Feb 17 - One Box. 30 Minutes. Real Progress. - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Tue, 02/17/26

Updated: Tue, 02/17/26

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

February 17, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

We respect your time.

This newsletter will take

3:40 minutes to read.

Gather up old hair tools you no longer use (curling irons, straighteners, hot rollers, wands, and dryers) and put them in your donation box today.

One Box. 30 Minutes. Real Progress.

When clutter starts to feel overwhelming, it’s tempting to think you need an entire weekend, a detailed plan, and unlimited motivation to make a dent.

You don’t.

You need 30 minutes and one box or bag.

That’s it.

Today’s goal is simple: Fill one box or bag to the brim with items you no longer need and take it to your local donation center.

Not “sort everything.”

Not “organize the whole house.”

Not “make piles and come back later.”

Just one container. Filled. Gone.

Step 1: Grab Your Container
Choose a sturdy bag or box. Big enough to matter. Small enough to finish. This is your mission container.

Step 2: Set a Timer for 30 Minutes
Put on music. Set a timer. No overthinking. This is about momentum, not perfection.

Step 3: Hunt for the Low-Hanging Fruit
Look for items that make you say: “I don’t use this.” “I have extras.” “Someone else could use this.” “Why am I still keeping this?” Clothes, books, décor, kitchen gadgets, unused gifts, duplicate items...these are your low-hanging fruit.

Step 4: Fill It All the Way
Don’t stop at “almost full.” Keep going until there’s no more room. That’s where the satisfaction lives.

Step 5: Remove It Today
If possible, put it straight in your car. Out of the house equals real progress. Not later. Not tomorrow. Today.

Small, focused wins build confidence. One full bag proves: “I can do this.” “I don’t have to live surrounded by extras.” “I’m in control of my space.”

And that feeling spills into everything else.

Say goodbye to your clutter today!

On another note...
Reading is more than words on a page; it’s an experience. The right accessories make it even better, whether you’re curled up at home, traveling, or sneaking in a chapter before bed. Here are ten hand-picked items every book lover will adore.
Goodies For People Who Love to Read

The Wedding People

I recently finished the book, The Wedding People by Alison Espach, and it stayed with me long after I closed the cover. The story centers on a woman who unexpectedly finds herself at a wedding that isn’t hers, at a time when her life feels painfully off-track.

What unfolds is a thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt exploration of grief, reinvention, unexpected friendships, second chances, and how life so often refuses to follow our carefully laid plans.

At its core, it’s about what happens when you show up somewhere feeling broken and slowly, quietly, begin to find your way back.

I will mention that the language is a bit colorful at times, and for me, it felt unnecessary and distracting. That said, the heart of the story is so strong, so genuine, and so beautifully written that I overlooked those parts.

The emotional honesty and depth of the characters mattered far more than a few moments of extra spice in the dialogue.

This book made me smile, tear up, reflect, and feel hopeful all at once. It’s honest without being heavy and emotional without being exhausting. If you love character-driven novels that feel real, thoughtful, and meaningful, this one is absolutely worth your time. I closed it feeling grateful that I’d spent time with these characters and their story.

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...

"Maria, I read your email every day, and have now for years. The January 19, 2025 issue was just what I needed. I’m working on decluttering, and some of the questions you suggest we ask ourselves were spot on. Thank you! Blessings!"
-- Tricia Patterson

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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...

February Reset Printable
14 Small Things That Make Life Feel Lighter

Also available:
2026 Monthly Organizing Calendar

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

Last Month's Web Poll Results:
What Small Thing Feels Extra Good?
Discover which simple, comforting moments brought GON readers a sense of calm, clarity, and quiet joy in January…and read the thoughtful reflections that show why small things matter so much this time of year. Get the results here

New Web Poll:
What does “loving yourself” look like most this February? Vote in this month's web poll on my home page and cast your vote!

NEW Monthly Organizing Checklist:
February 2026
My February Monthly Organizing Checklist focuses on small, practical actions you can fit into real life. Each day offers a focused task designed to improve flow, reduce visual clutter, or make everyday routines feel easier.

New Monthly Organizing Challenges:
Love Yourself Challenges
Love yourself this month! These 28 mini challenges are designed to help you care for your mind, body, and soul, one thoughtful, doable step at a time

"The things you own end up owning you."
-- Fight Club

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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And you will accomplish all of that in less than 5 minutes a day!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
Watertown Wisconsin 53094
USA

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