Organize a Stress Free Holiday Season
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With the wonderful holiday season approaching, you’ve probably started to think about all the extra things you have to do this time of year. Friends, family gifts and stress! Yes, we all know that this time of year can feel overwhelming and be a lot to handle. Many of us start to think about how our home looks to guests, all the tasks of hosting and how we can give to those we love. Disorganization and clutter in our home can just add to the stress we feel for the upcoming holiday season. And while all this feels like a lot, it doesn’t have to be! Your holiday season can be clutter free and organized, and we have the organizing strategies and techniques to help you make this season a peaceful one.
Self Care Through Organization
As you go about decking the halls, you’re at the perfect place to start thinking about organizing your busy spaces and getting them holiday ready. This makes the decorating and organizing process a lot easier without having to navigate around stuff taking over your spaces. After "decking the halls”, you can focus on organizing the main spaces that will be used while guests are over like your kitchen, living room and bathroom. For areas like the living room, make sure there is space for everyone by rearranging furniture and creating extra seating options. For the bathroom and kitchen, focus on having a “home” for every item, making it much easier to find for your guests and only having the necessary items on the counters and vanity. Also, declutter high traffic areas and creating organized entryways where coats can be hung and shoes can be left if needed. Taking the time now, before the rush of the season gets real, will significantly decrease your stress and overwhelm. You will feel much lighter and be able to truly immerse yourself in the magic of the season and the love of your family and friends.
Stress Free Hosting
Hosting is a big part of the holiday season and can also be one of the biggest stressors. You have to balance cleaning and organizing with food preparations and planning gifts to give, all while making sure your guests are entertained. One way to make hosting a more organized and peaceful process is to plan ahead and create space for different activities. Check for the mood and ambiance of the room. How’s the lighting? Are the seats super close together? Will there be music, and if so, what kind? Planning fun, interactive games? Designate a space for that. Having these questions answered organizes the overall feel of your spaces and the way that they will make your guests feel, too. That way, you won’t have to worry if your guests are bored or uncomfortable while they are there.
So Much Stuff!
Exchanging gifts and enjoying meals together can leave you with extra clutter instead of actually making you happier. As a professional home organizer, I often see clients overwhelmed by too many “things” that end up unused or tucked away. So, how do we fix this? Well, let’s look at meaningful alternatives to “stuff”! Many traditions and gift giving involve a lot of unnecessary paper, plastic and things that are thrown away at the end of the season. Focusing on memorable experiences can be a great way to not only reduce the clutter but also make lasting memories full of joy and laughter during the holidays. Think of things your loved ones could do and experience, rather than getting them things you hope they will like. For example, tickets to a ballgame or a class such as cooking, dancing, etc. Also, food and drinks are a great and consumable way to give your loved ones something that they enjoy. Who doesn’t want their favorite candy bar? Another option is services to get or offer, like a free massage or babysitting so they can have a night out. After all sharing our time and space with our loved ones is one of the highlights of this “get together” season, not necessarily the gift you receive.
The holiday season can be a time of carefree joy that you get to experience with your friends and family. By following these stress free holiday organizing strategies, you will be ahead of the game and so will your home. You can not only leave your guests happy and comfortable in your clutter free spaces, but you can also enjoy your time and not have as much clutter to deal with yourself once the season is over. It’s a win-win! As a skilled home organizer, I can help you lighten the load of preparing for the holiday season as well! Schedule your consultation today to see how I can help you declutter and organize your home for a peaceful holiday season!
