And the address is…?

If I invited you to my house and only gave you the name of the town, is it likely you’d ever find me? Having the neighborhood would give you a slightly better chance, but only with the street name and the house number could you pinpoint the exact location.

Let’s substitute my house for yours. Consider some of the important things you misplace with regularity: for example, your keys, or shoes, or important papers. You know these items are in the house somewhere, but which somewhere? Maybe your papers are in some pile or stuffed in a box; or your keys are on the table or counter or in a jacket pocket. Perhaps you kicked off your shoes at the door, or they might be under the couch, or the pair you want is in that pile of random family shoes.

This can be worse for something important that you use irregularly – like the extra key to your parents’ garage.

These items are lacking a home of their own. Determining places for important things to “live,” remembering the “address,” and developing the habit of putting important things into their homes when you finish using them will save you time and stress. Imagine always knowing where your keys are!

I live with a somewhat disorganized person. To make this process easier for him, I created labels for his drawers and bins for certain types of items. Having them is one part of a process that works for him. What would work for you?

Need help? Here I am.

-Sydney Metrick