The "Homes for Everything" strategy is simple, but it’s the key to making your newfound order last. This is the simple but life-changing idea that every single item in your life, from your car keys to your computer files, needs a designated, permanent place to live.

Think of it this way: your items need a "home address." When every item has a specific place to be returned to, you eliminate the endless search for things you need. This is how you stop wasting time and mental energy on the small stuff. The best part? This strategy makes the One-Touch Rule from last week so much easier, because if an item has a home, you can put it away in a single, effortless action.

Here are a few strong examples to help you put Homes for Everything into practice:

• In Your Entryway: Instead of dropping your keys and wallet on the nearest surface, create a designated home for them. This could be a small bowl, a key hook on the wall, or a specific drawer in a console table.

• In Your Kitchen: Your spatulas and whisks could live together in a stylish utensil holder right next to the stove, and your coffee pods should have a permanent spot in a specific basket.

• On Your Desk: It's easy for a desk to become a clutter magnet. Give all your items a home—pens in a cup, notebooks on a shelf, and important papers in a single file folder.

This week's second strategy is a simple but powerful technique to help you create "homes." The Containment Principle is the idea that items that are similar should be stored together in a container. This could be a bin, a basket, a drawer divider, or even a small tray. The goal is to create clear boundaries for your items.

Think of it as creating neighborhoods for your things. All the batteries live in one small divided bin, all the gift cards in another. This prevents them from wandering off and helps you easily see how much you have of a given item. This strategy gives your items a clear "address" so you know exactly where to put them back and where to find them later.

The Containment Principle is all about giving items a defined space, making them easy to find and return. Here are some simple, concrete examples for how you can use this strategy in your own home:

In Your Kitchen:

• A drawer divider to keep your cutlery, cooking utensils, and gadgets neatly separated.

• A caddy under the sink for all your cleaning supplies, so they don't topple over.

On Your Desk:

• Small, stackable containers for office supplies like paper clips, rubber bands, and push pins.

• A magazine holder to keep important documents or notebooks upright and easy to grab.

In Your Bathroom:

• Drawer organizers to keep makeup, hair ties, and cotton swabs from rolling around.

• Clear bins under the sink to store extra shampoo bottles or toilet paper.

Remember, the goal is to make it effortless to put things away, so you can enjoy your tidy, organized space for longer!