launch pad

A launch pad can be somewhere other than the front door

From a book

Ramsay and Rostain suggest keeping everyday essentials together in one place for storage and pickup. Options include a spot by the door, a drawer, or a bedroom dresser(Ramsay & Rostain, 2015).

The authors consider simple, adequate tools enough, such as a bowl or hooks(Ramsay & Rostain, 2015).

Items taken for temporary use need to go back afterward

From a book

The authors warn that temporary exceptions can undermine a fixed spot: keys left on a coffee table get covered by newspapers; a phone stays in a coat after it is taken off. They advise returning items after temporary use as more reliable than trusting “I’ll remember to take it later”(Ramsay & Rostain, 2015).

Items needed only occasionally belong in plain sight beforehand

From a book

The authors suggest putting occasional items, such as a gym bag or weekly meeting papers, by the door in advance, or leaving a reminder on the door handle. Preparing everyday essentials alone does not provide a sufficient reminder to take these less frequently needed items(Ramsay & Rostain, 2015).