Where’s that Allen wrench? Where’s that stamp? Where’s that black marker?

Do you have a system of where to put things in order to find them at a moment’s notice? Here is a list of where I put some of my “favorite things” in the “computer room.”

Stamps: an open book of stamps is taped to a bulletin board near my desk

Allen wrench and tiny set screws (for filling ink cartridges): In a small plastic doggie dish on my desk

Car keys, wallet, cell phone: In a small plastic box in the top drawer in the desk

Permanent markers: In a plastic case hung from the bulletin board

Small tools like a wire stripper, pliers, and ratchet: On a shelf above the desk

Camera, glue sticks: On a shelf above the printer

Pencils, pens, scissors, screwdrivers: In separate mugs on the desk

Stapler, tape dispenser, glue gun: On the desk

The list could go on and on. The main idea is that it helps to have a place for everything you want to find quickly. What do I mean it “helps”? I mean it helps you to avoid going nuts while you scamper around the house looking for that missing item.

A Two-Part Solution

The crux of this essay is that while it’s important to have a place for everything, it’s even more important to put an item, once used, back into its place. DUH.

When someone in the family yells, “Who saw the markers?” all you can tell them is “They should be in that plastic case hung from the bulletin board.” Then, to prevent their yelling some more, you might decide to join them in hunting for the markers.

I have decided not to expect someone else to put things back in their places. If there are things that I do not want to disappear, I have a few options. I can tie the item to the desk with a string, I can put a note near the item that reads, “PLEASE do not remove,” or I can buy a duplicate item, and keep it in a “safe” location.

Yes, this essay does state the obvious. But, if you want to find those markers . . .

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com