If you manage a shop that offers services for sending, collecting, and returning parcels, establishing an effective organizational system is crucial. Without it, everyday processes can quickly become chaotic and waste valuable time.

At first, it might seem logical to arrange parcels according to their delivery provider. But soon, problems start to arise. You may find yourself manually combing through parcel labels to locate the name of a customer there to collect their parcel. When the parcel isn’t where it should be—even though your app says it’s in stock—you’re forced to check each item again. Then comes the realization: what if the parcel was mistakenly placed with another delivery provider’s lot? After a frustrating 15 minutes of searching, you finally locate it. All this effort for a task that isn’t even the core of your business.

This is where a good taxonomy can make all the difference. A clear classification system ensures you can quickly and confidently find what you need, whether it’s during the hectic holiday season or a quieter time of the year. The benefits extend beyond saving you time—others can step in to help without confusion or fear of creating chaos.

This principle doesn’t just apply to physical parcels. It’s just as vital when managing digital files, team workflows, or data systems. The key is not to aim for the perfect system right away but to dedicate time to iterating and improving your approach as needs evolve. A little effort upfront can yield a significant return on investment by making your work environment far more efficient and scalable.