A pervasive concept in organizing is that things should have a "home." Another way to think about that is to say that something has a "parking space." You know those primo reserved executive parking spaces that you drive by wishing you could park there?
In the summer families are home more and they drink more beverages, so the number of dirty drinking glasses tends to multiply. We have a favorite trick that we actually use year-round-- we each have assigned "parking spaces" for our current drinking glasses and use them over and over during the day.
You can either designate a particular spot on the kitchen counter, such as "right next to the cookie jar," or you can use coasters like we do (seen in this photo). We have tried using color-coded glasses and other methods to reduce the glass usage, but this works better than anything.
Do you use the "parking space" idea in your house? This method works great in the garage too, for bikes and other equipment, and it just somehow helps people think about the home for the item in a more solid way. Tell us in the comments where you park your stuff!
I absolutely love this idea! We go through SO MANY glasses each day in our house, and this would make it so much easier. Thanks!
Posted by: Nikki | July 24, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I honestly think this just may work with my family.
Posted by: carolyne | July 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM
good info :-)
Posted by: mmi | August 01, 2008 at 02:10 AM
I LOVE this idea and intend to use it in my house! It also means not having to turn on the dishwasher as often, thereby saving water and energy. So, this is a green idea, too! Thanks, Lorre!
Posted by: christine cox | May 12, 2009 at 03:25 PM
We just purchased a set of clear photo coasters and have placed a picture of each family member in their own coaster. This idea will work great and can be used for all ages. Thanks for the idea.
Posted by: Kelli | May 15, 2009 at 07:13 AM
..and we each have a parking place basket in the living room, so that random items belonging to each of us can be placed there when straightening up. i also put semi-finished tasks, ipod, etc in mine as a holding zone in a communal area -
Posted by: martha | May 15, 2009 at 11:15 AM
The "parking space" idea is great and really works! I've been using it for a while now with a "shoe basket" that sits just as you walk into my apartment. It's become so routine that even my 2 1/2 year old automatically takes off his shoes and puts them in. He's now so used to taking his shoes off upon entering a home and putting them away that my mom had to get one for her house whenever the kids come over!
Posted by: Gigi Karabinakis | May 21, 2009 at 08:28 PM
What a great idea. It can also be used in a variety of different applications. Off to the store to buy some coasters.
Posted by: Jill | June 16, 2010 at 06:12 PM