Organization

I have several issues with keeping the house well-organized. When I do get things ship-shape, I can't seem to find the time to maintain it, as suggested by every expert I've ever read. In addition, when we are hosting a gathering and there isn't time to get everything put away properly, things get stuffed into drawers and closets. And forgotten. That's actually a plus when I run across something and realize I hadn't used it, or even thought about it for months. It can probably get tossed. It's when I need something and despite frantic searching, can't find it that problems arise. About a month ago I was looking for something in the back of a high closet shelf, when I set off an avalanche. Old pillowcases and towels rained down on my head and it ended when I was bonked by a large book. It took me a minute to remember what it was. It was a gift I had bought for my daughter for Christmas. Eventually I found something better, but I didn't want to return it in the middle of the holiday rush. I had tucked it out of sight and by the time things slowed down, had completely forgotten about it. Bless their hearts, Costco gave me a refund, nine months after the purchase. But it struck me--how literal can I get?--that the stuff had gotten out of hand again. How should I try to fix it this time? All my life I've read in advice articles that doing a small piece of a large job every day eventually gets you to the end. I never did it that way because I find the idea annoying. I'd much rather tackle a large job and give it my all until it's done. At one time, the system that starts with dumping the entire contents of the room in the middle of the floor would have been ideal. It's very rewarding to see the finished results, but there are so many demands on my time now, I'd never have time to do that. I decided to give the bits and pieces system a try. Big surprise, it worked! And I get a happy rush every time I look at those closet shelves. So I'm tackling other areas of my home. In fact if you'll excuse me, there's a kitchen cabinet that has been driving me crazy . . .