The season from Halloween past the new year is filled with festive things to do and places to go. Whether you are entertaining, traveling or shopping, try to stay ahead of the game by implementing organizational strategies that will streamline your processes and remove some of the stress. Try:
-A Holiday Planner – a basic notebook or 3 ring binder with sections such as gift lists, a gift buying budget, menus, receipts, travel information, holiday card lists, coupons, and decorating and entertaining ideas. Bring it with you on your holiday errands so you can add or refer to it. Store the binder with holiday items so you can reference it year after year.
-A Holiday Center or Zone – an area where you gather together all of the items to keep you organized. Gifts purchased, a wrapping station with supplies, calendar, catalogs, your holiday planner, magazines, recipes, children’s holiday books, stamps and shipping supplies, cookie tins..and be sure to shop your home inventory before you purchase new items.
-Declutter – now is a great time to clear the clutter from spaces such as a guest room or extra bedroom since you may need the spaces for out of town guests. Also, you should consider purging your playrooms and closets in anticipation of new gifts.