“A place for everything, everything in its place.”
Is your desk cluttered with piles of papers? Are you forced to search frantically for your car keys every day? At this precise moment, could you say where everything you use is located?
Put everything in its place.
Putting everything in its place
Adopt a system
Put all documents you receive in an inbox at work and at home. Process the contents of the inbox: complete necessary tasks, or put them in a to-do list (in the relevant folder), or file, forward, or delete. With this system, there are never questions about what to do: the options are limited.
Find a place for everything
If you’re about to place something on the kitchen counter, table, desk, or throw it on the couch or bed, think: is this its place? What is its place? If it doesn’t have one yet, find one.
Simple filing system
Once you’ve processed the inbox documents, you’ll need a place to put them in case you need them later. Avoid having a pack of documents thrown somewhere: instead, create a simple filing system (alphabetical order is the easiest). Make sure to always have labels and folders available to create a new one if necessary. Absolutely avoid having a Miscellaneous folder.
File immediately
Yes, I know, you’ll do it later. You leave it there until you have time to deal with it. Except that, after some time, later becomes a chaotic pile. Don’t wait until later. Do it now!
Make it a habit
Let’s be honest: you won’t get used to putting things in their place overnight. You’ll forget or laziness will take over. For it to become a constant habit, you must focus on it for at least 30 days. Make it a challenge with yourself, directing all your energy to it until it becomes automatic.
Pay attention to transition phases
The time that passes between the moment you are performing an activity and when you move on to something else is a transition phase. This is the time when you should put away what you’ve used and tidy up, but it’s also a time when you don’t think about doing it because you’re focused on what you’re going to do next. When you’re working on the Organize habit (and in particular, Everything in its place), pay special attention to transition phases. Being aware of transitions will help you remember to tidy up.
Keep horizontal surfaces clear
Never throw anything on the kitchen counter, table, desk, bed, living room coffee table, dresser, floor. If you happen to do so, get back on track immediately and find another place to put that object.
Labels
They are the best friends of anyone who wants to be well organized. Make sure to always have labels available and label containers or boxes, so you know where everything is.
Evaluate periodically
From time to time, it’s good practice to review your organization. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to have something in one room if you use it in another. Sometimes it’s useful to have three pairs of scissors if you often use them in three different rooms. Sometimes you’ll need to eliminate some excess or reorganize a drawer or cabinet. Doing this periodically helps you always master the situation.
The benefits of organization
Keeping everything in its place offers numerous advantages:
- Reduces stress - No need to constantly search for things
- Saves time - You immediately find what you need
- Increases productivity - You have an orderly and functional work environment
- Improves concentration - Fewer visual distractions
- Creates mental space - Fewer worries about where things are
“External order contributes to inner clarity.”
