Do you often find yourself or a loved one exclaiming, "Where are my keys?" in the midst of a frantic search? It's a common scenario in many households, and the solution lies in the simple yet powerful concept of organisation, finding ‘homes’ for your stuff.
Imagine gaining back 7 to 14 working days a year by eliminating the time spent searching for lost items. Let's delve into the transformative world of organisation, starting with the fundamental principle of giving every item in your home a designated "home."
Give every item in your home a designated "home."
The Power of Homes
Start with the notorious key and wallet dilemma. Establish a designated spot near the entrance for these essentials. Before leaving, take a quick glance to make sure you have your keys, phone, and wallet. If one is missing, you can locate and grab it in seconds. This simple practice saves time and reduces daily frustration.
Tackling Homeless Items
Extend the concept of "homes" to other commonly misplaced items:
Bags: Assign a specific shelf or box for bags so they always have a place.
Shoes: Organise shoes on shelves or in boxes, separating everyday pairs from special occasion footwear.
Bills: Sort bills directly above the recycling bin to make the task less daunting. After opening, place them in a designated spot for payment or filing.
Pencils, Books, and Newspapers: Group these items together as display pieces. A visually appealing arrangement can add charm while keeping things tidy.
Kids' Toys: Dedicate a storage space for toys to keep the environment clutter-free. Assess the number of toys to ensure you have enough storage.
Reaping the Benefits
The advantages of adopting the concept of "homes" extend beyond mere organisation. Imagine saving 15 to 30 minutes each day by effortlessly locating frequently used items. Establishing just one home per day means creating 30 organised spaces a month, significantly reducing time spent searching for essentials.
A Personal Touch
As a parting tip, consider investing in small organisational tools that make a big difference. For instance, attaching a clip inside your handbag for your keys can be a game-changer. No more fumbling through your bag for minutes on end; the keys are always in the same spot in your bag. Clip them onto your handbag clip, and you're straight into the house — no digging around.
In our daily lives, it's often the little things that count. Embrace the power of organisation and transform your space into a haven of efficiency and tranquillity. Say goodbye to the stress of misplaced items and welcome the simplicity and calmness that an organised home brings.
Learn the basics of Organising
I talk about the importance of finding homes for your belongings in all my organising books.
Learn the basics of organising.
Organising Unpacked covers this exact principle in more depth — the skillset and mindset behind a genuinely organised home.
Note: part of this article was originally an Illawarra mercury article from 2013 updated and refreshed in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
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It means every item has one fixed, designated spot it always returns to — keys always go on the same hook, bills always go in the same tray. This removes the daily decision of where something goes, which is what actually keeps a space organised long term.
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Set up one designated spot near your entrance for keys, phone, and wallet. Make it a habit to place them there the moment you walk in — within a few weeks it becomes automatic, and you'll always know where they are.
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More than most people expect. Even 15-30 minutes saved a day from not searching for misplaced items adds up to roughly 7-14 working days a year — time that's simply lost to disorganisation.
