In Honor of International Left-hander’s Day: August 13
When I am organizing for a client, one question that always comes to mind for me when setting it up, I ask, “Is the owner right-handed or Left-Handed?” Being a Southpaw (left-handed) writer myself while using my right hand for the occasional task, I question the functionality of many common things that may not be the norm in a 90% right-handed world. For example, let’s say an unpack job for a large kitchen. In this case, the kitchen would function more seamlessly if the utensils are closest to the hand that will be grabbing it, whether from a drawer or a cooking utensil holder on the counter. It is important to consider function in this way to create flow for handedness and in particular for Lefties. Here are some examples of things to consider:
Kitchen: Setting up the kitchen is one aspect of creating an organized and functional space, but there are functionality products geared for Lefties too.
- Grill and spatulas that have angled edges for left-handed use
- Measuring cups with the units printed on the side so the handle is on the left or even better, the measurements are at the opposite end from the handle for either hand use
- Manual can opener with the turn knob that sits on top of the can. Have you ever seen a Lefty turn a sidewinder righty can opener (can you say Human Pretzel??)
Office: First, the desk. If it is a shared space, the suggestion would be to center the computer for easy access for either hand, and if a mouse pad is used, consider a large desk mat and an ambidextrous mouse. Next, keep as many office tools like writing utensils or staplers in a centralized location such as a center drawer under the computer if possible. Other fantastic ideas of items for a Lefty would be notebooks with binding on the right and non-smearing writing utensils. And of course, we can not forget lefty scissors!
Closet: Which way do the clothes hang? Professional Organizers like a closet to have one type of hanger and the garments all hanging in the same direction. In the case of Lefties, the clothes should be hung right facing so the front of the garment can be seen first.
Dining: If keeping score, ADVANTAGE Lefties. The fork is on the “right” side of the plate!! When sitting for dinner though, the Lefty will usually opt to the side on the left end of the table to avoid bumping elbows with the Righty next to them.
Lefties have learned to accommodate and navigate through a right-handed world even though some techniques may be awkward looking. When starting a new or renewed space, ask the Leftie what works for them. You may be surprised by small tweaks that will make a huge impact in functional practicality for the Southpaw in your life.
By:
Cara Marks
Professional Organizer
Can Do Organizing and More
