As a personal fitness trainer, I have to leave the house at 5:30 A.M. to make my early-morning appointments. To get out the door more quickly, I have dedicated certain parts of my shelves to specific days of the week.

When I remove things from my backpack at night, I place each item on the appropriate shelf. If I won't be seeing Monday's client again until Thursday, her chart and equipment are placed in Thursday's section. My wallet, transit card, and cell phone have a designated spot. I even have a "take care of me" bag, which contains sample-size cosmetics — like hand lotion — that I can apply during downtime or on the morning train.