Sort by Meaning, Not Just by Color or Size

Most people organize kitchen tools by type—forks here, knives there—a tidy taxonomic system. But what if you baked more than you cooked? Functional grouping means storing all baking supplies—whisks, beaters, pans—in one drawer, making every step faster and more intuitive.

Our brains crave cognitive economy. When you pluck items from an activity-based category, you spend less time rummaging and more time on the fun stuff. Need to grill? Everything’s by the patio door: tongs, skewers, and lighter fluid. Kids racing out for soccer practice? Backpack, cleats, and water bottle live by the door they use.

Cognitive scientists call these situational categories—ad hoc bins created for a specific goal. They’re flexible: as seasons and routines shift, so can your zones. Throw in a small junk drawer for stragglers—odd screws or old tickets—and purge it regularly. You’ll find the flow of daily life becomes smoother, like oiling a creaky door hinge. (¶34–38)

First, sketch out your home’s activity zones—cooking, cleaning, hobbies—and ask what items you gather for each. Then cluster by function: store all grilling gear in one place, all baking tools in another. Finally, keep a small junk drawer for stray bits and clear it monthly. You’ll breeze through routines with less hunting and more doing.