How do I get started?

I am an organizing guru. I run a law office, and everything must be in its place. So, start by grouping like things. This is always key. Avoid picking things up and thinking..."oh, I'll set this aside for...". No. Set an egg timer if you must to quickly group like things. Once you have your materials categorized, do a survey. What do your access frequently (place those things closest to you)? What do I access less frequently (can be put on a top shelf)? What would be the most appropriate storage item for the individual types of materials. Often the plastic draw units from a discount store work wonders and you can label them from the outside.

Now, if you want to go the extra step from organized to beautiful, and don't have a lot of funds, I suggest and old armoire from your local thrift store. Many thrift stores are over loaded with old tv armoires because people are moving to flat screens. Just your luck! Get one, and chalk paint it. Instead of waxing, use a coat of Sherwin-Williams deck sealer. You can go mad with your scrap-booking skills on the outside. I'm sure it would be lovely, and you can have a place for everything, and everything in its place!

Go to Office Depot/Max or online - there are heaps of wonderful organizers for this very project.

Mason jars are also nice for organizing tiny things

hit the thrift shops for square stackable containers and small shelving. you can even put in pegboard and hang hooks , shelves and baskets.

I use clear stackable boxes.

Fabric shoe over door storage for things like scissors, pens etc.

Also larger punches.