DECATUR - People often fear this seven letter word - CLUTTER!

Sometimes seeing the words "get organized" while searching Internet sites or watching TV programs can be frightening to some.

Even though the thought of it may be chilling, professional organizers around the country say getting rid of the clutter is one of the top five New Year's resolutions for 2005."The media bombards us with 'get more stuff,' and we listen and bring it home," said Barry Izsak, president of the National Association of Professional Organizers, a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Glenview.

"We don't know when or how we'll use the stuff," he said, "it just adds to the clutter."

He said the biggest emerging problem is trying to organize the garage. He even came up with a remedy for a problem garage by writing "Organize Your Garage In No Time," which will hit stores in March.

The best approach to getting organized is in starting small, one step at a time, one day at a time, said professional organizer Donna Smallin of Phoenix, Ariz. Smallin is the author of the "One-Minute Organizer Plain and Simple" and other books about getting organized.

Smallin said people don't have to stop what they are doing to get organized - they just have to get started.

"People feel they don't have the time and look at how much they have to do, and it does become overwhelming," she said. But by setting aside 10 to 15 minutes a day, people can start to see results, according to her book.

For example, paper clutter is often the problem at work. Gradually sorting through files and folders and throwing away old or unnecessary memos and notes is one way of plowing through the clutter. The same principle applies at home, too.

But many people have a "fast food mentality" and want things done right away, said Mike Deaton, owner of California Closets in Decatur.

Deaton said he continues to see people turning to his designers for help to get organized.

"More people are turning spare rooms into hobby rooms," he said. "We take whatever a person wants - design that space for their use and make the space more multifunctional."

That is the case with Tracey Jerger, who said hiring California Closets to reorganize two rooms in her home has made her life a lot easier.

Jerger had her home office redesigned to have more space, including filing cabinets and shelves built along the walls in the room. She does bookkeeping for her husband's dental practice.

"I just needed more space to put files and other information," she said.

Jerger's two daughters, ages 7 and 9, often had their toys and computer games spread out in the living room. So she had the computer room redone with cabinets above and below the computer, a desk area for the girls to do their homework and other shelving space to store their toys.

"I needed some kind of organization. People just think California Closets is just for redoing your closets. But what is nice about it is they can do whatever you need," she said.

Sometimes, even long-time business owners may need help staying organized.

Jo Caulkins opened her store, The Glass Moon, in September in downtown Decatur.

She said the first thing she did was to visualize the space where the merchandise would go, the work area for employees, and having enough room for customers to move around.

"You want to make sure that you have all your note pads, scissors, tissue paper in the same place that can easily be found. You limit the amount of space for your employees to work efficiently. The only way to work efficiently is to be organized," Caulkins said. "Getting organized is about having less stress in your life."

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@;herald-review.com or 421-7963.

De-cluttering tips

Get started

Choose a space to organize and close your eyes and visualize how it should look.

Make a commitment

Commit to spending a set amount of time every day on the clutter and organizing activities.

Set realistic goals

Be realistic about what you can and can't do. You can't unclutter your home overnight. Spend five minutes a day picking up things and putting them where they belong.

Keep it simple

Set a simple goal. Tackle one room at a time; one drawer or shelf at a time.

Don't forget fun

Make organizing fun. Turn on the radio or play your favorite CD.

Set limits

Set a ticking timer for your organizing session to help keep you focused on what you are doing.

Prioritize

Make a list of organizing projects, such as filing, photographs, recipes, kitchen or the garage. Break down the project into mini projects and spend five to 15 minutes on that mini project.

Reward yourself

To make organizing a priority, tie it to a financial reward. Think of what you will do with the money you make selling things you no longer need.

Source: Donna Smallin, author of "The One-Minute Organizer Plain & Simple"

Smallin's everyday strategies

- Buy clothing that is machine washable and doesn't have to be ironed.

- Buy clothes in coordinating shades. You'll need fewer shoes and accessories.

- Get your hair styled in a way you don't have to fuss with it.

- Unclutter your mind by writing down things instead of trying to remember them.

- Stock up on extra items you use on a regular basis.

- Create a grocery shopping form that includes items already in your pantry and what you buy regularly.

- To minimize impulse buying, leave your credit card at home.

- Reduce the volume of mail and number of checks you write each month. Consolidate bills if possible.