1. Touch it once. This is a time management skill that will allow you to save time. For instance, when returning a cup to the kitchen, instead
of placing it on the counter and waiting until later to place it in the dishwasher, place it directly in the dishwasher now. Touching the cup only once will save you time and it will keep your counters clear.
Same with a jacket. When you take it off, hang it immediately. Don't toss it over a chair for later.
2. Keep like-items together. When like-items are grouped together, it makes finding things much simpler for yourself and others within your household. A few
examples include grouping all your spices together in a kitchen spice sorter, keeping all your casual shoes on one closet shelf, or storing the tape, scissors, and stapler in one desk drawer.
3. Store items where you use them. Store printer paper near your printer. Store blankets
and sheets in or near the bedrooms. Why would you want to store your printer paper downstairs in the closet if your computer is upstairs in a spare bedroom?
When items are stored near where
they will be used, time is saved. It will be much easier to locate items.
4. Store according to use. Frequently used items should be kept easily accessible. For example, in the kitchen, place the everyday
plates and cups in cupboards so you are not reaching up or bending down to get them.
In contrast, seldom used items such as down comforters can be kept on a higher and harder to access
shelf if it's something that will not be used daily.
5. One in, two out. For every new item you bring in the house, two must leave...preferably in the same category. This
will help you reduce the clutter in your household. For example, if you buy a new shirt, two old shirts get tossed or donated.
6. Are you over your magic numbers. How many spatulas do you need? What about sweaters or food storage containers? Every person needs to determine their own
magic numbers, taking into account their needs and the amount of storage within their home.
For instance, if you use no more than five containers daily for leftovers at a time, your magic number should be 5. If you have 15, you're well over your magic number. Determine those you can donate and get
rid of your excess.
7. Use hangers to determine clothes usage. When you seasonally change your clothing, place all of your hangers in the closet hanging in one direction. After you wear an item and hang it back in the closet, place the hanger in the opposite
direction.
At the end of the season any hangers still hanging in the original direction indicates clothing that was not worn and therefore, should be donated.
8. Don't pile it. File it. Rather than building up papers to be filed in a To File tray, just file each sheet of paper as you get it. You'll never have to schedule a mass filing session again.
