I have always been amused that even the poorest guy will have a stereo system. My wealthy male clients often have their sound technicians show up to hook up their stereos before the moving truck pulls out of the driveway. Men usually have fairly complicated organizing systems for their records, CDs and tapes. If you have such a man in your home, let him take the reins on this project. Or you might ask a male friend what kind of system he created and borrow some of his ideas.

For the neophyte, here are eight ideas to help you get control of this important part of life. After all, it is music that calms us, inspires us, entertains us and even soothes the savage beast in us.

• If you are patient and meticulous, put everything in alphabetical order, either by title, composer or performer.
• Should you be so inclined, make a master computer list of everything you own.
• If you have a record collection and no longer play them, consider storing them where they will be safe. You don't want them damaged by humidity or heat, nor do you want to place anything heavy on the boxes that hold them.
• No matter what source (record, cassette or CD) you rely on for your listening pleasure, you can best keep track of everything by dividing the collection first into different types of music. Such as:
  1. Rock
  2. Alternative rock
  3. Jazz
  4. Country-western
  5. Broadway
  6. Classical/opera
  7. Big band/orchestral

Once the categories have been separated out, you can further refine them in this way: