Holiday Organization: How to Prepare Your Home for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
The upcoming holidays are always a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, they bring the promise of quality time with loved ones, delicious food, and the joy of gift-giving. On the other hand, they can be incredibly stressful, particularly when it comes to preparation. However, there are several ways to alleviate the stress that comes with the holiday season.
With some early preparation and a few simple strategies, you can organize your time to enjoy all the positives that come with this time of year. Keep reading to learn more about these strategies below.
MAKE A TO-DO LIST
Once you have made a list of tasks, review your list and identify the tasks that are the most critical to completing your goal. These tasks should be given priority and should be completed first. If some of the tasks on your list are too large or complex, break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. Assign a deadline to each task on your list and be realistic about how much time each task will take. Remember to give yourself enough time to complete them.
Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't forget anything important.
DECLUTTER AND CLEAN
Before starting the cleaning process, get rid of any unnecessary items that are taking up space in your home. This will make the cleaning process easier and your home will look more organized. Next, give your home a thorough cleaning before the holiday season begins. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. Pay special attention to the kitchen. It is the heart of the home, especially during the holiday season. Consider cleaning out the pantry and organizing your kitchen cabinets. Late September or early October is an ideal time to begin this process.
ORGANIZE DECORATIONS
Organizing your holiday decorations is an excellent way to get ahead of the holiday season. Before you start sorting, take an inventory of your decorations. This will help you determine what you need to keep and what you can get rid of. Consider donating items that are in good condition but no longer needed. Categorize your decorations by holiday or occasion. Use clear storage containers so you can easily see what's inside. Label each container with the holiday or occasion and the contents inside.
PLAN MEALS
Creating a meal plan for a holiday get together is not only a smart way to stay organized, but it can also help you save time and money. Start by making a list of the meals you want to prepare for the holiday in question. Consider the number of people you will be cooking for and adjust your meal plan accordingly. Take inventory of the ingredients you already have on hand and make a list of the items you will need to purchase. Consider preparing some dishes in advance and freezing them until the holiday season. This can help you save time and reduce stress leading up to the gathering.
PREPARE GUEST ROOMS
As the holiday approaches, make sure rooms are clean and comfortable if you are expecting overnight guests. Stock up on fresh linens and toiletries, and make sure there's enough space for their belongings. Also, make sure guest rooms are well-lit and have adequate ventilation. If the room tends to get stuffy, consider providing a fan or opening a window. If it's too bright, provide some curtains or blinds to block out the light.
Here’s How to Get Started
Just thinking about decluttering, cleaning, and getting organized for the holidays can seem overwhelming but you don’t have to do it all at once. It helps to make a plan and adjust said plan as needed during the process.
As you clean and declutter look for old or outgrown toys that can be donated.
The same goes for old gifts. Repurpose old gifts or donate them.
Take inventory before you buy new decor. Get rid of old and broken decorations.
If you collect holiday cards, go through your stash and toss anything that has a simple signature. Only keep those with heartfelt messages that make you feel good.
If you send holiday cards, consider sending them during the New Year to cut down on the stress of having one more thing to do during the holidays.
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Take a look at the BEFORE and AFTER below of a basement holiday organization session.
Holiday Organization - Before
Holiday Organization - After
Ashley Ingraham is a very organized Mom of a daughter in Baltimore, Maryland. Always creative she was a double major of Studio Art and Education at Furman University and spent the beginning of her career as a teacher in Baltimore City. After staying home with her daughter she founded Home Perspective to share her Organization skills and life experience to make others homes and lives better. Her business has been featured in Baltimore Magazine, Oprah & Entrepreneur. When not busy helping people organize their lives she can be found at concerts all over the country or busy raising her tween daughter.