Finding a Place for Everything

We've all heard the axiom "A place for everything, and everything in its place." I have often seen this statement attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but in researching the phrase, it seems that there is some question as to its actual origins which might date back as far as 1640. Whoever said it first, one thing is clear: this is a truth that has been understood for centuries, and with good reason. 

The proverb actually emphasizes two principles of organization. The first is that everything should have a designated place where it is stored. The second is that things should be returned to their rightful place when not in use. These truths seem obvious enough, but the fact is that both aspects of this maxim can, and do, present challenges for some (if not most) people. 

Does Everything Really Need a Place?

Yes. The answer to this question is yes. Which probably leads you to ask another, more direct question: why? 

The simple answer to the second query is clutter. Anything that doesn't have a home is clutter, and clutter is the enemy of us all. Clutter causes confusion, frustration, anxiety, stress, and irritability. It zaps our time, energy, creativity, productivity, and even our money (ever had to buy something you knew you owned but couldn't find?). 

In contrast, a home where everything has its place, and everything resides in its proper place is peaceful, relaxing, inviting, and inspiring. When you walk into such a space, you want to sit down and stay awhile - after admiring all the lovely order. 

When things have a designated space, they aren't just easier to find, they're easier to appreciate. Cluttered shelves, countertops, and surfaces swallow up everything that resides on them. It's as if they fall into a visual hole. Their identity is lost in the jumble. 

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Finding Everything a Place

The first step to finding a place for everything in your home begins with determining which things deserve a place in your home. That means decluttering, or purging your belongings. 

Once you've paired down your belongings to those things that serve a purpose and/or speak to your heart, it's time to determine where they should reside. Try implementing these suggestions for finding a home for all the things within your home. 

Consider Logical Locations
​I'm a big fan of creating a whole house storage plan. This involves thinking through the storage spaces in your home and determining what should go where. During our recent move (and numerous previous moves), I applied this concept to every space in our home, not just the storage spaces. For instance, I mapped out my kitchen and decided (before unpacking) what items should go where based on ease of use. 

To determine the best location for things, there are some basic guidelines you can apply. 

• Store things where you use them. Sounds logical enough, but I have come across more than one foot bath in a garage, or trailer hitch in a linen closet. Sometimes we put things where we think we have space for them rather than where they truly belong. 
• Save the most accessible spaces for the most frequently used items. You want the things you use the most to be the easiest to retrieve and put away. 

Consider Space Limitations
Almost everyone wishes they had more storage space. In many cases, you can increase your space's storage capacity by adding a shelf here or a storage solution there. For example: ​

• ​Utilize Vertical Space - Use available wall space to hang shelving, hooks, or other types of organizers. Where appropriate, install overhead or drop down shelving. Add a second shelf 12-15 inches above the existing shelf in clothes' closets to take advantage of unused vertical space. 
• Utilize Hidden Space - Hide seasonal clothing in tidy under bed storage baskets and bins. Keep a wide variety of items close at hand with over-the-door organizers and shoe sorters. Store knives or K-cups in drop-down under cabinet organizers. Mazimize cabinet space by using the inside of the door to store spices. 
• Utilize Unused Space - Mazimize kitchen storage by hanging magnetic or wall-mounted organizers above countertops. Attach a magnetic organizer to the side of the refrigerator. Attach narrow metal bins to the outside edge of kitchen cabinets. 
• Utilize Awkward Space - In our last house we had a large attic space with steeply sloped walls. We built sturdy shelves into the angled roof to create storage space for plastic totes. We also set up some shelves in the small enclosed space under the stairs to create a much needed pantry. Look for ways to maximize storage space in your home by adding shelving, hooks, and other storage solutions to nooks and crannies and other awkward spaces. 

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Increasing Storage

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The laundry room in our new home was spacious but it bothered me that there was a large swath of wall above the sink and washing machine that was completely unused. I asked our contractor (who was completing other work in the house) if he could build me some shelves to match the existing wall cabinet, and I'm so glad that I did! The addition of the shelves significantly increased the room's storage capacity, and I think it looks much more attractive as well. 

Consider Storage Options
When finding a place for things, the method of storage can be as important as the location. Different types of items require different types of containers. What's suitable for certain things, won't work well for others. Consider the following as you plan out where to place things:

• Practicality - easy to access, easy to open and close, easy to move
• Affordability - works within your budget
• Availability - can easily be obtained if additional pieces are needed
• Durability - will stand up to repeated use
• Functionality - works as intended, meets specific needs
• Appropriateness - sturdy containers for kid's spaces, decorative/coordinating containers for display, waterproof containers for attics and basements, etc. 

Of course not all things are intended to be tucked away in a storage bin out of sight. Some things are meant to be viewed and enjoyed. Too much can be said about how to store and display specific types of items to go into the topic in depth here. Suffice it to say that those things you love to look at should inhabit a place of honor in your home. Display them where you can see them and in a way that does them justice. 

What to Do When You Don't Know
What to Do with Something

We all have things for which we struggle to find a suitable home within our home. In some cases it's because we aren't sure where they belong, and in other cases it's because we aren't sure that they belong. If you're having a hard time finding a place for something, ask yourself a few questions to determine which is the case:

• Why do I have this item?
• Do I have a use for it?
• Do I have an attachment to it?
• Where do I have similar items stored? 
• What is preventing me from putting this item in its logical place? 

Just because an item is useful or otherwise valuable that doesn't mean you have to keep the item indefinitely. If it doesn't seem to fit in your space, it may be because it doesn't fit well in your life. ​Don't be afraid to part with such things.

Everything In Its Place

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The second part of our famous adage is "everything in its place". In other words, it is only helpful to have a place for everything if things are placed where they belong when not in use. This is a different skill set and involves forming certain habits such as:

• hanging up coats and placing shoes and bags where they belong when entering the home
• putting dirty clothes in the hamper upon removing them and putting clean clothes in the closet or dresser once washed
• putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher (or washing them as soon as they are used)
• making the bed
• putting toys, games, books, movies, projects, supplies, and tools away after each use
• resetting a room upon leaving the space - i.e. putting everything back where it belongs

To some these behaviors may seem tedious and time-consuming. In reality,  each of these tasks take mere moments to perform when done as they arise, and the result is well worth the effort. Think how wonderful it feels to walk into a tidy, organized space at the end of a long day versus walking into an unkempt, disorderly space. The former is relaxing, while the latter increases stress and tension. 

Apply the Ancient Wisdom

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When a concept continues to be emphasized centuries after it was introduced, it's a safe bet that concept is worth considering. The notion that everything should have a place and reside in its place when not in use is an old one but a profound one. Applying this ancient wisdom will not only bring order to your space but also peace to your mind and heart.