Dec 22 - Organizing Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers

Dec 22 - Organizing Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Mon, 12/22/25

Updated: Mon, 12/22/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

December 22, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

We respect your time.

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Turn your keyboard upside down and give it a gentle shake. That’s it. Crumbs, dust, and mystery bits collect there faster than we realize. A quick flip and shake (over a trash can or sink) takes seconds and instantly makes your workspace feel cleaner.

Organizing Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers

GON Reader Letter #1

Dry Umbrella, Dry Floors

Whenever I would be out and about on a rainy day, I would be carrying around a soggy, dripping umbrella. Now I keep my umbrellas in plastic bags.

When I need the umbrella, I take it out and slip the bag in my purse. That way, when I am in stores, I put my umbrella back in the plastic bag, which keeps all the water from dripping on the floor.

-- Nancy Turturello, Wantagh, NY

GON Reader Letter #2
Pre-Scooped Ice Cream for Easy Parties

When hosting a children's birthday party, get a head start on dishing out the ice cream. The morning of the party, scoop the ice cream into cupcake wrappers, place them on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and place back in the freezer. Less mess when it's time to serve and easy cleanup!

-- Cheri Dorsey, Bonney Lake, WA

GON Reader Letter #3
Tablecloths That Always Fit

I have a large kitchen table with six leaves to expand it. I never seemed to be able to find the right size tablecloth when I wanted to use one of the leaves.

To solve the problem, I cut index cards in half and punched a hole in each to fit over the top of a hanger. I labeled each one according to the size of the tablecloth on the hanger: no leaves, one leaf, two leaves, etc.

Now I know at a glance which tablecloth will fit for the number of leaves I am using.

-- Debbie Drager, Pottstown, PA

GON Reader Letter #4
A Simple Mail Routine That Sticks

I used to let mail pile up on the counter because I “didn’t have time” to deal with it. Now I open mail as soon as I come into the house. Anything that can be recycled goes straight into the bin, bills go into one labeled folder, and items that need action get clipped together.

It takes just a few minutes, and I no longer feel buried by paper.

-- Linda Carlson, Appleton, WI

GON Reader Letter #5
Artwork Without the Clutter

I scanned both of my granddaughters' artwork and have created digital scrapbooks to keep forever. The scrapbooks are posted on our family website so long-distance family members can enjoy them as well. They don’t take up anything but “virtual” space.

-- Barbara May, Fort Lauderdale, FL

On another note...
New Year, Ready for Anything: Simple Essentials to Start Fresh: Everyday items that support fresh starts, gentle routines, and a more organized, intentional year ahead.
Essentials for the New Year

Sea Turtles...True Ocean Veterans

Sea turtles are true ocean veterans. They’ve been swimming Earth’s seas for more than 100 million years, surviving massive changes to the planet along the way.

Today, there are seven species of sea turtles, and while they spend nearly their entire lives in the water, they must come ashore to lay their eggs. Many return to the same stretch of beach where they themselves once hatched...an astonishing feat of natural navigation.

These turtles are designed for long-distance travel. Their strong, wing-like front flippers allow them to glide effortlessly through the ocean, and some species can travel thousands of miles between feeding and nesting areas.

Sea turtles can also slow their heart rate dramatically, letting them hold their breath for hours while resting underwater.

Sea turtles don’t have teeth; instead, they have specialized beaks suited to their diets. Some graze on seagrass, others crunch shellfish, and some, like the leatherback, prefer jellyfish. Speaking of leatherbacks, they’re the giants of the turtle world, growing up to 2,000 pounds and able to dive deeper than any other turtle species.

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

"Thank you for daily encouragement, always useful information, and a sunny start to every day!"
-- Sue Minor

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It’s easy to fall into habits that don’t support our health and well-being. But the good news? Just like the crisp new year, you can turn things around anytime you decide to.

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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 brand new bonus is my...

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Monthly Organizing Checklist:
December 2025
Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings, finishing shopping and wrapping, or planning for the new year, these small daily tasks will help keep your home tidy and your month peaceful and productive. Access my brand new December 2025 Organizing Checklist

Monthly Organizing Challenges:
Holiday Photo
Each day, snap a daily holiday photo that captures the spirit of December...twinkling lights, cozy nights, family traditions, sweet treats, snowy scenes, or anything that warms your heart. By the end of the month, you’ll have a collection of memories you can look back on and cherish long after the season has passed. Access my Holiday Photo Challenge

Last Month's Web Poll Results:
When Do You Start Decorating for the Holidays?
The responses came in from every type of decorator, those who start early, those who wait until December, and everyone in between. It’s always fun to see how different households kick off the season. Click here to access the results

New Web Poll:
What's the Best Smell of December?
With so many cozy scents filling the air this month, I thought it would be fun to see which one feels the most festive to you. What’s the best smell of December? Access the poll on my home page and cast your vote

"Sometimes you just have to go with the flow."
-- Anonymous

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
Watertown Wisconsin 53094
USA

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