Get sorted for the holiday season

With the holiday season fast approaching I wanted to share some things to do to feel organised and on top of these holidays.

Take the time to create and utilise a calendar, whether it's on your phone, a wall hanging, or a simple weekly/monthly planner. Jot down all the significant dates and times for upcoming events like the end of school, work Christmas parties, or carol services. By doing so, you ensure that you remember everything and avoid the stress of being late or missing out on these occasions. A well-organised calendar allows you to keep track of who you'll be meeting, whether you need to bring any gifts, and so on. Being prepared rather than scrambling for last-minute presents is undoubtedly a great way to enhance your enjoyment during the holiday season.

Take the time to declutter and organise your kitchen and pantry. Check the expiration dates of all items and discard anything that has expired. I find it helpful to create a list of everything I need and mark off the items I already have. The remaining items on the list are the ones I'll need to purchase or obtain from someone else. I like to do this task as early as possible and focus on getting non-perishable items. From my experience working in a supermarket during Christmas, I recommend completing this process at least a month before Christmas to avoid crowds. Additionally, by doing it early, you'll likely find the items you need well-stocked.

Retrieve your decorations and create a record of what you have. Take the opportunity to test any lights to ensure they are all in working order. If you typically lack organisation when it comes to decorations, now is a perfect time to consider storage options for after the holiday season. You might need storage solutions like boxes, bags, or a light storage wheel to prevent tangled lights in the future. A helpful tip is to label the outside of each box with its contents, allowing you to easily identify what's inside without having to take it down and rummage through it.

Create lists: one for the people who have given you gifts and one for the individuals you plan to give gifts to. This method helps you keep track of who you need to shop for and who you need to thank. To take it a step further, consider jotting down gift ideas and potential shopping locations for each person on your list.

I've discovered that using a wrapping bag or box is a brilliant solution for organising all your gift-wrapping supplies. It conveniently holds wrapping paper, ribbons, name tags, sticky tape, and even a spare pair of scissors. The best part is that these bags or boxes are perfectly sized to be stored under your bed or in a closet. Having a dedicated gift-wrapping bag has truly transformed the way I handle gift-wrapping in my home. Now, everything is neatly stored in one place, making the process much more efficient.

Now, you're ready to tackle the holiday season and get sorted. It's time to write up your calendar and make those lists. If you need any professional help organising this holiday period, contact us!