Meal Stock photos by Vecteezy

The holiday season can be full of good things—family gatherings, festive meals, celebrations. We all know the stress that comes with it too: work deadlines, gift shopping, family stress and hosting duties, a never-ending to-do list.  During this time home organization often slips to the bottom of the priority list. But staying organized during the holidays can actually make this busy season feel lighter, calmer, and far more enjoyable.

A little planning and a few intentional changes can save you time, reduce stress, and help you focus on what truly matters. Here are four simple ways to stay organized this holiday season.

1. Make A Plan
   If you’re hosting, take a few minutes to write down or retrieve what you’ll need—serveware, linens, decorations, pantry staples. Knowing what you already have (and what you don’t) prevents last-minute scrambling and duplicate purchases.
2. Tidy Up for Friends and Family
   It’s tempting to want your entire home organized overnight, but that usually leads to burnout. Instead, choose one room or area and focus there. Small wins build momentum, and tackling spaces one by one allows for deeper, more lasting organization. Even better, the systems you set up now can carry you smoothly into the new year.
3. Use Containers to Corral Seasonal Items
   Clear containers or boxes are your secret weapon. Group similar items together—gift-wrapping supplies in one bin, decorations in another—and label them clearly. When everything has a designated home, you’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying the season.
4. Declutter What You No Longer Use
   Clutter adds stress—especially during an already busy time of year. Take the opportunity to let go of items that no longer serve you: broken decorations, expired pantry goods, mismatched linens, old wrapping paper, unused mugs, or toys your kids have outgrown. Donate or discard what you don’t need. Clearing physical space also creates mental clarity, making you feel calmer.

The holidays will never be perfect, and that’s okay. An organized home can help minimize stress and maximize joy. By putting a few simple systems in place, you create space to be fully present—laughing, celebrating, and making memories with the people you love most.

Need help getting organized? Schedule your FREE discovery call to learn how we can help.

The last thing that special person in your life needs, who also happens to be challenged by too much stuff, is more stuff.

Some people have too many useless or long forgotten objects to fill up a void in their lives, especially if they live alone. Others hold on to things to hold on to memories. There are also those who keep things for their potential use. Unfortunately these things rarely if ever get used. Fear of loss or pain is another reason people keep things they don’t really need.

Instead of buying one more thing, here’s a list of my favorite gifts for that special “collector” in your life. The best part of these gifts is they involve spending time with you! Because if you are reading this, you are probably pretty special too.

1. A personalized gift certificate from you for a special experience or outing you could enjoy together.
2. Gift card to their favorite restaurant.
3. Tickets to a concert or an event.
4. Gift certificate for a consultation with a professional organizer. Be sensitive with this one. Do it only if you know them well and you have asked them if they would like some expert advice.
5. A month’s subscription to their favorite entertainment streaming service.
6. Membership to a local health club.
7. Gift certificate for a class they’ve been talking about taking.
8. Tickets to a local tourist or holiday attraction and offer to go with them.
9. A trial membership for a healthy food delivery service.
10. Have a favorite photo or piece of art, professionally framed for them. It won’t add to their clutter and it will remind them of you and something or someone they love.

Wishing you a joyous, peaceful and organized holiday season.

Use this convenient checklist to create reminders for yourself or your family for the Holidays.

_ Make up your guest list

_ Create your gift list for friends, family as well as those hosting you

_ Decide on your menu

_ Schedule your food shopping and place special orders

_ Shop for food and beverages

_ Buy food items your guests can prepare themselves for breakfast

_ Create send out invitations, either electronic, email or paper

_ Put up any holiday lights

_ Shop for or decide on party clothes you’ll wear

_ Borrow or order chairs if you need extras

_ Clean your house

_ Organize and tidy up guest rooms and baths

_ Get your kitchen and pantry in order

_ Make sure you have nice, clean guest towels and linens

_ Decide on music for your holiday events

_ Decorate your home

_ Dust, polish or clean off your serve ware

_ Order flowers

_ Set aside food storage containers

_ Send out thank you cards