May 17 - The Power of a Move-Out Mindset - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Sat, 05/17/25

Updated: Tue, 05/20/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

May 17, 2025

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Turn hangers backward on five clothing items you’re unsure about. If they’re still backward by June 17 (one month from today), it’s time to donate them.

The Power of a Move-Out Mindset

As you’re reading this newsletter today, I’m out on the east coast helping move my daughter Amanda out of her college apartment and back home to Wisconsin. I can hardly believe she’ll be starting her senior year in August! I’m so looking forward to having her home for the summer.

And yes—if you’re wondering—I wrote this newsletter a week ago so I could focus fully on the move and the road trip home.

Since Amanda started college, there’s been a move every year. Freshman year, she lived in a dorm and shared a bedroom with one roommate.

Sophomore year brought a townhouse on campus—this time, she shared a bedroom again, but the space itself was a little larger and she was with eight of her college friends.

Junior year was a big upgrade: an on-campus apartment with four of her closest housemates, and her own bedroom. That change made a big difference—more privacy, more calm, and more comfort.

And now, as she gets ready for senior year, she and those same young women will be moving into an even more beautiful campus apartment. Lots of light, a lovely view, and yes—everyone has their own bedroom again. I guess senior year has its privileges.

If you’ve ever helped a student move in or out, you know how much work it can be—but there’s an upside: it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter.

At the end of each school year, students are encouraged to let go of what they don’t need. There are donation bins and dumpsters set out in the parking lots, so they can easily donate what’s still usable and toss what’s not.

That means they start fresh each fall with only the things they really want or need.

And that’s the organizing takeaway for us too.

Even if you're not going anywhere, you can borrow this mindset. Pretend you’re moving out—pick a room and ask yourself: Would I pack this item and bring it to a new home? If not, it's time to let it go.

This approach keeps clutter in check and helps you stay surrounded only by the things that truly serve your life today.

By the way, if you do have a son, daughter, or relative heading to college soon, here's a resource...

My Ultimate List of Must-Have Items for Your College Student

On another note...

Check out this Adorable and Useful Collection of items I found! These charming picks add personality to your home while serving a real purpose.

A Slice of History: The Birth of Pac-Man

When Pac-Man debuted in Japan on May 22, 1980, no one could have predicted that a little yellow circle would become one of the most beloved and recognizable video game characters of all time.

The name was originally Puck Man, derived from the Japanese word paku-paku, meaning to munch—but it was changed to Pac-Man for the U.S. release.

Unlike many early video games focused on shooting or sports, Pac-Man offered something different—strategy, speed, and a maze full of colorful ghosts.

The game was designed to appeal to women and casual players, which was rare at the time. Ms. Pac-Man came shortly after and became just as iconic, showing that this franchise had real staying power.

To this day, Pac-Man remains a symbol of 1980s pop culture. The game's music, simple design, and addictive gameplay have cemented its place in history. If you haven’t played in a while, it might be fun to fire up a free online version today (look up Pacman Doodle)—just for nostalgia’s sake!

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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 2025 Monthly Organizing Checklist:

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

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

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: 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.

"Owning less creates an opportunity to live more."
-- Joshua Becker

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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!

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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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