May 16 - Laundry Room, Calm Room - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Sat, 05/16/26

Updated: Sat, 05/16/26

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

May 16, 2026

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Group laundry supplies (detergent, softener, and stain stick) in one small plastic bin, and dryer balls in another. It’s a simple switch that makes everything easier to find and instantly tidies the space.

Laundry Room, Calm Room

I’ve always believed that laundry itself isn’t the problem. It’s everything around it. The piles, the missing socks, the half-used detergent bottles, the "I’ll get to it later" baskets. When the space isn’t set up well, even one small load can feel like a project.

But the good news? A few thoughtful tweaks can turn your laundry area into a space that practically runs itself. Here are some easy, realistic ways to make that happen:

1. Let Everyone Sort as They Go: Instead of tossing everything into one big pile, set up a three-section laundry sorter right in the laundry room...lights, darks, and towels (or however your household divides things). As each family member has dirty laundry, they simply bring it to the laundry room and sort it into the appropriate section.

2. Short on Space? Go Collapsible: If each person is responsible for his or her own laundry, give each person a collapsible laundry basket. It does the job when they need it and folds flat when they don’t.

3. Give Lint a Proper Home: No more collecting lint on the top of the dryer. A small wall-mounted lint bin collects it for you and you empty it when it's full.

4. Keep a Folding Stool Within Reach: If you have cabinets above your washer and dryer, you know the stretch-and-reach routine. A small folding stool tucked beside or behind the machines makes everything accessible without frustration, and folds away neatly when not in use.

5. Choose a Drying Rack That Disappears: Drying racks are wonderful, until they’re always in the way. Look for one that retracts or folds flat against the wall so you can pull it out only when needed. It keeps your space feeling open and uncluttered.

6. Try Mason Jars for Laundry Pods: If you use pods, skip the bulky packaging. Pour them into a mason jar for a cleaner, more streamlined look. It’s simple, practical, and you can instantly see when you’re running low.

7. Upgrade Wire Shelves to Solid Surfaces: Wire shelves can make bottles tip and small items fall through. Switching to solid shelving instantly makes your space feel more stable and polished.

8. Tame the Sock Situation Once and for All: Missing socks have a way of creating instant frustration. A few simple systems can fix that:

Place small items like socks in mesh laundry pouches before washing so they stay together from start to finish.

Keep a small "lost sock" basket in the laundry room so any stray socks have a home until their match turns up.

If you want to go all in, try sock locks...small clips that keep pairs together through the wash.

A tiny bit of effort can save a surprising amount of time and energy.

9. Don’t Overbuy Towels and Linens: This one is big. The more towels and sheets you have, the easier it is to delay washing. Suddenly you’re dealing with mountains instead of manageable loads. Keep a reasonable number, enough for your household, plus a small backup, and you’ll naturally stay on top of laundry.

10. Create a "Finish Line" Spot: Have a designated place for folded laundry, whether it’s a basket, a shelf, or a cleared section of the counter. This keeps clean items from drifting back into the chaos and gives you a visual cue that the job is nearly done.

11. Keep Surfaces Clear: Just like any other space in your home, clear surfaces make everything feel calmer. Try to keep the tops of your machines free of clutter so folding (or even just placing items temporarily) feels easy and inviting.

12. Make It Pleasant to Be In: This might sound small, but it matters. Add a light, a simple scent, or even a small piece of decor you enjoy. When a space feels nice, you’re more likely to keep up with it.

A well-organized laundry room doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to work for you. When everything has a place and your system makes sense, laundry becomes less of a chore and more of a simple rhythm in your home.

P.S. Essentials for a Clean, Organized Car
Whether you're commuting, road tripping, or just running errands, a clean and organized car makes everything feel smoother. These products help you keep clutter in check, trash off the floor, and essentials easy to grab! Access here

The Little Luxury on a Plate

There’s something about Eggs Benedict that feels like a small celebration. It’s one of my favorite breakfasts. If I’m ordering it at a restaurant, I’m already smiling before it arrives. If I’m making it at home, I slow down just a bit…because this isn’t just breakfast, it’s an experience.

Crisp English muffin, savory Canadian bacon, a perfectly poached egg, and that silky, buttery hollandaise sauce cascading over the top. It’s comfort and elegance all at once.

But where did this classic actually come from? Like many beloved dishes, the story isn’t perfectly clear.

One of the most popular origin stories takes us back to New York City in the late 1800s, specifically to the iconic Delmonico's. Legend has it that a regular customer, Mrs. LeGrand Benedict, was tired of the usual menu options and asked for something new. The chef combined ingredients he had on hand, poached eggs, ham, English muffins, and hollandaise sauce, and just like that, something special was born.

Another story credits a man named Lemuel Benedict, who wandered into the Waldorf Hotel in 1894 looking for a cure to a bit of a rough morning. He ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon, and a side of hollandaise. The maître d’ was so impressed, he refined the dish, swapping toast for English muffins and bacon for ham, and added it to the menu.

Two stories, two Benedicts…and no clear winner. But honestly, I like that. It feels fitting that something this delightful has a bit of mystery behind it.

What I do know is this: Eggs Benedict has a way of making a morning feel special without requiring a big occasion. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to sit down, take your time, and enjoy each bite.

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...

"Great ideas, in your April 21st issue, about traveling. Thanks!"
-- Judy Skoglund

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Everyone deals with clutter to some extent. Maybe you have just a little, or maybe you’re drowning in it. Most people fall somewhere in between.

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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

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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.
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May Printable
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Also available:
2026 Monthly Organizing Calendar

To access my new printable, 2026 calendar, and ALL of my free bonuses, click here

Featured Web Poll:
How Often Do You Wash Your Windows?
Vote in this month’s web poll on my home page. Results will be revealed in this newsletter next month. Access here

Last Web Poll Results
Which statement best describes your relationship with paper vs. digital tools?
Do you prefer paper, your electronics, or a little of both in your life? GON readers responded with their votes and comments. Click here

Monthly Organizing Challenges:
Organize Your Clothes Closet Challenge
Spring is the ideal time to refresh and tidy up your wardrobe. Each challenge is designed to guide you in decluttering and organizing your clothes closet. Access here

Monthly Organizing Checklist:
May 2026
Get organized this spring with my May 2026 organizing checklist. Simple daily tasks, seasonal refreshes, time-saving routines, light cleaning ideas, and practical ways to keep your home and life running smoothly. Click here

"Sometimes you might feel like no one's there for you, but you know who's always there for you?
Laundry. Laundry will always be there for you."
-- Seen on the Internet

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

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In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

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-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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