Backstory
How much time do you waste each year, searching for things? The Pixie Lost & Found survey finds the average American spends 2.5 days each year looking for lost items. That reminded me of the system my grandmother had for keeping things from getting lost.
Organized
A place for everything, and everything in its place. A good principle of organization. My Grandmother took it one step further. “You should be able to find it with your eyes closed,” she said. And she could, because she had decided where she wanted to find things and she kept them there.
If you are feeling the stress of a busy lifestyle, you might find blessed relief by following Grandma’s principle of organization.
Think about the time you would save each day if you didn’t have to go looking for things. From car keys to paperwork to shoes – put them back where they belong and they’ll be there when you need them. And, of course, that totally applies to what you keep on your computer.
First consider WHERE you want things kept. Instead of dropping the keys wherever you wind up, ALWAYS hang them on the hook on the wall. Put papers in labeled file folders instead of stacks. Keep shoes on a rack in pairs instead of in a pile. Always keep scissors in the same place… and the measuring tape… and the cullender. A few minutes of preparation can save hours of frustration. It’s a really big payoff.
Getting organized may be easier than you think.
At least that’s what Grandma said!
P.S.
Something I had never considered is the cost of things lost. According to the “Lost & Found” survey, Americans collectively spend a whopping $2.7 billion dollars every year, losing things. Two thirds of us spending up to $50 yearly—simply replacing the items we can’t find. Lost at least once a week, according to the survey – TV remote, phone, car & keys, glasses, shoes and wallets/purses. Which is your nemesis?
[Show #642]
Ah yes, the anxiety of disorganizing the organization!
Good info! Actually, I think I probably spend somewhere between the $50 you mention up to the 2.7 billion you also mention… on
crates /carts/plastics/etc to help me organize my stuff! Then I lose even those!!!
Your grandmother got it exactly right! And not only does this system save time (and money), but it is also less stress when you know where things are and that you can put your hands on them when you need them. Thanks for this wonderful reminder.
Along with this system, I like Gretchen Rubin’s One Minute Rule — if there’s something you can do in a minutes or less, go on and do it, don’t wait. I’ve written about it here: https://www.heartspoken.com/13510/heartspoken-moment-remember-the-one-minute-rule/.
It takes just a few seconds to put those keys in their designated place and less than a minute to put the junk mail in the trash instead of leaving it on the counter. The two systems work beautifully together.
Loved your list, Elizabeth. of what you can do in one minute.