Sometimes when I meet someone new and tell them that I'm a Professional Organiser, they ask me "so you must be pretty organised at home then?" And I agree, I am mostly organised and not a fan of clutter. But some people ask if I'm a neat freak, to which I reply a big, definite "No."
To me, a perfectly neat and tidy home or office is one that no one lives in, or has any fun in. Don't get me wrong, I like to have things put away at the end of the day and we'll run around and tidy up before visitors, but organising is more about having a place for things to go away to when its time, and being able to find what you need when you need it.
In my office, I keep my post-it notes and favourite pens out on my desk and in arms reach. The old tax records that I have to keep by law are in a top cupboard out of the way. When I'm in the middle of a project, I have stuff out everywhere! But at the end of the day I'll put the stationery back in the drawer and the papers I've been working with back in their file.
It's not about looking like it could be out of a magazine, it's about being comfortable and what works for you.
