Sep 10 - Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers - Digital Organizing

Sep 10 - Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers - Digital Organizing - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Wed, 09/10/25

Updated: Thu, 09/11/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

September 10, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

We respect your time.

This newsletter will take

4:30 minutes to read.

Before shutting down tonight, clear three unnecessary files from your desktop. Small steps like this keep digital clutter from sneaking up on you.

Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers:

Digital Organizing

GON Reader Letter #1
Inbox Zero

I used to have thousands of email messages piling up, and it stressed me out every time I opened my inbox. Now, before shutting down my computer at night, I spend about 10 minutes deleting junk, filing away the things I want to keep, and answering any quick notes. It feels good to start each morning with a cleaner slate.
-- Karen M., Davenport, IA

GON Reader Letter #2
The Weekly Upload

For years, I let photos pile up on my phone and worried I’d lose them if something happened. Now every Sunday evening, I plug in my phone and upload the week’s photos to my computer. Once a month, I back them up to an external drive too. It takes maybe 15 minutes, and I no longer panic about losing my memories.
-- Mike H., Rock Hill, SC

GON Reader Letter #3
Rename Right Away

I used to end up with a Downloads folder full of things like “Document(42)” and “IMG_3849,” and I could never find what I needed. Now, the minute I save something, I rename it with a clear label, like “Budget-Sept2025” or “Recipe-PumpkinBread.” That small habit saves me a ton of searching later.
-- Elaine R., Carmel, IN

GON Reader Letter #4
Swipe and Trash

My photo library was out of control, and I didn’t know where to start. One day, while waiting in line at the grocery store, I started deleting a few blurry or duplicate photos. Now, anytime I have a few spare minutes, I do the same. It’s surprising how quickly the clutter disappears when you chip away at it like that.
-- Laura G., Kenosha, WI

GON Reader Letter #5
Folder First Rule

I used to save everything to my desktop, and soon I couldn’t even see the wallpaper. These days, I follow my “Folder First” rule. Before saving a file, I stop and decide which folder it really belongs in. It only takes a couple of seconds, but now my computer feels so much more organized.
-- Brian K., Lakewood, CO

Have a favorite digital organizing trick of your own? I’d love to hear it! Just Reply to this newsletter and share your tip. I'll publish it in a future issue!

Get Ready for Fall!

Cozy season is calling! My carefully curated list brings together the best of both worlds...practical must-haves to make life easier and decorative touches that instantly warm up your home. From essentials that keep you organized and comfortable to charming accents that celebrate the season, you’ll find everything you need to welcome autumn in style. Visit: Get Ready for Fall

Power Word: Luminary

Pronunciation: LOO-muh-ner-ee

Definition: A luminary is someone who inspires or lights the way for others, often through their wisdom, achievements, or kindness.

I love this word because it feels both powerful and gentle at the same time. A luminary doesn’t just shine for themselves. They light a path that helps others find their way too.

Think about the people you know who fit this description:

A mentor who always offers thoughtful advice.

A grandparent who passes down stories and life lessons.

A community volunteer who gives generously of their time.

A neighbor who quietly helps others without expecting recognition.

Even an author, artist, or musician whose work brings you comfort or joy.

Luminaries are everyday people who, through kindness and consistency, leave a lasting glow on those around them.

And here’s the best part: you have the ability to be a luminary, too. A kind word to a coworker, a supportive message to a friend, or showing patience with a stranger in line...these little sparks can brighten someone’s day more than you’ll ever know.

Today, consider how you might be a luminary. Sometimes, the smallest glow is what makes the biggest difference.

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...

"Your organizing newsletter helps me feel less overwhelmed. Even on busy days, doing just one of your suggestions makes me feel accomplished."
-- Megan T., Springfield, MO

My Newest Issue of

Anything and Everything

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Here are the topics in the September Issue...

The September Pause
The Quiet Bridge Between Two Busy Seasons
A reflective look at why September invites us to reset, with easy ways to breathe, recalibrate, and ease into fall

5 Energy Boost Foods for Fall
Simple, Nourishing Foods to Power You Through Shorter Days
Five everyday bites (hello, avocado toast and apples!) that steady your energy without the sugar crash

The Gift of Empty Spaces
Clearing Clutter to Make Room for What Matters
How a few intentionally empty surfaces can lower stress and prepare your home and mind for the busier days ahead

The Harvest Moon
History, Folklore, and Celebrating September’s Brightest Night
Where the name comes from, what it has symbolized for centuries, and simple ways to enjoy its golden glow

Ready, Set, Fall!
Simple Tasks to Prep Your Home for Fall/Winter
A climate-inclusive checklist to tidy outdoors, refresh indoors, and handle quick safety/energy tune-ups

Sweater Weather Science
Why That First Cool Breeze Feels So Different
A playful peek at the temperature, humidity, and sensory shifts that make autumn air feel irresistibly “crisp”

The Healing Vase
How a Simple Gift Carries Hope from One Heart to Another...you don't want to miss this one!
A tender story about a traveling vase, today’s bouquet, and passing along comfort when someone needs it most

Your September Menu Plan
2 Weeks of Easy Seasonal Meal Ideas
Flexible, family-friendly dinner ideas for warm days and cozy nights

Healthy Apple Crisp
A Wholesome Fall Treat
Honeycrisp apples, oat-nut topping, and cinnamon bake into a lighter dessert that still tastes like pure autumn

Cozy Sunday Afternoons
How to Make Sunday Afternoons in Autumn Feel Special
Simple ways to soak up the cozy vibe that makes this season so memorable

Kicking Through a Pile of Leaves
Autumn’s Crunchiest Delight
A mini-essay on the sound of fall and that satisfying crunch that makes every step a smile

We have thousands of readers who LOVE this resource...and I'm certain you will too. Here's what just one reader had to say...

I seriously look forward to getting Anything and Everything each month—it’s like opening a present! There’s always something fun, something useful, and something that makes me smile. I’ve saved every single issue since you started it!
-- Carla Johnson

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 12: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will get tons of bonuses, plus ALL of the 100+ back issues COMPLIMENTARY!

Click Here for
Anything and Everything

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

September Monthly Mini-Challenges: Discover 30 inspiring self-care challenges to boost your physical health, emotional balance, and mental well-being. Simple daily habits, like gratitude journaling, mindful walks, meditation, and joyful routines, will help you feel calmer, happier, and more energized all month long

September Monthly Checklist: My September 2025 monthly checklist features 30 fresh, actionable tasks to help you manage household clutter, fine-tune schedules, refresh spaces, and embrace seasonal changes with intention

"Small steps, Hand in hand we’ll walk together, And maybe we’ll discover a clue along the way."
-- Louis Sachar

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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