Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

March 15, 2025

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Turn around in your usual workspace and tidy up whatever is directly behind you—whether it’s a cluttered shelf, a dusty windowsill, or a neglected corner.

Work Fills the Time Allowed—So Give It Less

Have you ever noticed that if you give yourself an hour to clean out the fridge, you take the full hour? But if you only give yourself 30 minutes, somehow, you still get it done?

That’s because work expands to fit the time we give it. If you allow a task to take all afternoon, it will take all afternoon. But if you set a timer and commit to finishing faster, you’ll likely accomplish just as much—without dragging it out.

This phenomenon is often observed in workplaces, but it applies just as well to organizing at home. If you give yourself two hours to clean out your pantry, you’ll probably spend time overthinking where every item should go, pausing to wipe down shelves twice, or getting distracted by an old cookbook.

But if you only allow yourself 30 minutes, you’ll move with more focus and purpose—and still get the job done.

Set a Time Limit and Stick to It
The best way to keep yourself on track? Give yourself a time constraint. Before you start a task, decide how long it should take, set a timer, and commit to wrapping it up when the time is up. Try these strategies:

Instead of setting aside a whole morning to declutter your closet, give yourself 45 minutes.

Rather than an entire afternoon for organizing the garage, focus on one shelving unit for 30 minutes.

Sorting through paperwork? Limit yourself to 20 minutes and stop once the timer rings.

Working with a set time keeps you moving forward. It prevents perfectionism, eliminates unnecessary steps, and ensures the task doesn’t take over your whole day.

Good Enough is Good Enough
Another key to finishing tasks faster is recognizing when good enough is good enough. If you’re spending 10 extra minutes deciding whether to keep a single spatula, or if you’re reorganizing the same shelf three times to get it just right, you’re wasting time that could be better spent elsewhere.

Work expands to fill the time we allow it—but we can use that to our advantage. Instead of waiting for a huge, open block of time to tackle a project, shrink the time, focus on smaller tasks, and move with intention. You’ll get more done, avoid burnout, and free up more of your day for things you actually enjoy.

On another note, know someone who could use some comfort? My Gifts of Comfort Idea List is filled with thoughtful, practical gifts to lift spirits, provide warmth, and bring a little joy—perfect for anyone facing a tough time or just needing a pick-me-up.

Beware the Ides of March

March 15th, famously known as the Ides of March, is remembered for the dramatic assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C.

The warning, “Beware the Ides of March,” originates from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, where a soothsayer forewarns him of his fate. Over time, the phrase has come to symbolize unexpected betrayals and political intrigue.

On a less grim note, the Ides of March also marked the time for settling debts in ancient Rome. So if there’s anything lingering on your TO DO list, maybe today’s the day to take care of it.

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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. This month's featured bonus is my...

GON Spring Cleaning Checklist

Get your home spring-ready with my GON Spring Cleaning Checklist. Every essential task is already planned out for you!

Also, if you don't already have it, my 2025 Monthly Organizing Calendar is still available. Jump in today and start tackling those organizing tasks.

To access these free resources, click here

New Web Poll: If you could complete one spring chore without lifting a finger, which would it be? Access the poll on my home page and vote.

March 2025 Monthly Organizing Checklist:

Click here to access

March 2025 Monthly Organizing Challenge:

Get Rid of Clutter: Click here to access

Results of last month's poll: We asked "Which of these items would you find hardest to part with during a decluttering spree?" Here are the results

"Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks."

-- Warren Buffet

I'd love to hear from you.

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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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Mar 15 - Work Fills the Time Allowed—So Give It Less - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter