The return shelf

Give objects in motion a temporary home so that putting away remains easy.

The observation

Domestic systems should work at the place and moment of use. Store objects near the action they support, and put replenishment signals where the last item is taken.

The return shelf is less a rule than a useful test: does the arrangement make the next encounter clearer?

In practice

Reduce decisions at common transitions: entering, leaving, cooking, cleaning, and closing the day. Shared systems need visible labels and an easy reset, not private memory.

A closing note

The best arrangement is calm rather than clever. It makes the desired action ordinary and recovery from disorder quick.