I love hearing from readers about the clever things they're doing to stay organized, make
life easier, and keep the chaos at bay. Here are five fresh ideas from your fellow GONers that might just inspire your next little win:
GON Reader Letter #1
Back-to-School Drop Zone
Simplified
“I got tired of backpacks, lunch boxes, and permission slips scattered all over the living room, so I finally made a simple ‘launch station’ in the small room that leads to the garage where we enter and exit our home.
Each of my kids has their own hook for a backpack and jacket, a small bin underneath for things like library books, gym shoes, or anything that needs to go back to school, and a clipboard above each hook where I can clip permission slips, notes, or weekly schedules.”
-- Marissa D., North Arlington, NJ
GON Reader Letter #2
The Lazy Susan Pantry Shuffle
“Our pantry shelves are deep, and I was constantly losing track of small jars, cans, and packets. My husband installed pull-out drawers and they've been game changers. Now I can see everything at a glance and nothing gets lost!”
-- Claudine R, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
GON Reader Letter #3
20-Minute Time Block Trick
“I get overwhelmed by long task lists, so now I set a timer for 20 minutes and pick one task. No multitasking, no jumping around. I call it my '20-Minute Focus Zone.’ It’s just enough time to make progress without feeling drained and I often keep going once I’m started.”
-- Diana Hill., Kingston, NH
GON Reader Letter #4
Scheduling Self-Care Like It’s an Appointment
“If I don’t write it down, it doesn’t happen, especially when it comes to taking care of myself. Now I block off time in my planner once a week for something just for me: a walk alone, reading for fun, watching a movie I like. It’s treated like any other appointment.”
-- Tyra K., Columbus, GA
GON Reader Letter #5
Remembering the Little Things
“I always forgot to buy things like postage stamps, birthday cards, or lightbulbs until the moment I needed them. So I made a 'reorder list' that lives in my planner’s back pocket. As soon as I notice I'm low, I jot it down. Once a week, I order what’s on the list. No more last-minute dashes to the store.”
-- Judy Miller, Rochester, NY
On another note...
We all have those people in our lives who are nearly impossible to shop for...they seem to have everything! In light of this, I’ve curated a list of practical, thoughtful, and delightfully unexpected gift ideas they’re sure to love. Visit:
