This is a super special post because it’s just for YOU! I know that in a tough economy, we all start “tightening our belts” and we spend less. Yes, things are a little bleak right now, but if you still need help with getting organized and are not quite ready to shell out a few bucks for a professional organizer, have no fear, the experts are here!

In honor of Get Organized Month and because of the yucky economy, I asked some organizer friends of mine to share a few tips that almost anyone can do on their own at home or in their office. I hope you find these tidbits helpful, and that they give you a nice jump start on getting organized in 2009. Many thanks to all the experts who participated!

Kim Oser of Put It Away! [DC Metro Area]

“Carry a trash bag from room to room & grab 20 things/day that need to be discarded. It gives them a start and less distractions.”

Erin Doland of Unclutterer [Washington, DC]

“Read Unclutterer for [free] daily tips and tricks on home and office organizing.”

Julie Bestry of Best Results Organizing [Chattanooga, TN]

“For big projects, like closet organizing, invite a friend over to play “What Not To Wear”. Organize the closet together, putting one person in charge of sorting (by item, then even by color) and then everyone can weigh in on those 80′s shoulder pads. Over a few weekends, cover everyone’s closets (finishing with lunch or snacks), then take a group day to take all the items to charity, consignment, etc. and have a great lunch and/or spa day out. ” *Only 1 of Julie’s 3 tips is listed above. Leave a comment at the end of the post if you’d like me to email all 3 tips to you.

Krista Simor Colvin of Organize in Style LLC [Portland, OR]

“Girlfriend! Grab a friend + Sign up for the VIP membership of The Shebang!”

Stephanie LH Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc. [Peoria, IL]

“The biggest challenge that most people have in their office is figuring out what to do with the piles of paper. Here are 8 questions you can to help you make decisions…”

“Does it require any action by me/us? If an item requires action (a phone call to make, a report to write, an outfit that requires altering) then it is an “ACT.” Keep everything that requires action in one location, so that when you have time, you will be able to go through and check the items off the list!” *Leave a comment at the end of the post if you’d like me to send you all 8 of Stephanie’s questions.

Allison Spitzer Carter of The Professional Organizer [Metro Atlanta]

“Get phone coaching or internet/webcam coaching with a professional organizer which can cost less, and will provide an accountability factor – someone to be accountable to. This will get you to make an appointment to organize. Making time to get organized is as important as getting the know-how.

If you can’t afford a professional, pick your most straight-forward and compassionate friend who will tell you the truth about what you need. It is often easier to help organize someone else’s stuff because you don’t have any personal attachment. On the same note, practice organizing by helping someone else, then do the same for yourself.”

Grace Brooke Banovich of Your Efficiency Specialist [Sonoma County, CA]

“One can also join a local support group. The groups can be at no-cost or fairly inexpensive. The support from others and knowing you are accountable to the other members can be great motivators. One could also coordinate a ‘sorting’ party. This would be similiar to a ‘painting’ party. Friends could gather for drinks and munchies while sharing stories and sorting papers, toys, tupperware, and clothes. Split the duties up and have some fun!”

 

Monica Gaie Premo of Practically Perfect [Macon/Warner Robins, GA]

“The hard part for many people is deciding what to do with everything. Set boundaries to help you make decisions faster. Boundaries can be with your time, papers, and stuff. Set a timer and work until it goes off. Every bit of progress helps.

Routines and habits also put boundaries on your time and tasks. Pay bills on Fridays, run errands on Tuesday, straighten your desk while your computer boots up or restarts, do the most important task BEFORE you check your email. Understand that every system needs maintenance to keep working. Set aside time to maintain your systems and space when you get it organized to keep it working for you.”

 

Deb Lee of D. Allison Lee Professional Organizers [DC Metro Area]

The final tip comes from me! This one is definitely not rocket science and is quite simple. If nothing else, just do a little bit every day. Start out with 15 minutes a day and do your organizing activities when your are most alert. This will make that really large project seem much more manageable. You’ll be happily surprised by how much you can get done if you attack it a little bit at a time.