Organizing, Versus Being Neat - Breathing Space Blog

Becoming and staying organized is desirable. Being organized, however, is not the same as being neat. Neatness is a virtue. Being organized is done for the practical purpose of creating breathing space. What good is information if you spend all morning looking for it?

The recurring problem with staying organized is holding on to pieces of the past. Overcollecting, or packratism, can create huge piles of junk at home and in your office. Reexamine what you retain and practice pro-active trashing.

If you must hold onto items you no longer need, put them in a special box and hide it in the attic or garage. If you can go two years without missing the items, then throw them out.