Smartest Time-Savers

• If you're always searching for a pen, stock one in every pocketbook, and put one in your checkbook.

• Store buttons in clear pill dispensers so you can easily spot the one you need.

• Schedule your next haircut before you leave the salon.

• Keep scissors in every room — that way, you won't waste time trying to find them if you have to open a package, cut a tag, or quickly wrap a gift.

• Buy stamps, print labels, and arrange package pickups at usps.com.

• When you find a useful number in the phone book, highlight it so it'll pop out the next time.

• Skip the photo store. Order prints from an online service such as snapfish.com, the top scorer in GH Research Institute tests.

• Reserve books online instead of driving over to the library to do it in person. (You can renew books online too.)

• Stash lint rollers in lots of places (the laundry room, closets, your car's glove compartment) so you'll be able to zap fuzz and pet hair in seconds.

• Keep note cards, envelopes, and stamps in a zip-top plastic bag in your purse so you can dash off a thank-you note while you're standing in line or waiting in the school parking lot.

• Store your receipts in a designated pocket of your purse or wallet. You'll have the one you need at your fingertips if you decide to make a return.

• Use a Web grocer like Peapod. Once you set up an account and a shopping list of the items you buy often, placing an order takes only minutes.

• Before you leave home for a scheduled flight, print out your boarding passes from your airline's Website.

• Avoid movie lines. Buy tickets ahead of time from a service such as Fandango or Moviefone.

• Do all your banking online. (It's safe, really.)

• Wear a cordless headset when you're on the phone so you can multitask.

• During TV commercials, don't just nosh, pay your bills (that is, if you don't already pay them online)

• Store your ATM card in a brightly colored case so it'll be easy to spot in your tote bag.