Preparation is key, so paying some attention before you go outside to view satellites can make your viewing sessions more productive and enjoyable.
You should find a location for your chair that is free from viewing obstructions for the passes you plan on viewing. You may need to identify different locations for different sky regions to avoid obstacles such as trees and buildings. If you need to switch positions during an evening session, allow yourself enough time to relocate between passes. Note to self: check for automated sprinklers. Those pesky things tend to go off at night.
A small table or platform next to your favourite chair can be useful for holding your binoculars, phone, drinks and any other items you may need. If you use a table, make sure that you can easily reach it from your chair as you move from pass to pass during your viewing session. Remember, it's night, so don't drop things, or you might switch to a grass-looking session.
Be sure to place all of your viewing paraphernalia where they are easy to reach. Nothing is more frustrating than fumbling around in the dark looking for your binoculars when you know you are missing a pass.
Once you have prepared your viewing materials and location, allow enough time to position yourself before the first pass.
When you head out to your viewing spot (which hopefully you have already prepared), you should allow yourself a few moments to get into your chair and locate all your materials. As you might need to use some light source to do this, remember, the red one is better for your night vision.
If you go outside from a lighted enclosure or use a white-light, you must allow enough time to establish your night vision. Depending on your age, this may take a few seconds to a minute or two. Consider it your pre-launch countdown.
Once you have your night vision, you must get your bearings relative to the night sky. You should take a moment and look up and try to find some familiar constellations and the north star. You should then look for the landmarks you established for your first pass.
This question probably has a different answer for each and every observer. If you look at satellites from your yard or window, it means you know your surroundings; you know what part of the sky you see, so a few minutes before you can get out and get used to the night. But in an unfamiliar location, a bit more time might be needed.