Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

March 14, 2025

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Step outside and do a quick scan of your home’s exterior. Look for anything obvious—loose shingles, clogged gutters, overgrown bushes near windows, or a burnt-out porch light.

If you spot something that needs attention, make a note or take a quick photo to remind yourself to fix it soon or to call a repair person.

Stop Trouble "Outside" Before It Starts

I don’t know about you, but I can get so caught up in taking care of things inside my house that I sometimes forget to take a good look outside. It’s easy to miss small issues until they become big, expensive problems.

A missing roof shingle? Eh, no big deal—until a storm rolls through, and suddenly, you’ve got a leak. Overgrown bushes? They seem harmless—until they create a perfect hiding spot for someone who shouldn’t be there.

That’s why I’ve made it a habit to do a quick “walk-around” of my house every so often, looking for anything that might need attention. It doesn’t take long, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m staying ahead of potential problems.

If you’re not already doing this, here are a few things to keep an eye on:

1. Roof and Gutters Check: You don’t need to climb up there yourself (and I wouldn’t recommend it!), but take a step back and look at your roof. Are any shingles missing, curled, or loose? If so, they might need to be replaced before bad weather makes things worse.

Also, peek at your gutters—if they’re overflowing with leaves or pulling away from the house, they won’t do their job properly.

2. Foundation and Driveway Scan: Walk around the base of your home and look for cracks in the foundation. Small cracks can sometimes be sealed easily, but if they’re growing, it might be time to call in an expert. Also, check your driveway and walkways for cracks or uneven areas that could become tripping hazards.

3. Overgrown Landscaping: Bushes and trees that are too close to windows or doors aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they can be a safety risk. They provide easy hiding spots for anyone who shouldn’t be lurking around. Trim them back so you can clearly see all entrances to your home. While you’re at it, check for branches hanging over the roof. Heavy snow or high winds could send them crashing down.

4. Outdoor Lighting: Ever pull into your driveway at night and realize one of your porch lights is out? Good lighting is important for safety, so take a minute to check your outdoor bulbs. Consider motion-sensor lights in darker areas—they’re great for security and can help prevent late-night stumbles.

5. Windows and Doors: Check that all doors and windows shut properly and aren’t loose or drafty. If a window doesn’t lock well, it might need a new latch. And while you’re there, give the glass a once-over—cracks, even small ones, can weaken over time.

6. Pests and Critter Damage: Look for signs of unwanted guests, like small holes in the siding, chew marks, or nests in the eaves. If you see a line of ants heading into your house, it’s time to act before they invite their entire extended family.

7. Hose Bibs and Exterior Pipes: If you live in a colder climate, a frozen outdoor faucet can turn into a burst pipe inside your home. Make sure hoses are disconnected before freezing weather, and if you notice a slow drip, fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.

8. Mailbox and House Numbers: Is your mailbox leaning? Are your house numbers faded or missing? This may not seem urgent, but clear house numbers are crucial if emergency services ever need to find you quickly.

Make It a Habit
I try to do this little inspection every few months—before winter, again in spring, and anytime after a big storm. If you’re short on time, just tackle one or two things at a time. The key is to notice small problems before they turn into big headaches.

Next time you step outside, take a quick look around. Your future self (and your home repair budget) will thank you.

On another note...

Do you know someone who could use a little extra comfort right now? Whether they’re recovering from an illness or surgery, facing a tough health challenge, or simply in need of a pick-me-up, I’ve put together a Gifts of Comfort Idea List. It’s filled with thoughtful and practical gift ideas designed to lift spirits, provide warmth, and bring a little joy when it’s needed most—easy, meaningful, and sure to brighten their day!

Happy Pi Day!

March 14th, or 3.14, is all about Pi—the mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. No matter the size of the circle, this number stays the same: 3.14159. And it goes on forever without repeating.

That endless nature has fascinated mathematicians for centuries, making Pi Day a fun excuse to celebrate math, eat pie, and marvel at the mysteries of the universe.

Pi Day has grown in popularity because it makes math fun. Schools host competitions to see who can recite the most digits of pi, bakeries offer pie discounts, and science lovers embrace the day as a reminder of how math connects to the world around us.

Plus, who can resist a holiday that practically requires eating dessert?

On a personal level, speaking of things that are infinitely special and never-endingly amazing—today is also my husband Joe’s birthday...thus why I never forget about Pi Day each year.

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As a valued member of GON in Five Minutes!, you get exclusive bonuses whenever new ones are available, PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones. This month's bonus is:

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Get Rid of Clutter Challenges: Take control of your space with 10 simple daily challenges designed to help you declutter your home and simplify your life.

March 2025 Monthly Organizing Checklist

Results of last month's poll: Which of these items would you find hardest to part with during a decluttering spree?

"Mathematics reveals its secrets only to those who approach it with pure love, for its own beauty."
-- Archimedes

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

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Maria Gracia,

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Mar 14 - Stop Trouble "Outside" Before It Starts - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter