Organizing Tips for December

We are approaching the end of the year but this is a busy month for everyone.  Some organizing strategies for this season have already been covered in the previous months.  Here are some final reminders and tips to help you through the holidays and the end of the year.

• Children and adults should take time to donate any items that are no longer useful. Many families will be forced to shop at thrift stores for holiday gifts and donating toys and clothing can be a blessing you will never see. 
• If you have not done so already, immediately send cards, packages, newsletters and email messages.
• Begin traditions with your family if you have not already begun them. For young children, simple activities such as baking cookies or decorating packages are best. Older children can help with community or church events. The family can purchase gifts for an "Angel Tree", read the Christmas story together, watch a favorite Christmas movie, etc. Keep it simple.
• Take pictures of family and friends and the decorations you chose as a keepsake and reminder for next year. 
• Be flexible on the big day and welcome any help offered. Don't sweat the small stuff and keep the mood light and happy.
• Avoid the after Christmas sale unless you absolutely immediately need the items. Avoid the long lines, parking problems and traffic jams. Items that need to be returned can usually wait for a few days. 
• Resist the urge to buy more holiday decorations just because they are on sale.
• Keep a journal of what worked and what didn't, the gifts you gave and any changes you would make in the future. Keep a list of clutter free gifts you can give next year. (A list can be found in my book on pages 103-105.)
• Keep the collection of all the lists, ideas, recipes, pictures, evaluations, etc. related to the holiday in a manila folder or create a folder for them on your computer. 
• Plan the holiday clean up when others are there to help you.  Make it as much a part of the traditions as decorating.
• As you take down the decorations, consider purging what you can. Eliminate as much permanent storage as possible. Make sure all items are clean and in good repair.  Try to maintain only those things with special significance or that cannot be replaced. Donate or pass on the others. 
• Consider color coding holiday containers and label with the contents.
• If you have space, hang bows in bags on hooks to maintain their shape.
• Set a family goal to make the holidays even more meaningful next year. Adopt a charity, volunteer in the community, participate in your church holiday program, etc. Write down your decision and make plans for it next year.

Organizing Checklist for December

This month I have edited what I wrote this time last year. It is a busy time for all of us and having a master checklist as well as more detailed to do lists will help keep you organized. This checklist is more detailed and longer than most monthly posts because of the importance of this time of the year.

• Children and adults should take time to donate any items that are no longer useful. Many families will be forced to shop at thrift stores for holiday gifts and donating toys and clothing can be a blessing you will never see. 
• Finish that Christmas newsletter and get those cards in the mail. Purchase "Forever" stamps rather than Christmas stamps. They can be used even when postage goes up. Better yet, try sending an email message saving time and money and not adding clutter to the receivers. 
• Most online stores have sales and purchases will have free shipping now . Be sure they will be delivered in time.  
• Keep all receipts in one special place for easy access if needed later on. 
• Purge the refrigerator and freezer of as much as you can to make room for holiday items. Make a grocery list of what you will need for your holiday events or feast. Keep the list, recipes and menu close at hand. 
• Begin decorating as soon as convenient. The best time is when you have help. Make the most of what you already have. Basic wreaths that can have the bows and decorative items changed with the seasons never need storage. Adding holiday bows or greenery to other permanent accessories in your home (such as candles, lamps, plants, etc.) are a festive touch that can be tossed afterwards. Avoid purchasing items specific to any holiday as they require storage space the remainder of the year.  
• Wrap packages as soon as you have them. If you decide to set aside a specific time, be sure you don't forget where they are hidden. (I have done that more than once!) Keep wrapping papers to a minimum. One or two plain colors and assorted colorful bows are best. Children can decorate brown paper or white papers with colorful markers, stamps, etc.
• Begin traditions with your family if you have not already begun them. For young children, simple activities such as baking cookies or decorating packages are best. Older children can help with community or church events. The family can purchase gifts for an "Angel Tree", read the Christmas story together, watch a favorite Christmas movie, etc. Keep it simple.
• Make a detailed schedule of what needs to be done before the big event. Work backwards in hourly increments on the big day and daily for a few days before. 
• Take pictures of family and friends and the decorations you chose as a keepsake and reminder for next year. 
• Be flexible on the big day and welcome any help offered. Don't sweat the small stuff and keep the mood light and happy.
• Avoid the after Christmas sale unless you absolutely need the items. Avoid the long lines, parking problems and traffic jams. Items that need to be returned can usually wait for a few days. 
• Keep a journal of what worked and what didn't, the gifts you gave and any changes you would make in the future. Keep a list of clutter free gifts you can give next year. (A list can be found in my book on pages 103-105.) Keep the collection of all the lists, ideas, recipes, pictures, evaluations, etc. related to the holiday in a manilla folder or create a folder for them on your computer. 
• As you take down the decorations, consider purging what you can. Eliminate as much permanent storage as possible. Try to maintain only those things with special significance or that cannot be replaced. Donate or pass on the others. 
• Set a family goal to make the holidays even more meaningful next year. Adopt a charity, volunteer in the community, participate in your church holiday program, etc. Write down your decision and make plans for it next year.

 

Organizing Tips for September

With Labor Day we usually see the pool closings, the end of family vacations, less daylight after work and goodbye to summer fun. Begin the fall and holiday season with some good organizing strategies.

• Coordinate fall activities on your calendar. Consider state fairs, apple and pumpkin picking, fall festivals, new community classes, etc. Send out “Save the Date” for any holiday activities you are hosting.
• Clean out the old sunscreens, summer make up and lotions.
• Purchase cold and flu preventatives, remedies and medications now. They will be harder fot find with the onset of flu season.
• Cull the magazines, save only needed articles and recycle the remainder. If you must purchase holiday magazines, be selective and recycle after reading.
• Donate summer gadgets you did not use this year. If you ever need them again, you can get them at that time. Don’t let them take up valuable storage and work spaces.
• Begin kitchen organizing and planning for the holidays. Uncover holiday baking items so you do not purchase duplicates this fall. Make a list of items and supplies you may need.
• If you plan to make holiday gifts, plan and start now or you may not have them ready in time.
• Your best choice for 2011 calendars and planners will be available beginning this month. If you are particular in style, theme, or colors, keep your eyes open for good selections.
• Take advantage of paper, office and stationery sales of items left over from the Back to School supplies. These will often be found in the clearance isles and bins.

 

Organizing Tips for December

This month is packed with lots of activities and last minute things to do. Having a good checklist will help keep you on track.

1. Mail out of town packages as soon as possible. There are some deadlines for overseas mailings.

2. Finish that Christmas newsletter and get those cards in the mail. Be sure you have kept a master list so changes in addresses, etc. can be made. Purchase "Forever" stamps rather than Christmas stamps. They can be used even when postage goes up.

3. You should have already sent out invitations to holiday activites you plan to host. If not, the sooner the better. As responses come in, update your list of the number you are serving.

4. Watch sales for last minute gifts, decorations, etc. that you need. Most online purchases will give free shipping but be sure they will be delivered in time. Be sure to keep all receipts in a special place for easy access if needed.

5. Make a grocery list of what you will need for your holiday events or feast. Purchase items when they are on sale. Keep the list, recipes and menu close at hand.

6. Begin decorating as soon as convenient. The best time is when you have help. Make the most of what you have. Basic wreaths that can have the bows changed with the seasons never need storage. Adding holiday bows or greenery to other permanent accessories such as candles can make them festive. Avoid purchasing items specific only to this holiday as they require storage space the remainder of the year.

7. Wrap packages as soon as you have them. If you decide to set aside a specific time, be sure you don't forget where they are hidden. Keep wrapping papers to a minimum. One or two plain colors and colorful bows are best. Children can decorate brown paper or white papers with colorful markers, stamps, etc. if you want them more festive.

8. Begin traditions with your family if you have not already begun them. For young children, simple activities such as baking cookies or decorating packages are best. Older children can help with community or church events. The family can purchase gifts for an "Angel Tree", read the Christmas story together, watch a favorite Christmas movie, etc.

9. Make a detailed schedule of what needs to be done before the big event. Work backwards in hourly increments on the big day and daily for a few days before.

10. Take pictures of family and friends and the decorations you chose as a keepsake and reminder for next year.

11. Be flexible on the big day and welcome any help offered. Don't sweat the small stuff and keep the mood light and festive.

12. Avoid the after Christmas sale unless you absolutely need the items. Avoid the long lines, parking problems and traffic jams. Items that need to be returned can usually wait for a few days.

13. Keep a journal of what worked and what didn't, the gifts you gave and any changes you would make in the future. Keep a list of clutter free gifts you can give next year. Keep a folder on paper or the computer of all the lists, ideas, recipes, pictures, evaluations,etc. related to the holiday.

14. As you take down the decorations, consider purging what you can. Eliminate as much permanent storage as possible. Try to maintain only those things with special significance or cannot be replaced.

15. Set a family goal to make the holidays even more meaningful next year. Adopt a charity, volunteer in the community, participate in your church holiday program, etc. Write down your decision and make plans for it next year.

November Organizing Tips

The holiday season has arrived and it is time to get busy.  Here are the organizing items that should be done in November.
1.  Purchase and address holiday cards now.  They should be ready to mail by the end of the month.
2.  Review or create the gift list so you can take advantage of sales on those items.  Look for free shipping offers if ordering online.  This method also saves time and money in the long run.
3.  Mail out of town packages by the end of the month.  Overseas packages may have earlier deadlines.
4.  Send out invitations for Thanksgiving Dinner as soon as possible.  Create a menu, grocery list and time schedule for that meal.  If you are not inviting guests, create those for yourself.
5.  Save lists, names, addresses, gifts, menus, grocery lists and any other related items in folders for reference next year.  Make notes as detailed as possible to save time in the future.  These can be saved as documents in folders on your computer or as paper files in folders by categories in your file box or cabinet.
6.  Avoid the Black Friday and after Thanksgiving sales unless you vow to stick to your gift list.  Otherwise clutter may become a holiday issue you do not need.

October Organizing Tips

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1.  As cool weather approaches, check your wardrobe for clothing that is no longer useful.  Plan to sell, donate or give away those that you no longer need.
2.  Clean and store outdoor furniture.  If mildew has appeared, use a diluted mixture of bleach and water to remove it.
3.  Clean and store yard and gardening tools.  Sharpen any that have become dull with use.  Save the rakes until after all of the leaves have fallen and been collected.
4.  Clean the outside of windows while the weather is still pleasant.  If other area on the outside of the house need cleaning, do that now.
5.  Clean and organize the attic as the weather permits.  There is a limited amount of time between the cold of the morning and the heat of the afternoon to get this job done.  Some areas may need to wait until November in order to avoid excessive heat.
6.  Plant grass seed and any new shrubs that your yard needs.  Cool weather will give the roots a chance to develop without the heat of summer sun.
7.  Think about the upcoming holidays.  The decorations are already out in local stores.  You should have already made travel plans but if not, do it now.
8.  For the best selection, look for you holiday cards now and watch for free shipping on phone and online orders regardless of the size of the order.
9.  Purchase gifts that are to be mail and get them ready for early mailings.  Overseas packages should be mailed before December.
10.  Bring out the fall decorations and enjoy this time of the year.