Are you completely chaotic? Are you constantly battling with yourself in an effort to get things done? Here's help.

Some people seem to have been born organized, while others cannot step out of their homes without having multiple panic attacks before finally finding their shoes, a pair of matching socks, keys, bag or wallet.

If there were one single thing you could do that would help you get a lot more organised, it would be to write things down.

Unless you start keeping a list of things that needs to be done, you will find that you just keep running around in circles, managing to do half the amount of work in double the time. Make a list of everything you need to do, and refer to it constantly.

If you enjoy gadgets, consider getting your hands on a digital organiser. Remember though that many have invested in high tech gizmos that almost function like mini computers, and use only the most basic of all features, like perhaps making a call, sending an sms or making calculations to split that lunch bill. So if you think the excitement of owning a fancy schmancy palm top will soon die down, don't spend your hard earned money on it. A notebook is likely to serve the same purpose! Women can very easily carry their notebooks around in their bags, while men can simply buy a light notebook and place it in their shirt pockets, along with a pen. Always, always carry a pen with you, so as soon as you remember something that needs to be done, you can jot it down at once.

If you are caught without paper, don't worry your head about it. Writing notes on your palm can save you a lot of trouble later, although it may make you feel like a teenaged slob when doing it. Simply jot down anything you remember at any time on your palm, and enter it into your 'to do list' later on.

Don't make notes on random sheets of paper you find lying around, because chances are you will never look at the paper again, or will spend the better part of another day pulling out all the old newspapers trying to find that phone number. If you do note down something on a sheet of paper, keep it safe and copy it in your notebook or in the appropriate place as soon as possible. And make a note on your palm or on a post-it to remind you to do just that!

Don't substitute post-its for your notebook. Instead, use post-its as reminders. If you have to email someone, stick a post-it reminding you of this, on your computer. Similarly, if you have to call someone, stick a post-it on or besides your telephone. Alternatively, keep a small message board next to your phone and use it not only to take down messages, but also to remind yourself to make that call to the gas company before your cylinder empties.

Attach a sheet of paper to your refrigerator with the help of a magnet, and keep a pen in one of the kitchen drawers. As soon as you run out of anything, make a quick note on the sheet of paper. The next time you go grocery shopping, take the list with you.

Hang your keys on a key holder by the door, so you don't have to look for them every morning. Women can tuck a decorative 'challa' (sans jingles!) on the waistband of their outfit.

'A place for everything, and everything in its place,' is one of the most useful phrases you will come across. Read it, re-read it, and internalise the message. You will be glad you did.