Task Time
If you know that for 10 minutes before or after work each day you deal with post, bills, birthday cards and so on, and that everything you need is in your diary, it will become routine.

Fun Time
Is there something you've always wanted to do or learn? Why not use the extra time you've created to achieve one of your dreams? Learn to play the piano, take dance classes, sign up for a cookery course, or study for a new qualification. If you organise an evening class you'll be doing something just for you and, as it's booked in, it's far more difficult for anything or anyone else to encroach on this space you've made for your own personal development. Enjoy yourself.

Teach others
Explain to your family, colleagues or flatmates that you want them to help you maintain your fresh new life. This may be especially difficult if you have kids, but you could think of easy ways they can help - sit down with them and go through all their toys. They can decide which ones are 'essential' and keep those ones in a box in the bedroom. The things they don't use can be boxed up and stored (it might be too traumatic simply to chuck or give them away). Make it clear that their favourite toys must be 'put to bed' every night and once they are, your children will be rewarded with a bedtime story.

Reward yourself
Now, take a few minutes to appreciate how far you?ve come. Does your environment feel more relaxing? Is your mind feeling calmer? Treat yourself to dinner at your favourite restaurant, get a massage or some other pampering beauty treatment - you deserve it. Appreciate the spare time and space you have. Remember how good this feels and use that as an incentive to maintain your new life.

Share your success and stay motivated by talking to other iVillagers Getting Organised: