Everything Needs a Home: A Simple Strategy for Getting Organized
Has this ever happened to you?
You’re rushing to get out the door when suddenly your child can’t find their backpack.
Or you can’t find your keys. Or your sunglasses. Or your phone.
And of course… this always happens when you’re already late.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
You might think:
Why does this always happen when I’m in a hurry?
Why is this so stressful?
And (a little later), What could I have done differently?
That last question is a good one — it means your metacognition (thinking about your thinking) is kicking in. You’re reflecting and problem-solving. And that’s where change begins.
Challenges with working memory and sustained focus make it very easy to put something down and then forget where we put it.
So, what’s the solution?
The Golden Rule: Everything Needs a Home
Every single item that you use regularly needs a predictable spot — one home where it always belongs.
Sounds simple, right? But simple doesn’t mean easy.
Let’s take a look at how this can work in real life.
Start with What You Know: The Kitchen
Think about the kitchen:
Food lives in the pantry, fridge, or freezer.
Plates and bowls have a shelf.
Silverware even has its own special organizer.
Everything has a home — and that’s why it works.
Commonly Misplaced Items That Need Homes
Among my clients, the most frequently lost items include:
Phones
Earbuds
Keys
Wallets
Sunglasses (for a certain someone who lives in my house 😉)
These things need homes too. Maybe it’s a basket by the door, a hook on the wall, or a bowl on the counter.
The key is predictability. When something has a consistent place, your brain doesn’t waste precious energy searching for it.
Paper and Clothing Need Homes Too
Clothing: Socks, mittens, hats, jackets, and shoes each need a home — whether it’s a bin, basket, or shelf.
Papers: Adults need a place for “official” things like tax forms, birth certificates, and receipts. It doesn’t have to be a filing cabinet — a labeled folder or small drawer can work just as well.
Students: A simple binder or accordion folder can serve as a home for important papers. (Ask me about binders — I have lots of ideas!)
5 Tips to Create — and Keep — Homes That Work
1. Choose what works for you.
Forget the “shoulds.”
You should keep your keys by the door. You should hang your jacket on a hook. But if your brain works differently, pick what fits your habits. One of my adult clients keeps his wallet in the bathroom.
Unusual? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
2. Mark a “parking spot.”
My friend, Sarah Kesty, host of The Executive Function Podcast, suggests using blue painter’s tape to mark a “parking spot” on a surface like your desk or counter.
That visual cue reminds your brain, “Ah, this is where my wallet goes.”
3. Use what you already have.
Before buying baskets or containers, look around your home. Repurpose boxes, bowls, or jars — your brain will appreciate familiarity.
4. Keep important things in sight.
If you often misplace things, visibility matters.
“Out of sight, out of mind” is real — especially for brains with Executive Function challenges.
5. Start small and get support.
If organizing everything feels overwhelming, choose one thing — maybe the item that causes you the most stress when it’s missing. Find a home for that one thing, and stick with it.
You can even ask family members or roommates to (gently!) remind you when it’s out of place.
Remember: Start Small and Be Kind to Yourself
Creating homes for things takes time and consistency.
It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress. Start with one item, one home, one new habit.
Because when everything has a home, your brain can finally relax. 🧠✨
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Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher and Executive Function coach based in Bend, OR. Carrie works with students and families (and adults, too). Her coaching empowers students to thrive in life and in school, helps parents and teachers to better support their children, and guides adult to get on top of all that life requires. In addition to coaching, she is also an adjunct instructor for early-career teachers at University of Portland in Oregon. For more information, visit www.carriebonnett.com
