Key to Success

I don't know about you, but I currently have a dish of keys that I have no idea what they are for. This is not awful other than the fact that I really should know better because I had a great system. Keys add up... shed, relatives' homes, safe, multiple doors to the garage you may not use etc.

The easiest and best way to organize keys is to just colour code them. I used to do this with one dot of nail polish on each side of the key. I kept the colours unique so I recognized the keys easily. This is easy, can be done is a few minutes (just give adequate drying time to each side) and is simple to remove if you need to.

You can also colour-code by dipping the key-heads in kid's paints, using the snap-on coloured rings available, or with bits of colourful tape. I'm sticking to nailpolish.

If you have keys you don't often use make a little 'key legend' on card stock. Put a dot of the same nail polish on the card and label what it's for beside it. Put your key legend in one of those plastic name badge holders they use at conferences. Store your infrequently used keys on a keyring with the color-coded key legend in your utility drawer. Done! Never having to search for keys again is priceless!

And... take this opportunity to lighten your load but cutting down how many keys you carry. I carry ONE key now - how's that for simplifying life!