Issue 1

Check out our other free resources.

SummitStar Press will now be providing tools that not only help you get organized but save you time! Starting this issue, we will provide timesaving tools so that you can create time to focus on what you really want to. We'll provide tips for reducing clutter, organizing, managing time, and other ways to help you be more effective!

Location, Location, Location:
Put Things Where You Use Them

by Angela Yee

It seems like such a fundamental and simple principle, but it's too often forgotten.

People are lazy. Period.

We're not going to get up to walk around the room just to throw away a piece of paper. Leaving it on the desk is so much more convenient. Even better, crumple it up and try to make a basket. If we miss, oh well, we'll get it later.
We get out a tape dispense to get a piece of tape... and then walk away with it still on the table.
We borrow a pair of scissors from a drawer downstairs. We leave it on the counter upstairs — we'll put it away later.

What happens? A big mess. Things everywhere. You can't find something when you need it. Time wasted.

That's why this fundamental principle will save you time — you can find something when you need it, and put it away immediately. It will be there next time and you don't have to hunt around for it.

Here's the key. Create a space for an item you use close by where you use it. You can apply this guideline to just about anything — food utensils, papers, information, office supplies, books, everything you use!

If you are going to take a quick message, put a pad of paper and a pen (in a holder) near by the phone. When it comes time to take a message, it takes all of one second to grab the pencil and jot a note.
If you have only one pair of scissors and you use them upstairs and downstairs, go out and buy yourself another pair so you have a pair for both locations.
If you find yourself always going to the garage to get a screwdriver to use, keep one in the house.
Rooms are notoriously known for not having enough garbage cans (or, in today's environmentally conscious environment, recycling cans). Who says a room can only have one garbage can? Put one in every corner if you have kids who are always leaving junk around. Of course, training them to toss things in the garbage instead of leaving them on the table is another matter. . .

Here's an example of how to put things you use near you - use a unit with wheels! You can organize your supplies and customize it with adjustable shelves. Then roll it around to where you are using it. Find out more here.