Make the season merry & bright
Have a plan & you’ll already be ahead of the game! Here are 5 ways to streamline the otherwise unruly & unpredictable holiday season. Remember not to add any unwanted stress to your life by fretting over any of these, they are meant to help, not hinder, and I know you GOT THIS! Take 1 item a day if need be and in less than a standard work week you’ll be done!
- Budget! Figure out what you’re working with! There is always the tendency to overspend during the holiday season so it’s always better to be realistic about ANY and ALL potential costs you may accrue. Think of everything: gifts for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, teachers, coaches, as well as all groceries, decor updates/replacements, cards, stamps, delivery costs, and all possible expenditures for social outings, dinners out, & entertaining. Then round up all your totals to provide a realistic cushion.
- Make a list & check it twice. Excuse me …lists, makes TONS of lists. And continually check it, more than twice, and be sure to check items off as you go! Not only will this communicate your progress but, once you have crossed off enough items, you make a new concise list that makes it all that much more manageable. Your lists should include: gifts, card list, guest lists, grocery lists, miscellaneous stops (post office, Fedex, actual shopping -all errands that eat up your time) and preparation needed for all holiday guests.
- Nail down a schedule. And stick to it! Think getting the holiday cards ready & mailed, shipping to family out of the area or abroad, these time sensitive items need to be at the top of the list. Next, check your list of stops & where you’ll be shopping, think shipping delays and route a course that is most efficient when shopping locally. Then, party planning, baking, catering should have been ordered by now, decorating and social events; along with what all that really entails (wardrobe, reservations, etc.)
- Revisit your budget & lists. Now we narrow! Make sure you are on track when it comes to expenditures, and create you new & improved, shorter to-do lists.
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Clean the house. Those decorations are so lovely but, they do not look as good when covered in dust or the random clutter that miraculously appears at the end of each day. Stay on top of it, and get the entire family involved. And pay special attention to your kitchen, pantry, and fridge. This area of the home seems to have so much more traffic this time of year.
If it’s just all too much with all you have going on, remember that we’re here to help with: organizing, decluttering, moving, and even decorating! Plus, if you’re going to get yourself anything this holiday season, the gift of a more organized holiday season is a good place to start; it’s also an amazing gift to give someone you hold dear. Being more Organized & Orderly is just a phone call and click away, call 949.667.4664 or email me.
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