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:
 

So, how do you customize the system so that when you Implement, it sticks? 

• Choose Your Projects - How do you know whether you need a new organizing system in the first place?  Ask yourself if the current set-up is working.  How frustrated are you with your physical surroundings, your inability to manage time, and the clutter in your life?  Unless your current organizing systems are 75% or more effective, I recommend starting from scratch.  If something is really bothering you, chances are you'll know it!   
• Keep it Simple - Remember that change is a process, not an event.  Don't try to change everything at once.  Pick one area of your home, work, or life that needs changing most and focus on it first.  And when you create a new organizing system, keep it simple.  Don't over think the system.  If it's too complicated, you won't stick to it.
• Designate a Home - When deciding where to create the home for your organizing system, pay attention to details.  Give consideration to the sizing of storage spaces or containers (don't forget to measure!), as well as accessibility (make it easy to retrieve and put away frequently used items), and safety issues.
• Let Go of Assumptions and Perfectionism - There is no right way to set up an organizing system.  The first step is deciding what you need from the system, and what will make it a success for you or your organization.  The system must be built around your personality type, work style, physical environment, needs, and goals.  There is no cookie cutter solution, so don't get hung up on striving for perfection.  Let The Container Store catalog serve as inspiration, not an unattainable standard of perfection that intimidates you.
• Share, and Share Alike - Often, during an assessment, a client will mention that another user in the home or office cannot maintain an organizing system.  When I inquire as to whether the system was created with the other users in mind, the client usually responds in the negative.  Therein lies the problem.  If the organizing system you are creating is to be a shared system for multiple users, you must give consideration to all users.  Failing to consider all users is a common mistake and often causes the system to fall apart.  This applies to home and office set-ups.  So, do yourself and the other users a favor - communicate!  Spend the time brainstorming how each person plans to use the system, and create a compromise that makes the most sense.  The solution may be built around the most common user, or a combination of many users.  This may take some extra effort, but usually results in a system that is maintained more effectively.
• Get Creative - This is the time to have some fun by adding your personal touches to your organizing systems.  For example, you can choose stylish baskets or bins, colorful or patterned file folders, fancy hangers, gorgeous desks and filing cabinets, playful or whimsical organizing items, etc.  This is the chance for you to bring your particular style to the system.  Although this may seem trivial, I assure you it is not.  When you find your environment aesthetically pleasing, you are more apt to maintain the system.  In fact, people are less likely to backslide, if the systems are not only orderly and functional, but look great and reflect their originality.  So, go ahead - get creative!