"If only my office/bedroom/closet/kitchen were organized, everything would be perfect!" we often think, but is that really the case? Our lives are full of "if onlys” and the idea that über organization will lead to superhuman productivity is one of the most common. And we've all fallen prey to places like the Container Store with its siren song of perfection.

When those two things combine, they create a powerful concoction. It's easy to go overboard and spend your time organizing your life instead of living it. Here's how you can fix what needs fixin' without going completely OCD.

Assess the damage

Don't rush out and buy colorful, collapsible totes and hanging letter caddies just yet. First things first--take stock of your situation. What areas of your home really need addressing? Is your house actually pretty together and you're just using organizing as a way to procrastinate? Or is your living space more like something out of A&E's Hoarders? Be honest about it.

For most people, the same areas need the most love. Your garage and closets are dumping grounds. Your kitchen cabinets are full, but you can never find what you need. And your home office looks like the mob ransacked it. Find your trouble areas and concentrate on them.

Understand the why

Messes don't just happen; there's usually something gumming up the works. You started out with things in their places and now, not so much. Why? Why are you (or your loved ones) leaving shoes in the hall? Are you keeping stacks of magazines for one recipe inside? Do you even like flan? Look at how you're using your space now and envision how it could be used better.

Git 'er done

Now, that you've got an idea of what needs to be done, all that's left is the doin'. The first step we recommend at 3Birds Template in organizing any area of your life is taking stock and getting rid of the clutter. (If you'd done this the last time you started to get organized, you wouldn't have two label makers.)

Once you've cleaned and culled, it's time to get your organizing supplies, if you need them. Doing it first thing is like going to the grocery store when you're hungry. So make a list of what you really need, set a budget, and stick to it.

When organizing, ask yourself if you really need it. If your answer starts with “Well…”, then the answer is no, you don't. Be ruthless. Get rid of as much as you can. Get three large boxes and label them “Sell”, “Donate” and “Trash”. The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to organize. And, more importantly, the easier it will be to stay organized.

• Empty that closet. You'll be shocked at how few of your clothes you wear on a regular basis. Get rid of the things that don't fit or you haven't worn in 6 months. They're just taking up valuable space.
• Clean the garage. The key to garage organization is clever use of the wall space. Get as much up off the floor as possible. Label boxes and put the least-used items in the hardest-to-get-to areas.
• Linens 'n things. This is one of the easiest areas to organize. Get rid of items you aren't using or that have seen better days. Put the things you use the most often (towels and sheets) in the easiest-to-reach areas. If you've got some old, ratty towels, don't throw them out, donate them to your local animal shelter.
• The paper chase. Get rid of old paperwork you don't need. A few inexpensive file folders can do wonders.
• Kitchen aid. How much cumin does one person really need? Donate or toss duplicates. Marry items in cupboards to their appliances. Put pots near the stove. Put glasses and plates near the dishwasher. Consider using large clear containers for the items you use the most.