Safely clean the screens of your computer monitors and televisions.

We're nearly two weeks into spring. How are you doing with your spring TO DOs? If you need a checklist that has already been thought out for you and to help keep you on track, scroll down in this newsletter for details on how you can get my complimentary Indoor Spring Cleaning Checklist. In addition, here's a 10-point guide to help you make this spring your most organized yet.

1. Handle home maintenance items. Here are some things that may make your spring home maintenance list. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspect your home's exterior for needed repairs like paint touchups, cracks in the foundation, wood splintering or decaying, insect damage, etc. Inspect window insulation and remove storm windows. Wash the outside of your windows and install screens. Clean the gutters and downspouts. Inspect your roof for warping and cracking. Inspect and replace filters as necessary on your AC unit, furnace, pool, etc.

2. Stop stumbling over clutter. Start by taking one step every day to reduce the clutter in your home. Your first step could be as simple as walking through a room with a basket. Pick up items that belong elsewhere. When the basket is full, or has at least a dozen items in it, put those items where they belong. If you do this every day in each room of your home, before you know it, you'll be clutter free. Remember, elsewhere also includes trash and recycling!

3. Give everything you own a home. Think about where you use the item. Do you have similar items around the house? Gather them together and store them where it makes sense for you, near where you use them. Remember, the storage doesn't have to be conventional, it just has to work for you. So get creative in your storage. As long as it works for you, you will use it and it will be an effective means of containing and reducing clutter.

4. Try using the rule of 5. Do you have trouble getting started on a task or a project? Many times the beginning is the hardest part. Use the Rule of 5. Tell yourself that you only have to work at a task for 5 minutes. Generally you will find that once you get started one of two things will happen. You'll either complete the task within the 5 minutes, or you will continue beyond the 5 minutes.

5. Get extra help in getting your spring cleaning started. If you do, and it's in your budget, consider hiring a cleaning service to give you that extra boost in getting ahead on the spring cleaning.

6. Don't want to do a full spring cleaning? It's OK! Here are a few things you can do to clear out the cobwebs from winter. Clean the tops of your ceiling fan blades and inside ceiling lamp globes. Dust windowsills and baseboards. Clean your oven and the top of your stove. Just these few items will help control the dust bunnies that accumulated over the past winter months.

7. Get your pantry organized. Take time to inventory your pantry, throwing away outdated foods and donating those you know you won't eat. Compile your pantry inventory in a spreadsheet you can print out and post on the inside of the pantry door. You will know at a glance what you have on hand, and by marking something off as you use it, you'll also know at a glance what you need to restock.

8. Lighten up. Springtime is a great time to `lighten up'! During the winter we have our homes dressed for the weather. Just like we change out our clothing each season, we can do the same for our home's clothing. Swap out heavy winter drapes for lighter window treatments. Change out heavy bedding for lighter coverlets. Swap out dark colored throws and pillows for light and bright colors.

9. Locate your summer gear. Now is the time to inspect shorts, capris, swimwear, camping gear and our summer `things' for repairs and fit. Those that can be repaired should be, those that need to be replaced should also be. For clothing, try things on for fit, especially with children--they grow so fast! Make plans to start now to shop sales and begin replacing items for summer a few at a time as necessary. By the time summer arrives, you'll be set and ready to go!

10. Finalize your taxes before the April 15th deadline. Are you tired of the headaches that come with taxes each year? Now is the time to change that. Whether you receive a refund or owe more money, you can benefit from being more organized and detailed with your record keeping. Set up an accordion file for your taxes with general categories such as receipts for deductions, income statements. tax records and so on. Throughout the rest of the year, be meticulous about filing these items in the folder. When tax time rolls around again next year--and we know it will without fail-- everything you need will be in this file, whether you do your own taxes or take them to an accountant. You will have reduced your stress level tremendously!

P.S. If you allow it, the 'clutter monster' will take over your home and your life. Take back control and say goodbye to your clutter today. Goodbye Clutter!

"I enjoy your GON in 5 Minutes Ezine and have gotten many good tips from it!"
-- Karen Rustermier

"Maria, I just love your newsletters! Originally, I was looking for a better way to stay organized at work, but now your website/newsletters have become so much more. They truly are advice for living the life we love! Truly!"
-- Sue Kaplan Anderson, CAP, Executive Assistant


I'd really love to know your thoughts about GON in Five Minutes! Just hit Reply and let me know.

-- Thanks! Maria

For super quick details on how you can say goodbye to clutter, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-clutter.html

All people have clutter to some degree. You may have a little. You may have a ton. MOST people are somewhere right in the middle.

For anyone who has clutter, have no doubt in your mind that CLUTTER GROWS. Small clutter challenges soon turn into large clutter issues.

Plus, clutter is sneaky...it doesn't only show up in the pile of shoes you may have in your closet, the overload of toys in the toy room, the boxes of stuff in the basement, or the stuffed-to-the-max drawers and closets in your home. Clutter can actually invade your life in FOUR forms...

1. Physical Clutter
2. Paper Clutter
3. Digital Clutter
4. Emotional Clutter

Once clutter is here, it begins to wreak all sorts of havoc...

There is only one way to get rid of clutter...and that is by using a proven- effective clutter-removing system. Only then will you be able to face clutter head-on and have the clutter-free life you deserve.

Want to say goodbye to your clutter? I have just the thing you need for a glorious, clutter-free life. For more details, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-clutter.html

P.S. SPRING SPECIAL! When you claim your very own copy of GOODBYE CLUTTER... before FRIDAY, APRIL 1...you'll also get $144 in COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES (ALL written by me!)

___ 1. Do today's task on my March Monthly Organizing Checklist. The March 29 TO DO focuses on outdoor jobs around your home. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my March Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Today is your last chance to vote! In my March web poll, I'm asking GON readers, 'When it comes to a fairly big decision, what is your decision-making style?' Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my poll and vote. Results and reader comments will be shared in a few days.

___ 3. Write me a note. Let me know a topic or two you'd love to see covered in this newsletter. Just reply to make your suggestion.

'Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a dreaded list of chores. It can be a rewarding experience that helps provide some structure and organization in your life.'
-- Peter Walsh

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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