Jul 27 - Don't Leave it Behind - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Sun, 07/27/25

Updated: Mon, 07/28/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

July 27, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Before you go to bed tonight, write a sticky note that says "Grab lunch from fridge and return library books!" (or whatever you need to bring tomorrow) and put it on your front door. It’s a simple habit that takes 10 seconds...and it might just save your whole morning.

Don't Leave It Behind

We’ve all done it...arrived at work only to realize the lunch we carefully packed the night before is still sitting in the fridge. Or suddenly remembered, after we've already left home, that the stack of books we meant to return is still by the front door. Or gone to pick up dry cleaning and realized the receipt is back on the kitchen counter.

It’s frustrating, especially when we tried to be organized and prepared ahead of time.

If you’ve ever forgotten something at home that you meant to bring with you, you’re not alone. The good news? A few simple changes to your routine can make a big difference.

1. Create a Launch Pad Zone: Designate one consistent spot near the door as your “launch pad.” This is where you place anything that needs to go with you...return items, dry cleaning receipts, packages, or library books. Whether it’s a small bench, a basket, or a tray on a console table, this designated zone becomes your visual cue before heading out the door.

2. Write Visible Notes (Where You Won't Miss Them): A sticky note on the front door, bathroom mirror, or even your phone screen can work wonders. Keep a pad of sticky notes by your launch pad and jot down quick reminders like "Lunch is in the fridge!" or "Books by the door!" A note you can’t miss helps jog your memory, especially when you're feeling rushed.

3. Use Your Bag as a Reminder Tool: If you always bring a purse, backpack, or briefcase, use it as a built-in reminder system. Put the dry cleaning receipt or return slip in your bag as soon as you get it from the dry cleaner. If you can’t pack the item itself (like a glass container of soup), write a reminder note and clip it to the zipper pull or handle of your briefcase.

4. Set a Phone Reminder: Use your phone’s alarm or reminder app to give you a heads-up at just the right time. Set a label like “Grab lunch from fridge” or “Bring books by door” for 10–15 minutes before your usual departure. A simple sound or buzz is often all it takes to remember that last thing.

5. Pair It With Something You Never Forget: Think of something you never leave the house without, like your car keys or shoes, and attach or place your take-along item with that object. Clip the dry cleaning receipt to your keychain. Put a reminder note right on your shoes.

6. Make a Weekly Out-the-Door Checklist: If you regularly need to bring different things on different days (like gym clothes on Tuesdays or packages to mail on Fridays), create a reusable checklist (one you can erase and use again) for the week. Post it near your launch pad or keep a digital version on your phone. It saves mental energy and keeps you on track. And be sure you physically check off each item AFTER it is packed in your vehicle and you're absolutely sure you have it.

7. Do a Quick “Exit Check”: Just before you leave, pause for 20 seconds and mentally run through what you need that day: lunch? books? wallet? returns? Even better...say it out loud. This simple moment of mindfulness helps prevent the dreaded “ugh, I forgot…” realization after it’s too late.

Bringing everything with you doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. With just a little intention and a few good systems you can head out the door feeling calm and confident that you have everything you need.

On another note...

Are you prepared for the school year ahead? You'll find backpacks, school supplies, lunchboxes and more on these two links:

Back to School

and/or

Off to College

Why Do We Forget Things We Meant to Remember

You packed your lunch, stacked the library books by the door, and even made a mental note to grab the dry cleaning receipt, and yet, somehow, you still walked out empty-handed. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This common frustration has more to do with how our memory works than with how “together” we are.

Psychologists call it prospective memory...the ability to remember to do something in the future. It relies on a combination of intention and trigger.

The intention is, “I need to take my lunch.” The trigger might be seeing your lunch bag or walking past the fridge. But in a morning rush, those visual cues get easily drowned out by distractions...email, kids, phone alerts, or even just trying to find your keys.

Multitasking, stress, and lack of sleep all reduce our brain’s ability to recall tasks at the right moment. That’s why external cues like sticky notes, alarms, or a consistent launch pad near the door can make such a big difference.

It’s not about having a better memory. It’s about building a smarter support system for the one you already have.

So next time you forget something, don’t beat yourself up. Your brain isn’t broken. It just needs a little backup.

Enjoying my newsletter? Please REPLY and let me know! Also, please forward this newsletter to 5 of your family members and/or friends and share the love!

Here's what just one GON reader had to say...

"HI Maria,

I've been receiving your newsletters and many other organizing items you have, for many years now. Oh how I love them all!

I even have your original spiral bound, "Finally Organized, Finally Free" that you had published before your daughter Amanda was born, Yes I have been a long time fan!

I truly enjoy receiving these every day and the monthly Anything and Everything which I also have purchased. Keep up the good work and continued success to you."

-- Fondly, Teri Jarvis

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And clutter is sneaky. It’s not just the overflowing closets, the file drawer bursting at the seams, or the stacks of boxes in the basement. Clutter shows up in all areas of life, including:

Physical Clutter – The stuff piling up in your home

Paper Clutter – Bills, mail, and endless paperwork

Digital Clutter – Overloaded inboxes, disorganized files, and too many apps

Emotional Clutter – Stress, overwhelm, and mental fatigue

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GON Member Bonus!

As a valued member of my GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, you get exclusive bonuses, PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones. This month's featured bonus is my...

15-Minute Decluttering Projects Printable

Need a quick win? This free printable gives you 15 super-specific decluttering projects you can finish in just 15 minutes each. Print it out, hang it where you’ll see it, and check off one task every day or two. You’ll feel lighter, more organized, and instantly accomplished, one small space at a time.

Plus, my 2025 Monthly Organizing Calendar is always available for you to access...jump in this month and start tackling those organizing tasks with ease.

To access these free resources, click here

July Monthly Checklist: July is the perfect time to refresh your spaces, stay on top of summer messes, and prepare for back-to-school and late summer travel. My July 2025 Organizing Checklist features 31 unique tasks that help you stay clutter-free, clean, and ready for anything. Access my July Checklist

July Organizing Challenge: Summer Bucket List Challenge: Whether you're craving fresh air, creative inspiration, or a little personal growth, these 10 themed summer challenges will help you stay focused while enjoying everything the season has to offer. Ready to dive in? Take the challenge here

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: Your dryer cycle just ended. What do you do? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments.

New Web Poll: What clutter zone is the most frustrating for you? Vote in my GON Reader Poll on my home page and let us know.

"You can always find a distraction if you're looking for one."
-- Tom Kite

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comment, suggestion, 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
GetOrganizedNow.com

How to Use This Newsletter

In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course!

When you share, please mention my name and web site - Maria Gracia - GetOrganizedNow.com as the source.

Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide!

-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
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