With Time to Spare

Organize to Make Life Easier

Sue McMillin

Organizing Consultant & Speaker

719-352-5535
sue@withtimetospare.com

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You are here: Home / Organize Your Home / “Put things away, not down.”

September 25, 2012 by Sue McMillin

“Put things away, not down.”

Word Count: 296

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Read Time: 2 min

My mom used to say that when I came home from school, she could track me all the way through our country store, into the house, and clear into my room by following my “droppings.”

First went the satchel, then my coat, then the dress (yes, we had to wear dresses to school-this was pre-Civil War days, then the shoes, and finally, all the rest of my clothes. Who eventually picked up all those clothes strung all over the house? You guessed it — my mom.

That was until I was on my own and had to face the consequences of a sloppy room. That’s when the realization hit, and I began to see an amazing principle. When you put something down instead of away, you have to deal with it twice. Yikes, for a professional organizer, that is a mortal sin. Why deal with it twice, when you could deal with it only once? I soon learned — the hard way — that putting it away, not down, was smart.

Here’s how this works in our everyday lives: When working on a project on your desk, quickly put it away before starting on another project. On entering the house, put your keys in the same place every day. When you bring in the mail, put it a pretty basket.

Throw as much of it away as possible. In fact, several folks have told they placed a small garbage can beside their mailbox and dumped the junk mail before it entered their home. Put your folded laundry away. Put your groceries away. Put your tools away. Putting things away brings closure to small segments of your day. By doing this, you will never have to deal with your stuff over and over. Only once.

Filed Under: Organize Your Home, Quick Reads

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Sue’s Story

I've been a professional organizer most of my adult life. Who I am and why I love my work comes from how I was raised and the mysteries of DNA!

From the most humble of beginnings in Kentucky to helping businesses and organizations across the U.S., I always try my best to share both practical and inspirational principles and techniques.

I hope you enjoy your visit here and come back often. And feel free to call or email anytime.

Even though you might reach me on my porch looking out at the Colorado Rockies, a born and bred Kentucky girl enjoys a good chat.

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