Repeat after me - I WILL get more organized

While the calendar tells us that January is the official start to the year, everybody knows that in this part of the world it’s September when things “start up again”. If becoming more organized in your home office this “year” is one of your resolutions, check out this week’s Hot Home Products column in Saturday’s Toronto Star.

In the meantime, keep in mind that an elaborate administrative process isn’t usually necessary for the small home office, but it does help to maintain a simple, but consistent system. Here are a few ideas from label makers Avery, which sent a slew of samples, which I had to hide marauding gangs of back-to-schoolers at my house who suddenly realized that September is upon us!

• Spend at least 15 minutes each day getting organized. And don't tell me you're "too busy" - this is a time investment that will pay off.

• Mark priority projects and important documents with labels such as “Priority”, and “Outgoing”. Make secondary files called “Read”, “Research”, “Pay” and “Long Term Projects”. You can also get free template software from Avery to create customized labels. Of course, I’d need one that says “Deadline, dummy!”

• Use portable note taking tools. For example, Avery’s adhesive-backed PocketTabs, which can be attached an organizer or folder, was probably my fave among the samples of new stuff I looked at – I think these are a great way to cope with the flutter of papers that cross my desk in the office, and fill my purse while I travel.