It happens to all of us, regardless of how careful we are. From time to time we misplace something. It can be an accessory, a game piece, a piece of a puzzle, a single sock or some other item. Often losing that one piece renders the whole useless. Most of us hold on to the item hoping that we will eventually locate the missing part. The problem is that since the item isn't usable without the missing piece it often gets stored somewhere out of the way. Then when we do come across the missing piece it is inconvenient to reunite it with the rest of the set so it gets set aside. Today we have some tips to help you match up pieces with their counterparts. And you guessed it, Stockpile easy inventory system can help!
First let's talk about games, puzzles and other toys with multiple small parts.
- Have a designated area where these items are kept. If there is one area for these things, and they are always used there, the missing pieces shouldn't get too far away. This will make it much easier to find them on those occasions when they don't make it back into the proper box. If you do use a game or other set in another location make an extra effort to ensure that you replace all pieces before you put the item away.
- Label pieces with a code that connects them. While you may think that the game or puzzle pieces are unique and that you wouldn't confuse them with other similar items you might be surprised. When you are looking at one small part it can be difficult to tell what it is and to remember what it goes with. Having a labeling system can be a real timesaver.
- Use Stockpile to track your items and include information about the number of pieces in your item record. While it's great to know that Clue is kept in the white toy bin in the playroom, it's even better to know that Clue is supposed to a certain number of cards, playing pieces and possible murder weapons as well. A quick check of your item record will allow you to be sure that you have put everything back before you store it away.
Clothing and accessories are a bit trickier. For one thing, some accessories work with multiple outfits so you won't be able to store them with everything they match. Also, clothing and accessories are meant to be worn outside the house and they make frequent trips to the washer and dryer, known culprits for making items disappear. Again, there are a few simple steps that can help you keep tabs on your items.
- Organize your closet. If your clothes and accessories are easy to find and access it will really help you keep things neat which prevents the losses that often occur when things disappear into the recesses of your closet or drawer. Don't just stuff accessories in random spots. Having a bin, drawer or hanger where you keep them can really help you keep track of what you own.
- Always put things away. We know how it is. Everyone is busy and it's tempting to throw your socks in the floor, hang your belt over the bannister or leave your scarf or sweater downstairs. These shortcuts come at a high price though. This is exactly how things get lost. The scarf gets moved and then slips behind a piece of furniture, the belt gets carried upstairs the next time you head up and then ends up in the room with whatever else you had in your hands, the socks get carried off by the dog. Whatever the case may be, these things don't get back to where they're supposed to be and they aren't there the next time you want or need them.
- Keep your clothing inventory updated. Of course you're not going to update Stockpile every time you get dressed or do the laundry, but if you add records as you buy new items and update your records as things are outgrown, donated or destroyed you'll at least what you're supposed to have to wear and where it was originally stored. This is a giant leap in the right direction when it comes to wardrobe management.
Don't Miss Out | Try Our Easy Inventory System Today
Missing pieces are frustrating. They often make the things that we own unusable and they cost us time and money as we fruitlessly search for them or end up replacing items. Fight back with Stockpile easy inventory system. Stockpile is fully customizable so, although it is designed to be a small business solution, it will work perfectly for your at home uses. You choose the fields that you would like to include in your item records. You can create the areas and locations that you want for your home. Plus, Stockpile is mobile compatible so you can access your records anytime from anywhere. Do you really need another black belt? Check your inventory while you're out shopping and you'll immediately know. You can even include a photo in your record so you can see what you already have and compare it with the item you are considering purchasing. Try Stockpile today and see what it can do for you.
