Nancy Kirk from The KirkCollection a web site for quilters tells this great little story about an editor friend who was on the night desk at the Omaha World-Herald several years ago.

The paper made a decision that they would try to answer any question from any reader and bought a full set of encyclopedias to keep in the news room. When the students of Omaha learned of the policy, it became the research tool of choice for school reports and papers.

One night a young person called asking “What is the Diet of Worms?” Dutifully the editor pulled out the D volume of the encyclopedia and proceeded to read a lengthy article about the Diet of Worms convened in 1521 by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which took up the issue of the behavior of Martin Luther. At the end of his defense Luther reportedly said “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.” And after another week the Diet declared Luther an outlaw and the Reformation was irrevocable.

When he finished, the editor asked the student “Did that tell you everything you need to know about the Diet of Worms?”

A small, hesitant voice queried “But what do they eat?”

Sometimes that is how it is in organizing, we make it too complicated, keep it simple, set up a system, which will save time. As I organize for women I realize time management is a challenge for most.

Here is one little tip to help save time. When you buy in multiplies (several bottles of shampoo, toothpaste and so forth) put a rubber band on the last item and when you get to that you will know you need to purchase more so you never run out and have to waste time by making a special trip to the store for more.

What is your favorite way to save time?