May 8 - Wait, What? Everyday Tips Hiding in Plain Sight

May 8 - Wait, What? Everyday Tips Hiding in Plain Sight - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Thu, 05/08/25

Updated: Fri, 05/09/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

May 8, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Pick one shelf in your refrigerator and do a two-minute clean-and-sort. Combine half-full containers of ketchup, etc., toss anything questionable, and give the surface a quick wipe.

Wait, What? Everyday Tips Hiding in Plain Sight

Some tips are so clever, so unexpectedly helpful, they make you stop and ask, “Wait, what?!” Not because they’re complicated—but because they’ve been right in front of you all along. These are the kind of little discoveries that instantly make life easier, whether you're driving a rental car, sipping a soda, or typing an email.

They're easy to overlook, but once you know them, you’ll feel like you're in on a secret that everyone else somehow missed. Here are a few:

1. The Gas Tank Arrow Trick: Look at your car's fuel gauge. See that tiny triangle next to the gas pump icon? That’s no decoration—it points to the side of the car where your gas cap is located. Perfect for when you’re in a rental and need to fuel up.

2. To-Go Cup Lid as Coaster: Those ridges and bumps on a fast food drink lid? Flip it upside down and you’ve got yourself a coaster. It’s designed that way to keep your table, desk, or car cup holder free from wet rings and drips.

3. Bumps on the F and J Keys: Ever notice the little raised lines on the “F” and “J” keys? They’re there to help you place your fingers on the “home row” when typing. A simple but smart feature that helps improve typing accuracy—no peeking required.

4. Rearview Mirror Tab (Anti-Glare): Blinded by headlights in your rearview mirror? Flip the small tab underneath the mirror to switch to night mode. It angles the mirror to reduce glare—something many drivers forget to use or don’t realize is even there.

5. Pot Handle Hole for Your Spoon: The hole at the end of many saucepan handles isn’t just for hanging. You can slide your cooking spoon’s handle through it to keep things tidy while you stir and simmer. Less mess, more convenience.

It’s funny how the tiniest things can make us feel a little more clever and a little more in control. These handy details might be small, but once you know them, you’ll never go back.

Have a favorite tip hiding in plain sight? Pass it on—you might just blow someone’s mind. In fact, reply to this email and I'll share it in a future GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter!

On another note...
Packing for a trip doesn’t have to be stressful! My Travel Smarter: Essentials for Every Trip list includes must-have travel essentials that will keep you organized, comfortable, and ready for any adventure!

Slow Down to Speed Up

The next time you feel overwhelmed and tempted to rush, try slowing down instead. It might sound counterintuitive, but pressing pause allows your brain to reset, prioritize, and ultimately work more efficiently.

Studies show that even a two-minute breathing exercise can lower stress hormones and sharpen mental focus.

Try this: close your eyes, take a few slow, deep breaths, and ask yourself, “What actually needs to happen next?”

You’ll be surprised how often the answer is smaller, simpler, and more doable than your frantic brain had you believe.

Slowing down isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing better.

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!

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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:

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Paper Clutter – Bills, mail, and endless paperwork

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

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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...

GON Summer Bucket List

This isn’t your average bucket list — it’s a collection of simple pleasures, joyful adventures, and relaxing escapes. Whether you’re sipping iced coffee on the porch, watching a fiery sunset, or taking a spontaneous road trip, these 25 hand-picked ideas will help you slow down, soak up the sunshine, and savor everything the season has to offer.

Also, if you don't already have it, my 2025 Monthly Organizing Calendar is still available. Jump in today and start tackling those organizing tasks.

To access these free resources, click here

May Organizing Challenge: Above and Beyond: Elevate Your Mindset: These challenges are simple upgrades to your everyday routine that will help you feel more present, organized and fulfilled. Take the challenge here

May 2025 Monthly Organizing Checklist: My new May 2025 Monthly Organizing Checklist is here. Simplify your routines and get organized before summer fun begins. These daily 10-minute tasks will help you get organized, manage your time, and freshen up your home and your life. Click here

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: April is National Gardening Month: How's your green thumb? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments.

New Web Poll: How many books do you read in a typical month? Vote in my GON Reader Poll on my home page and let us know.

"By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before."

-- Edwin Elliot

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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Get Organized Now!
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