Clutter = stress. The more things you have to look at, deal with, sort through, ignore, or clean, the greater your stress levels. Experts say that most people regularly use only about 10 percent of their belongings, which means that 90 percent of what's on your desk or in your home isn't necessary to everyday living.

Chances are if you have piles on your desk, stacks on the floor or half finished projects everywhere, you're experiencing stress, which can prevent you from working at your optimum level of productivity.

So, whether you're working at home, on the road or in the office, learning to organize your workspace can dramatically lower your stress levels. Here are some basic tips for getting orgainized:

1. Tackle a job that's within reason. Don't try to organize the entire office all at once. Take small steps, like organizing the top of your desk or a single drawer. Then, move onto another area, like a large file cabinet or closet. Think about where and when you waste the most time or feel the most stressed –searching through a file cabinet or delving into an archive to look for an old client presentation or expense account–and designate this as first priority.

2. Get six large boxes. Label them "To Do," "File," "Keep," "Store," "Trash" and "Donate." Beginning in one corner of your area, go through every object there. If it gets daily use, keep it where you can put your hands on it easily. If not, put it in one of the boxes depending upon how often it gets used. Remember the cardinal rule of de-cluttering: When in doubt, throw it out.

3. Now look at the items in the "To Do" box. These should go where you can find them easily. Put them into a file folder, a briefcase or keep it as the first file or two in the closest drawer to your office chair. Better yet, put the "To Do" files in a rack on your desktop so that you see it the first thing every morning.

4. Next, look at the "File" and "Keep" boxes. Get new file folders and label each one with its contents. Put each type of document in its own folder. Use color-coded files for different clients or project types; they will be easy to find when you're in a hurry. The items in the "Keep" box should be placed in a file cabinet the furthest away from your workspace since you don't use them everyday.

5. Finally, look at the "Store" box. Either store these items as-is or find a box to keep them in for long-term storage. Itemize the contents of the box for easy retrieval later.

6. Make a promise to yourself to keep the workspace free of clutter. Limit your desktop to only a few necessary items.

7. As tempting as it might be to add personal items to your desktop, exercise caution. One or two personal photos or mementos that you really cherish will be more meaningful than a dozen.

8. Add a plant. It is soothing and will "freshen" the space.

9. When the job is done, set some ground rules for the newly-organized space. Define what will–and will not–be kept or stored in the area.

It used to be that Emily Post and her advice were the last word on etiquette. Of course, many of us would think that etiquette pertains only to the do's and don'ts of wedding protocol, but not everyday life. That may explain why we feel that being polite has taken a backseat to today's hurried lifestyles.

The truth is that no matter how busy our lives become there's always time to follow certain rules that pertain to office and workplace etiquette. By following some simple guidelines, not only will you increase your likeability factor in the office, you may further your career, too.

Watch your volume. Be sensitive to how loudly you may be speaking. Consider closing your office door and lowering your voice whenever speaking in person or on the telephone.

Keep personal telephone conversations-and emails- brief and to a minimum. Be ever mindful that others are nearby and that this is a place of business. Avoid using the company telephone, fax or email for any inappropriate and personal matters.

In some workplaces, privacy is difficult to find. If you overhear a private conversation, move on; ignore what you hear.

Avoid gossip. Only discuss personnel matters directly with specific individuals, superiors and management.

Be sensitive to scents and smells surrounding you. Save cologne and perfume for social occasions, and ask if fresh flowers and potpourri bother co-workers before installing them in your space.

When eating at your desk or in shared areas, avoid foods with strong aromas that will travel throughout the office. As great as French fries, popcorn and Indian food are, they can smell unpleasant to others. Dispose of empty food containers and other items where they won't contribute negatively to the office atmosphere.

Keep your personal workspace clean and neat at all times. Generally, less is better when it comes to office and cubicle decor. Use discretion when displaying personal items such as family photos and mementos so as not to overdo, clutter and obstruct your work area.

Use shared areas with respect and courtesy. If you expect everyone you work with to cleanup after themselves, model that behavior yourself. Wash and return all kitchen items to their proper place, clean spills, and wipe countertops and tables as needed. Help maintain supplies. When leaving food items in a shared refrigerator, mark all items with your name and date. Remove all items at the end of your work week and toss or recycle empty containers.

Restrooms run a close second to kitchens as annoyance spots. After use, wipe the countertop and sink of any spilled water or soap. Be sure the toilet is clean for the next user. Notify the proper attendant if supplies are low or out, and of any plumbing problems.

Maintain all shared items in "like new" condition and return borrowed supplies. Leave the photocopier in working condition and be sure to take back that borrowed stapler with at least a few staples left inside. If a machine stalls or jams, take time to undo the jam or to alert the proper person to attend to it. We all expect and want to be able to use items and equipment when needed.