Holidays Organizing Tips

Holidays

• Rather than being swamped with cooking on Thanksgiving, prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Pies will keep nicely for a couple of days. Sweet potato and squash dishes freeze well. Even stuffing and mashed potatoes can be made earlier in the day, and then simply reheated in the oven. This will help you avoid the chaos of trying to finish many dishes all at the last minute. Instead, relax and enjoy your family and friends.
  
  
• Give gifts that don't add to anyone's clutter. Consumable gifts, like homemade goodies, teas, and coffees, are always nice. Experiences, like tickets to a play or concert, or babysitting coupons for people with young children, are also appreciated. That way, your gift will result in a fond memory, not just another thing to dust.
  
  
• Holiday decorations can take up a lot of storage space. Make a date with yourself to go through your decorations, keeping only those that you really use and love. Pack decorations into large plastic tubs by season (one tub for spring, Easter, etc., one for fall, harvest, and Halloween, and so on) and label them. Only one tub per season! Now you'll have a manageable amount of decor, and you'll know right where to find things.
  
  
• Looking for a simple way to keep your gift wrap neat and organized? Use a basic, plastic rectangular trash can. You can stand up rolls of wrapping paper, and fold gift bags to sit right next to the rolls. For smaller items like bows, ribbon, scissors, and tape, buy a couple of lingerie laundry bags. These are mesh, see-through bags normally used to wash nylons and hand-washable items, found at any Target or Container Store. They work great to hold wrapping odds and ends, and can sit right on top of the trash can.
  
  
• When making your New Year's resolutions, pick something small to change every day rather than a vague and huge goal. For example, rather than saying, "I am going to declutter my entire house this year," make the decision to spend 10 minutes each day decluttering a specific area, to read your mail each day, or to put your dishes directly in the dishwasher. You are more likely to follow through on a smaller and clearer goal, and over time you will see big results.