Here are some tips for quick organization from my friend and colleague, Kristen Hart of Toss ‘n Tidy.  She wrote this for the Design Strategies newsletter last January. 

#3 The Quick Cover-up

Life happens, junk mail multiplies, and you have company coming in 15 minutes. Create a family collection point in a location near the family entrance and in an area that can be quickly hidden without disrupting the collections. A roll-top desk, armoire, large boxes or cabinets make great spaces to collect yet contain the pieces of life that follow us home daily.

#2 Accessibility

Resources that you use daily should be at waist level or eye level. Items only get put away if their home is convenient. Rearrange shelving in the kitchen, and office so that objects you need to find or file away often are within arms reach.

#1 Go Vertical

Would you start a paper avalanche by adding one more sheet? Are you sure the note you need is buried in the middle of the pile? Well, turn the clutter on its ear and file vertically, rather than pile horizontally. Using desk file racks, accordion pockets and other divided organizers, stand paper and folders on their side. In addition to stability, you will also gain accessibility to what is in your pile.