from FAIRLADY
Image: Getty/Gallo Images

2. Life happens
Factor in surprises by keeping a few free chunks of time within the week, says Alison Mills-Daggatt of You're Sorted. Plan your get-togethers so you don't have to miss out on spontaneous events. Write down those 'me time' dates and stick to them.

3. Write tech-savvy lists
Make paying bills and sorting through mail and invoices painless by getting tech-savvy. Microsoft Outlook Calendar and Internet banking are indispensable organising tools. Put to-do lists in Excel format; that way making changes is easy, says Alice. Mark each item on your to-do list according to priority, says Tracey, and schedule the start and end time for each one in your diary. Break the task into bite-sized bits. Review the list weekly, deleting completed tasks and re-scheduling if needed.

4. Happy Birthday to... who?
Birthday reminders on Microsoft Outlook Calendar, your cellphone or Facebook will help you keep track of everyone's big day. Alternatively, stick a birthday calendar on the fridge, which you can update and check monthly, says Alison. Buy gifts throughout the year and this secret stash will save your skin when time is stretched, says Tracey. While you're doing your grocery shopping, buy some special occasion cards, just in case.

5. Face the fat
A physical inbox on your desk is the best way to go when paper correspondence is unavoidable. 'It'll save you hours of searching and ensure no more late payments or lost invitations,' says Alice. Group all other 'mail essentials' like envelopes, stamps, cheque books together.

6. Not so taxing
Label 12 A4 envelopes with the months of the year and use them to store any information required for tax purposes, suggests Alice. 'At the end of the financial year, sort the contents of each envelope into categories, such as travel, stationery and telephone. Starting from March through February, staple the categories together and label each batch.'

7. Bag it
It might not be trendy, but a smaller handbag ensures you no longer lug everything around. The less stuff in the bag, the more organised you'll be (and feel!). Stick to essentials and, if possible, get miniatures – like sample-size perfume, mini manicure kit, slim-line wallet and small umbrella – says Alison. Remember to clean your bag out daily or at the very least weekly.

8. Get into the closet
Review your wardrobe each season and get rid of unwanted garments. 'Label three large boxes "giveaway", "keep" and "not for this room",' says Alice. 'Ask yourself: Do I love my clothes? Does this currently fit? Does it flatter my figure?' Throw out the items you bought in case you lose 5kg and give away clothes you haven't worn in 12 months. Install half shelves to maximise space. Organise your clothes according to season and function and space them so everything's visible.

9. Work it out
We always feel there's no time for the gym, but commit yourself to a workout by getting a personal trainer or gym buddy who you can't let down. Instead of hiding your gym bag in the boot, put it on the passenger seat of your car, or next to your desk – so you can grab it during free hours.

10. Dirty kitchen secrets
Declutter the heart of your home cupboard by cupboard, says Tracey. 'Anything that is mismatched, chipped or cracked needs to go. Only keep what you need, use and love,' she says. Get rid of duplicates. Sort out your junk drawer by installing drawer dividers and small boxes. This makes it easier to see different categories of items.

11. Get a room
If you live with a hoarder, set aside a dedicated room, if you have one, where they can store everything – and close the door. Or, better still, a cupboard, garage or outdoor shed, says Tracey. Then collectively create rules about what goes into the communal areas.

12. Climb the walls
Use the walls for added storage. 'Put shelving all the way up to the ceiling and have a ladder handy,' says Tracey. 'Dual function furniture on wheels works well and can easily be shifted out of the way.'

13. Tackle your jewellery
Organise your jewellery by tossing away the boxes it comes in, says Alice. Clear plastic fishing tackle boxes, one large jewellery box with dividers – or even hooks on the inside of your cupboard door – make storage a breeze. Pierce earrings through a piece of fabric to keep them paired.

14. Breakfast club
For an organised start to your day, set the breakfast table the night before – pour cereal into a plastic bowl (and close the lid), so if you're running late, you can take the bowl to the office. Prepare a nutritious lunchbox the night before to save time, money and calories.

15. Not hard to say 'I'm sorry'
Even the super organised make mistakes, so for those situations when you're double-booked, keep a stack of beautiful apology cards and paper, envelopes and stamps in a desk drawer.

16. In and out
This rule is the organised woman's mantra: one thing in, one thing out. When you buy something new, throw out something old; the best way to avoid clutter.

17. Make it child's play
Include children in your organising effort by giving them a few bright storage bins and letting them choose what stays and what goes. 'If they’ve outgrown certain toys, donate them to charity. And throw away any broken toys,' says Alice. Returning toys to the bin daily teaches children responsibility and organisation.

18. Expiration happens
Go through the medicine cabinet every six months and toss out all the expired medication. Do the same for cosmetics.

19. Snipping clippings
Magazines and newspapers have a way of duplicating, so limit subscriptions to those publications you really love, says Alice. Recycle old publications and create clipping files. 'If you need an article, store it in a flip file. But limit the number of clippings,' she says.

20. Put your life on record
Compile a life file with certified copies of the family IDs, birth certificates, passports, bank information, insurance policies and wills. Remember to lock it in a safe place.