In the September 2008 feature article, I outlined the 6-step organizing process that I developed and use with my clients, DECIDE.  In order to refresh your memory, here is an overview of the process:
 

• Take 15 - Integrate a daily and periodic maintenance program into your routine, but keep it simple.  All of the work you have done up until this stage can be deemed catch-up or backlog work.  From this point on, if your system is truly well designed, it should take approximately 15 minutes per day to maintain your organizing systems.  If it is taking considerably longer, then either your system is overly complex, or not tailored to you -- or you are not maintaining often enough.  Commit to 15 minutes in the morning or evening, both for home and work environments, and you should see results.  
• Record Retention Policy- One of the easiest ways to maintain a paper management system, whether at home or at work, is to use a Record Retention Policy.  People tend to think of these retention policies as only being a necessity in a large corporation.  To the contrary, households and small businesses can benefit from having a paper retention system also.  When you have guidelines to follow as to what to keep, in what location, and for how long, you tend to maintain a tighter system and often keep less paper overall.  Create your own Record Retention Policy so that it is tailored to your home or office.  If you need help, take a teleclass on recordkeeping, speak to your attorney and accountant, or work with a Certified Professional Organizer.
• The Container Principle/One-In, One-Out Rule - Think of your organizing systems as creating a "container" or box that fits all of the items in it.  For example, a closet contains a finite amount of space, as does a file drawer.  Even your calendar is essentially a "container" consisting of 24 hours.  Once you have a system that works, or if your container is full, then you should only bring in new items if you are able to rid the "container" of an existing item.  This is known as the Container Principle or the One-In, One-Out Rule in organizing lingo.  These rules are handy to use when maintaining an already organized system.    
• Constant Evaluation - Be vigilant about evaluating your systems.  Keep up with changes in needs, goals, possessions, and priorities.  Make adjustments for new items acquired; purge old stuff that's become irrelevant.  If your systems become outdated, you need to tweak them.  Staying organized with your time, space, paper and possessions means giving those systems the attention they deserve.  If you forget about the systems, trust me, they will get your attention by piling up, getting backlogged, and adding to your stress.  

Dedicate yourself to maintaining all of your efforts.  You will be rewarded with the ability to function more productively in your home and work environments and, most importantly, you will not have to go back to Step 1 of the process and start from scratch.  Remember, it is a lot easier to stay organized than it is to get organized.  Next month, we will end our DECIDE journey with Step 6, Enjoy.  

Until next month,