We love hearing how you all tackle organizing and home life in ways that are creative,
practical, and just plain smart. Here are three fantastic tips from fellow readers who know how to get things done—without the stress.
1. The ‘Company’s Coming’ Basket Trick
Hi Maria,
You know how, no matter how clean your house is, there’s always that one pile of mail, that random sock, or that half-empty water bottle lingering around when guests are about to walk through the door?
I keep a decorative
lidded basket in my living room for exactly this reason. If I need to do a two-minute tidy before someone arrives, I toss in the stray stuff, pop the lid on, and it instantly looks like I have my life together.
Bonus: I set a reminder on my phone to actually sort through it later, so I don’t end up with a ‘basket of shame’ full of forgotten mail and mystery objects.
-- Ellen M., Statesboro, GA
2. The ‘Use It or Move It’ Kitchen Rule
Maria,
I used to have about six different cooking utensils sitting in a big container next to the stove, but I realized I was only using the same two over and over.
Now, I play a little game with myself: every time I use a utensil, I put it in
a separate jar. After a month, anything still sitting in the old container goes in the donation box.
I’ve done the same thing with coffee mugs (goodbye, ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug from 2010), and I’m working my way through my spice rack next. If I don’t use it, I move
it—right out of my house.
-- Kelsey, Haines City, FL
3. The ‘Silent Alarm’ Fridge Clean-Out
Hi Maria,
First, I just adore your newsletter! Here's my tip...
Every Sunday evening, I make myself a cup of tea and set a timer for five minutes—then I power through my fridge. I toss anything expired, wipe down the shelves if they need it, and take mental stock of what’s about to go bad so I can use it up that week.
The trick is setting that timer. It keeps me focused and stops me from getting distracted (or grossed out) by whatever science experiment is happening in the veggie drawer.
I call it my ‘silent alarm’ because once you make it a habit, you just do it automatically. Less waste, no mystery leftovers, and I always know what I have for the week ahead!
-- Misti, Maryville, TN
Got a brilliant, quirky, or just plain useful tip to share? Send it our way! You never know—it might just be featured in one of my upcoming newsletters!
On another note...
Do you know someone who could use a little extra comfort right now? Whether they’re recovering from an illness or surgery, facing a tough health challenge, or simply in need of a pick-me-up, I’ve put
together a Gifts of Comfort Idea List. It’s filled with thoughtful and practical gift ideas designed to lift spirits, provide warmth, and bring a little joy when
it’s needed most—easy, meaningful, and sure to brighten their day! 
