Just as we looked at how you can apply the 5S principles to your life, let's also examine the seven "laws" of business waste and how you can use them to become a less wasteful individual.  What Are The Seven Laws of Waste? These so-called "laws" are based on the principles of the Toyota Production System and is very much built on the principles of 5S. They refer to specific problems within the manufacturing process, and there are actually eight in total. However, the underutilized workers law cannot be easily applied to our daily lives.  They are as follows:  Transportation...

No matter how much we try, we all seem to have a little clutter in our homes. In many cases, it may be impossible to lead a 100% decluttered life. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be living a more organized and efficient existence, lessening the effect clutter has on our stress levels.  But where should you start? With your possessions, of course! Starting with Slimming Down Your Possessions We all have stuff. But for some, many possessions have become nothing more than needless space-fillers that serve no purpose. None more is the case with your clothing items. Whether its...

For many individuals, getting more organized is nothing more than a new year's resolution that falls by the wayside come February. But if you're really committed to bettering your organization skills, what can you learn from those who have truly mastered the skill? Here are five habits of organized individuals that you can learn from and implement within your daily habits. 1. Organized People Seek Out Tools Genuine organization takes a lot of brainpower, which is why the most organized individuals seek out the help of tools to keep them on top of everything. From online calendars to specific apps...

In manufacturing and service sectors the lean philosophy is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste while simultaneously maximizing productivity. Leading companies such as Toyota, Dell, Nike, and John Deere all use the principle today as a way to gain a competitive advantage. But how can you take the lean philosophy and apply it to your life? Applying the Lean Philosophy to Your Life As mentioned, lean is primarily focused on eliminating unnecessary waste. Many of us are guilty of holding on to things for far too long. Your favorite old golf club that’s been left behind by advances in...

Important decisions can take weeks, if not months to be made. When you’re deciding to find a permanent home for some of your most-used items, the process is no different and is frequently just as difficult. However, with these tips you can speed up the process, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your life. 1. Allocate Time to Think It Over  One of the reasons why we take so long to decide where something should go is because we never take the required time to just sit down and think about it. Set a reminder on...

This famous quote has been attributed many notable figures from our past: Samuel Smiles, Mrs Isabella Beeton, and Benjamin Franklin just to name a few. The Oxford Book of Quotations dates it back to over several years’ prior, during the 17th century. Whether he came up with the quote or not, one of our country’s founding fathers is more than likely to have said it. But what exactly did he mean when he said it? What Does the Quote Mean? The notion behind the proverb is that everything should have somewhere to be sorted and that it should be returned...

5S is perhaps the world’s most famous workplace organization method. 5S was developed in Japan and formed the precursor to ‘Just in Time’ manufacturing, which is now in use by companies across the globe. The system is based on the following five words and phrases (translated from Japanese): sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain/self-discipline.  But what do they mean in practice and how can you use them to become more organized in your own home? Sort This phase refers to sorting and subsequently removing any items that no longer need to be in a location. This is beneficial...

If you’re as much of an organization enthusiast as we are, then chances are you’ve accidentally stumbled upon a storage idea that could change the lives of thousands of people across the country. We recognize that while the “average Joe” may not have our engineering skills but, they may have some fantastic ideas for storage solutions or organizational tools that they don’t have the skills or time to build themselves. That’s where we come in. We want to help those with brilliant ideas to take their dream from nothing more than a mere concept to a real product. Are you...

Americans are obsessed with celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey or the late Anthony Bourdain. But rather than learning about copious amounts of yelling, we should look a little closer at what makes these top chefs so successful. The key, for many, is a dedication the French principle of “Mise en place”. But what exactly does this principle mean in practice and how can we apply to our own lives?   What is Mise En Place? Translated literally it means “put in place.” When applied to the professional kitchen setting, it refers specifically laying out ingredients and utensils ready for the...

Clutter is not beneficial for us. Messy homes and workspaces leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed. Yet, rarely is clutter recognized as a significant source of stress in our lives. Recent research has shown that the stress hormone cortisol is higher in those with cluttered spaces that those without. Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren't necessary or important. So, what’s the solution to mounting piles of unnecessary clutter? Making a start. Start with Just One Room or Area Within Your Home The hardest part of decluttering a house or space, is by making a start. We often...

  We often clutter our lives without even realizing it. What can seem like harmlessly putting away gardening tools, sporting equipment, or outdoor furniture for a later date, can quickly spiral into unorganized chaos. But fear not, it’s never too late to introduce a little organization into your life! The best way to start is by only getting to work on just ONE section of your house. Once you’ve mastered that area, you’ll have both the confidence and the impetus to carry your organizational spree throughout your home. For most of us, the best place to start is the garage.  ...