I was never more thankful for air traffic controllers than when visiting our son and family while they lived near LAX. It’s fun watching the huge airliners make their approach knowing they have an exact spot assigned. Imagine if landing planes was a willy-nilly activity without an intentional system. As the plane descends, the pilot chooses the first flat surface he sees and says, “I’ll just put this here, for now.”

Sound a little familiar? Flat surfaces beg for things to land on them and we, willy-nilly comply thinking it’s “just for now.” While the results may not be a matter of life or death, it’s often a matter of peace or chaos.

The biggest contributors to piles on our counters, tables, etc. are things that need a temporary home. Unfortunately, we don’t have a control tower advising us on where to land what’s in our hand. If the cost of your clutter (stress, wasted time, strained relationships) isn't worth the benefit of randomly landing stuff on the first flat surface you see, then it’s time for an intentional system.

Set aside aspirations of a Pinterest perfect outcome. That, can stop you in your tracks. Let go of the idea that you’re leaving things out so you can see them—you can’t. Follow these simple Timely Tips to nail your landings.

Timely Tips to nail your landings

Papers
As you sort through your piles, you’ll find papers that you didn’t put away because they need action. Get an open topped bin/basket (at least 12”x9”x5”) and label it “ACTION PAPERS.”

This is also where you can process mail, but if at any point the bin is full, then it’s time to get busy and take action!

There are, of course, more complicated systems, but now, you have just ONE PLACE to look for any papers needing action. The rest—shred, recycle, or file in a file cabinet.

Projects
Label another bin “PROJECTS.” Place only the projects from your piles that will fit comfortably in the bin and that you plan to do within the month.

Make a list of too large and overflow projects. Place the list in the bin with a note saying where they are being stored. Relocate the overflow projects to the designated closet or cabinet.

Now, you have a manageable project load and just TWO PLACES to look when searching for a project.

In ‘n Out
The third temporary home is for the items strewn about that come and go with you—purses, wallets, backpacks, keys, etc. Install hooks near the door for the items that can hang.

For other items, use another open topped bin. Be vigilant about using it only for “In ‘n Out” items--sunglasses, library books, dry cleaning, things to return to stores, or take to the office. Place it near the door. Now you have just ONE AREA to look for and store your “In ‘n Out” items.

Shine your flat surfaces and celebrate each time you nail a landing—you’ve earned it.