If you look back through your past New Year's resolutions, how often has "Get Organized" appeared at the top of your list? Keep those hands up, folks. I'd be willing to bet twenty bucks that by March madness, your home looks a little a tornado vomited the contents of your attic, basement and garage -- all onto your kitchen counter and living room floor.

Graphic, yes. Dramatic, maybe. Untrue? Not at all. Sometimes clutter gets the best of us, and even the greatest of intentions fall by the wayside. To combat yet another year of New Year's disappointment, we've enlisted the help of D.C. area professional organizer Deb Lee, who shared some of her top tips with us. Ready to kick the bad habit of disorganization? Let's go!

"At times, [disorganization is] situational, i.e., new job, lots of travel, death in the family, new baby, new marriage, etc. Any change in our routines (even good ones) can throw us off track," Deb writes. "Other times, however, it can be that there are no systems in place to keep things in order. Many people try to use an old system that used to work, even though their circumstances may have changed. As with anything else, the system must match your current lifestyle. Usually, when we wait too long to handle the issue, it becomes insurmountable and very overwhelming. When we get to that point, we often walk away or close the door so we don't see 'it' anymore."

Amen to that! My rule of thumb? If you have a closet (or room, for that matter!) that you'd be embarrassed to show company, you're disorganized. This year, jump start the organizational process in one day with these easy tips from Deb:

1. Break it up. Don't spend the whole day organizing, because you might end up feeling overwhelmed, leaving you in the same (or worse) position.

2. Prioritize. Figure out what needs to get done first. Priorities are usually driven by time (i.e., deadline) and/or money. Examples:
(a) I have to clear the hallway floor because it presents a safety hazard.
(b) I have to organize the guest room because company's coming in two days.
(c) I have to organize the bills so I can pay them on time and avoid late fees.

3. Set Time Frames. Figure out how long it will take you to complete each task.

4. Do a Little Bit EVERY DAY. Include organizing tasks in your everyday routine so that it's more instinctual (like brushing your teeth) rather than a chore (like cleaning the fridge). Break the task into smaller pieces and do a little bit daily.

Personally, I find that keeping things designated in separate spaces works well. If you have a small home, you're no stranger to designated spaces, but those with larger homes often have room to spare and can let clutter dwell without having it affect their daily routine. Instead of spreading out to make room for more clutter, why not delineate a small space for your items and keep it organized? For example, if you have room for thirty shirts in your closet, fight the urge to make room for a few new shirts in your sock drawer. Instead, donate older shirts you haven't worn in years to a local thrift store. You'll be organized (and doing good deeds!) in no time!

Happy New Year!