Most of us work most efficiently in a well-organized environment. Things just go more smoothly when whatever is needed at the moment is easily accessed.

Years ago, I read an article on being organized. There was a “golden rule” set forth that stuck in my mind: “Don’t put it down, put it away.” This made a lot of sense to me. A tool tossed on the bench gets lost in the pile of other tools that received the same treatment and soon, everything is scattered around and time is lost trying to find things.

It’s not always possible to do this and, in a rush, it can be frustrating to have to take the time to return a tool to its designated place. Well-equipped and organized work stations are essential to this. And that’s not always possible either because it means that many commonly-used tools will have to be purchased in multiples.

That can get expensive. But, in the long run, it may well be worth it in time saved trying to find things.