Get Organized Before the Holidays
The holiday season is just around the corner, and while it’s a time for joy and celebration, it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re hosting family, planning festive events, or simply preparing for the rush, getting organized beforehand can reduce stress and help you enjoy the holidays to the fullest. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you stay on top of everything this season!
1. Create a Holiday To-Do List
Start by writing down everything you need to get done, from shopping to cleaning to planning holiday meals. Prioritize your tasks, breaking them down into weekly or daily to-do lists to make it more manageable. Consider using digital tools like the Notes app or a paper planner to track your progress.
2. Set a Budget
Overspending is easy during the holidays. Set a realistic budget for gifts, meals, decorations, and events to avoid financial stress. Keep track of expenses as you go along. Start discussing with family members now so there’s no confusion later with the gifting arrangements. Use budgeting apps like Mint or You Need A Budget (YNAB) to stay on track.
3. Declutter Your Home
Clear out any clutter before you start decorating for the holidays. Donate or discard items you no longer need to create more space for holiday décor and incoming gifts. Tackle one room at a time to make the process more manageable. This is a great activity to get the kids involved with so they can begin to understand that their belongings can go to someone truly in need.
4. Plan Your Holiday Meals in Advance
Avoid last-minute panic by planning your holiday meals early. Make a list of all ingredients you’ll need and schedule your grocery shopping trips accordingly. Batch cook or freeze some meals ahead of time to reduce stress on busy holiday days. Or set money aside for take out.
5. Organize Your Gift List
Make a detailed list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for, along with gift ideas and budget limits for each person. This will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute shopping. Use apps like Giftster or Santa’s Bag to organize your gift list.
6. Streamline Holiday Décor
Sort through your holiday decorations, discarding broken or outdated items. Organize the decorations you plan to use this year and store them in labeled bins for easy access. Keep decorations simple and focused on one or two areas of the house to reduce clutter. Or if you own five trees then embrace your holiday cheer!
7. Schedule Cleaning Days
Before guests arrive or your holiday events kick off, schedule specific days for cleaning. Break the tasks down into smaller jobs, such as dusting one day and vacuuming the next, to make it easier. Consider hiring a cleaning service for a deep clean before big events or parties. The best gift anytime of the year, let's be honest!
8. Make a Holiday Calendar
Having a visual calendar that outlines all of your holiday commitments—parties, travel plans, and shopping days—will help you avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure you don’t overcommit. Sync your holiday calendar with your family members to stay on the same page.
9. Organize Your Wrapping Station
Set up a designated space for wrapping gifts, complete with wrapping paper, cards, scissors, tape, and bows. Having everything in one place will save time and make gift-wrapping less chaotic. Use storage bins or drawers to keep wrapping supplies organized.
10. Prepare for Guests Early
If you’re hosting guests, prepare your home early. Freshen up guest rooms, put out fresh linens, and ensure you have extra toiletries on hand to make them feel welcome. Prepare a “guest basket” with essentials like towels, toiletries, and snacks to make your guests feel at home.
The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. By planning ahead and staying organized, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the season. Use these tips to get a head start and maximize your joy. If you’re too busy to tackle this list, we would love to partner with you. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
