in her father's office, and because his desk was always a mess, it was very difficult for her to share it. In 1982, she declared that on the 2nd Monday of January each year her father would clean off his desk. He soon entered this important date in his famous book.

The event is celebrated by the National Association of Professional Organizers and numerous companies who sell or manufacture organizing products. Donna D. McMillan, Professional Organizing Consultant based in West Los Angeles, CA offers advice for offices and homes.

How Did This Mess Happen?

Often people say that their messy desk evolved from too many projects, too much stuff, no priorities established, lack of time or storage space or extra help. Also Donna hears, "I just don't know where to put things" and "I'm afraid I'll forget to do this." Those around them might also say that certain habits resulted in disorder.

Donna explains that their possessions and paperwork are temporarily "homeless." When everything has a designated "place to live" and systems are created for the person's specific needs, then they can practice a new habit of putting items back where they belong. Result: a cleaner desk.

Solving The Puzzle

The process of organizing, says Donna, is much like putting together a puzzle. There are many pieces, some are alike or similar, others are very different. Here are her 5 Tips To Clean Off Your Desk and keep it organized:

1. First, clear off your desk and sort everything into separate boxes, keeping "like" things together.
2. Label boxes according to the type of items or action to be taken: Supplies, Magazines, Newspapers, To Donate, To Store, To File, etc. These steps can be followed as often as necessary.
3. Schedule appointments with yourself to get organized frequently. Fifteen minutes at the end of each day can save you from wasting hours searching for lost items later.

She continues to explain that procedures and systems are important to manage paperwork that requires immediate action.

4. Again separate items into "Hot Action Files" labeled To Call, To Pay, To Read and more. Also, you need a Waiting For Reply file.
5. These files can live in a desk drawer or on desktop in a DecoFlex® box. DecoFlex®, 6" capacity, includes hand holes, five Pendaflex® hanging folders, tabs and inserts. Durable plastic. 12-3/16w x 6d x 9-1/2h. Manufacturer: OXFORD 800-575-1786

In conclusion, Donna says, "If you can't find something in 30 seconds, it's in the wrong place!" Everything deserves a home. And, you deserve an organized desk and lifestyle. And remember: "Organizing is a process ... it's not a one-day project."

Since 1984, Donna D. McMillan of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing, aka the "Clutter Therapist," has organized space, time, paperwork and all items in clients' offices and homes. This pioneer Professional Organizer/Personal Coach will show you how to solve the puzzle! For details, visit www.organizer4me.com or call 310-391-7392.

Founded in 1985, the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is a nonprofit professional association with 1600+ members including organizing consultants, speakers, trainers, authors and manufacturers of organizing products. NAPO's website is www.napo.net.

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BENEFITS of being organized are valuable ... less stress, spending, clutter, chaos... better time management, productivity, efficiency ... and more professionalism, control and free time for fun!! Here's some "tips" to give you balance and peace of mind again.

Since 1984, Donna D. McMillan of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing, has been a consultant, coach, trainer, speaker, writer and developed www.organizer4me.com. This organizing expert offers countless tips, techniques and solutions, services and resources. Donna (aka the "Clutter Therapist") is known for her sensitive, non-judgmental, enthusiastic manner. Each client benefits from her 35+ years of experience and training in this field. She's truly 3-experts-in-one: a hands-on organizer, consultant and private coach.

National Get Organized Week (GO Week) is sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Founded in 1985, NAPO is now based in Atlanta, GA. This is a non-profit professional association, with 1600+ members (national and international), includes organizing consultants, speakers, trainers, authors and manufacturers of organizing products. NAPO's website is www.napo.net.

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They're all doing it ... businesses and homeowners are regaining control. These days, being organized is vitally important to everyone! Large and small companies and individuals are clearing out the clutter and restoring order in their professional and personal lives. They're "letting go" of excessive paperwork and personal items, plus creating "systems" for crucial information and possessions.

Are you tired of feeling inefficient or overwhelmed? How would you like to save time, money and energy ... or eliminate stress and wasted space? Have your office, file cabinets, or desk become buried under paperwork, folders and office supplies? Do you feel you have no storage space left? Are your closets, cupboards or garage overflowing? Do you plan to move soon? Do you simply have "too much stuff"?

According to the experts ...

According to Kiplinger's Retirement Report, May 1999, "If you need help, consider hiring someone to work with you or using the services of a professional organizer ...." You no longer have to get organized alone!!! An expert will help you win the war on chaos.

Since 1984, Donna D. McMillan of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing, aka the "Clutter Therapist," has organized, categorized and systematized the space, time, paperwork and all items in clients' offices and homes. This pioneer Professional Organizer/Personal Coach ends overwhelming organizational frustrations and shows you how to solve the puzzle! For details, visit www.organizer4me.com or call 310-391-7392.

"Organizing is a process ... it's not a one-day project," says Donna. She also offers the following Organizing Tips to help you gain control and reduce the stress ...

Anne Chase Moeller originally established "Clean Off Your Desk Day " as the 2nd Monday in January to help her father reorganize his office each year. This national holiday is registered in Chase's Annual Events. It's recognized and celebrated every year by Professional Organizers across the country and the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).

Founded in 1985, NAPO is based in Austin, Texas. This is a nonprofit professional association, with 1400+ members (national and international), includes organizing consultants, speakers, trainers, authors and manufacturers of organizing products. NAPO's information/referral phone line is 512-206-0252 and website is www.napo.net.

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McMillan & Company Professional Organizing www.organizer4me.com 310-391-7392