The Organizing Solution Often Overlooked: Putting Things Away

There is one aspect of organized living that I think gets highly under-emphasized by organizational professionals and how-to magazine articles and books. That is: simply the act of picking up after yourself. Or, put another way, putting things away. I know, it isn't a sexy answer, and even may sound overly simplistic. It isn't even really any fun, either, because it doesn't involve buying anything and it does involve the one commodity we all say we don't have enough of: time. Time we'd rather spend being entertained, relaxing, spending time with our friends, or doing one of our hobbies.

But trust me when I say this: The time you invest in picking up after yourself will greatly increase the time you have to do other things in the long-run. Putting things away is the most cost-effective, highly productive ways you can keep your home or office organized. And when things are organized, life is simple, and life is good.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the one prerequisite that makes putting things away easier, and more fun: everything needs a home. Not just a home, but a permanent home. Knowing where your belongings live, where they are stored, and being able to put them away quickly and easily (meaning, not at the bottom of the drawer) is a must-have for quickly cleaning up and keeping the rules of good organization in play.

As for method, the one I have used successful for years is what I call the "sweep method." That is, in whatever room that is needing attention, I start at one side of the room, and work my way around to the other… quickly. Dirty dishes all over the place? Don't stop to wash each individual dish, instead, put them in warm water so soak while you are cleaning off the counter and kitchen table. You can wash them once everything else is put away. Likewise with your mail stacked on the counter: don't stop to open or pay your bills now. Immediately recycle the junk mail, and put the bills near your checkbook for paying later.

Before you know it, normally in a matter of minutes, your kitchen will be neat and tidy. And ready for that deeper clean. Unless of course you have that latest episode of (you fill in the blank) to catch up on. In this case tidy is good enough for today.