Odds and ends

For small items that seem to always be lying about, keys, loose change, etc., create places for them, like a hook for the keys by the door, or a bowl for loose change on the dresser, a mug on the desk for pens and pencils, etc.

As discussed in the storage page, you should have a box for those things that you don't know quite what to do with, things like single socks, etc.

Since everything should have a place assigned, and everything should be in it's place, when you find something that has no home, put it in the box.

If you keep finding things out of place, and are getting tired of returning it to its' home, put it in the "unknown" box - particularly if you know it's one person doing it. When they ask where it is, say it in the "junk" box, and they should get the hint. Remember that every month or so, you go through the "junk" box and toss out things that are useless.

More organization tips

• Lists Setting up a calendar and lists to assist in the organization process.
• Message Center Setting up a central place for messages and important information.
• Are you organized? A quick quiz to find out how organized you are, and how much you can do to make yourself more organized.
• Make your own organizer Making your own organizer to track tasks and dates.
• Telephone tips Ways to save time and frustration with the telephone.
• Errands and appointments Making the most out of errands and appointments.
• Using short periods wisely What to do when you only have a few minutes.
• Mail How to handle mail efficiently.
• Housework Make housework more productive and effective.
• Company Preparing for, and entertaining, company.
• Company Kit Setting up a kit for when company arrives on short notice.
• Each evening Preparing for the following day.
• Simple tidying Life can be easier if you set up areas for situations, tyding up the whole house.
• Laundry Ways to save time and money with the laundry.
• Distributing the Burden You don't have to do it all yourself, you can share the load.
• Delegation How to delegate effectively.
• Child's room Keeping your kid's rooms tidy.
• Storage Where to put things.
• Pack rat How to avoid being a pack rat.
• Messy Closet Cleaning out a messy closet.
• Garage Sale How to have a successful garage sale.
• Moving Sorting through your stuff for a move.
• Prevention Some ideas to prevent cleaning chores.
• Odds and ends How to deal with odds and ends that just kind of show up to clutter a room.
• Organizing Your Home Basics of organization.

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