Read the full feature story in the January/February 2026 issue.
Need to get a grip on your life? Joann Bogard recommends starting with better organization. “We’re crazy busy all the time, rushing out of the house, and a lot of that is because we don’t have a plan, we don’t have our lives organized enough,” says the longtime Evansville resident. Bogard, who long has had a passion for organizing, established The Mindful Organizer in 2021 and sees firsthand the stress that disorganization sews and the energy it draws from people.
Being better organized can mean you’re getting out of the house on time, choosing what to wear in advance, and finding food in the freezer because you’ve already meal prepped. “(Organizing) can be, ‘I want my pantry to look like Pinterest,’ but typically it’s, ‘I’m overwhelmed, I can’t find things,’” she says.
Bogard says preparing for the next day is important, “and it’s hard to do when you don’t know where things are.” One way to start is by investing in designated drop zones. “Having physical spaces for everything is important,” she says. “Instead of shoes piling up by the front door, set them on a rack. Have a box for mail to go into. Look for something that collects those things and compartmentalizes them so they don’t walk off.”
In fact, Bogard underlines drop zones as a critical solution to a common stressor. “When we’re stressed about personal space, it creates turmoil in other areas in our lives,” Bogard says. A key stumbling block: not having frequently used things within easy access.
“Having things easily accessible helps you create that routine or habit of not just putting something down, but putting it away. Put it where it goes,” she says, adding, “It’s easier to put them back because you’re creating a habit.”
One tip to crossing items off your list: Involve a friend to help you stay on track. For example, “Many women want help purging clothes in their closet. They know how to do that, but carving out time and having someone hold you accountable, to me, it’s like exercise,” Bogard says. “I know how to exercise, but I’m horrible at holding myself accountable. I just need someone to kickstart me. It’s the same with organizing.”
