It’s Fall and the holidays are rapidly approaching! Along with the pumpkins, gourds and turkeys we’re thinking about, we need to plan ahead for upcoming holiday entertaining and house guests!

My 20 minute De-Clutter Program can easily help you to get your home in shape for company this holiday season! 

It’s so easy to get started…

Step 1 ~ The first step is the set up. Walk each area of your home with pen and paper and write down the “hot spots” or clutter areas in each room. These would be the areas that need some organization or “weeding out”. Keep in mind the areas that will have the most use with guests and company this holiday season.  Ask yourself  questions such as, will my company need closet or drawer space? Will my guests use the second floor rooms or remain on the main floor? Will the basement area be used?  These questions will help you to determine how to prioritize the work that needs to be done.

When your house walk is complete, it’s time to prioritize the list starting with “this has to get done” versus “this would be nice to get done.”  Next, you will need 3 boxes or large bags to label as “garbage”,  “relocate” ( to its proper home), and “donate/sell”. If you find you need other boxes such as a “dilemma box”,  make sure to put a decision deadline date on the box so it doesn’t become clutter as well.

Tip-  Pick a date or several dates to drop off your donations during your project.  Make sure to add the dates to your calendar. If you choose to sell some of the items to a consignment shop, Craig’s list, etc. make sure to set a date and time for that as well.

Step 2 ~ Now that the  project set-up is complete, it’s time to get started. Each morning and evening grab your 3 boxes or bags and spend 20 minutes in your number one “hot spot”.  Look at the items as you de-clutter and decide if you love, need or use the items. If not, it’s time to move them on!

After 20 minutes, that’s it… you’re done for now!  Put your boxes or bags in a low traffic area until the next 20 minute session.  At the end of the week you will be surprised at the progress you have made!  Twenty minutes, two times a day for a week, adds up to an amazing 280 minutes or just over 4 1/2 hours of de-cluttering and organizing! Enlist your spouse and kids and you could double or triple that progress.  My favorite part of this plan is that it is gradual. The plan doesn’t take up your entire day off  or become as overwhelming as doing it all at once.

Step 3 ~ Remember the important part is keeping the organized areas, organized! After a space has been completed, make the other household members aware of your progress and declare the area a “no clutter zone”. Depending on what you have accomplished, this may be a small kitchen drawer or an entire room. Either one is great progress! Place a  post-it in the freshly de-cluttered area to remind you and others of the importance of putting everything back neatly where it belongs. This will allow you to continually view your progress and will keep motivating you to move forward with your de-cluttering and holiday preparation plan.

Give it a try, it really works!

Image Attributes:  www.arcadianhome.com (via) Country Living

With a little creative planning, you CAN enjoy the holiday season

After many unplanned and very stress filled holidays, I have come up with what I call my Holiday Survival Guide! My plan is simple and easy to follow. All you need to get started is your calendar and a blank notebook and a pen /or your tablet.

This plan will allow you to be in charge of what you choose to spend your time on this holiday season. We all have 24 hours in each day… the tricky part is how to allocate that time to get it all done. My plan will help to prioritize and then organize all of the thoughts racing through your head, and also give you a game plan to follow.

• First – Ask yourself and your family members; what is your/their favorite Christmas tradition that you do not want to miss this season? For some this may baking, having friends over, going to midnight service or maybe the decorating. After you have everyone’s response, grab your calendar and schedule for these events first! Start the season working around what YOU want to do, not trying to work it in after the calendar is full!
• Second –You will need to determine your holiday budget. This will include gifts, cards, entertaining, decorating, and attending events. Once your budget amounts are determined and in place, it’s time to create a list for each category. My hint: I use a bottom line figure and don’t go over that amount. I will move it around into the different categories until I have it as I like it though. This means if entertaining is much more important to you than gift giving or decorating, your entertaining budget will be the highest and so on…
• Third – Creating the lists. While making your lists you will be able to pick and choose just who and what you want you want to spend your time on.

Decorating – This is my personal favorite! I always schedule the decorations first on my calendar. My advice is simple and beautiful. This may be an area of your budget that you may not need to spend a whole lot. Many of us reuse our decorations each year. If you are interested in using fresh garlands and a real tree, make your choices according to your pre-determined budget and make sure to add the time on the calendar for picking out and preparing the tree.

Remember there are no rules. If you are a busy family, you may choose to plan a short time period on 2 or even 3 days to get the decorations up and ready.

Cards – If you choose to write and send holiday cards, make sure to create a list of recipients. If you are not a writer or if time is a factor for you, a photo greeting card is a quick and simple way to send your wishes to others. The photo card allows for you to have a personalized message to be printed on the cards. Your job is to write the envelopes. This can be done quite easily with your computer as well. Many companies are now offering mailing services as well. Don’t forget to schedule the time for creating the card, addressing and mailing on the calendar.

Gifts – Add all of the names of the family and friends to purchase or make a gift for. When writing your gift list don’t forget to add the paper carrier, teachers, delivery people etc. With the budget determined, it will make it easy to choose gifts for the names on your list. If you feel your list is growing larger than your budget, think outside the box. A gift of service or a homemade treat is a gift filled with love. Purchasing beautiful inexpensive containers and filling with your favorite recipes will be a well appreciated surprise.

Also remember the internet is a fantastic source for gifts. It can save us travel time and gas too! I make sure to schedule in an evening to go online and shop. You will be surprised at how fast you can complete your list! To stay organized, keep your gift list with you so when you are out and about you can check in to see if you can pick up something special during your daily activities. Remember to cross off each person as you purchase a gift.

As far as wrapping gifts, I schedule an evening on the calendar and get the family involved. Another idea is to host a wrapping party. Invite a few friends and open a bottle of your favorite wine and catch up while getting the wrapping done. Many shopping malls have wrapping services as well to take advantage of.

Events – Compile a list of the events you and your family want to attend, the cost and the dates and times. Also make sure to add if there is any special instructions to note such as bring a side dish, a hostess gift or a new unwrapped toy for example. Check to make sure these events fit into your budget and if not adjust accordingly. After you have a plan that fits the budget, add the events and the special instructions to your calendar.

Entertaining – If you have chosen to entertain for a holiday party write the dates on the calendar. Use your entertaining budget to help set the guest list, menu and the decoration plans. Adjust the menu or guests to meet your budget. Make sure to schedule in a time to call or send out an invitation (email is my personal favorite), shop and prepare the food. When choosing a time for a holiday get together, remember if you wait until after the dinner hour, you can serve snacks and not have to host an entire meal.

Self Care – Make sure to add yourself into the budget and onto the calendar. Do you need a new holiday outfit or a manicure for that special party. Maybe in a hectic week you want to schedule a night in to curl up with a good book. The key is not to forget about your needs during this busy time!

To Sum It All Up

The secret is to get it all organized on paper (or on your Ipad etc.) and on the calendar. Remember you are in charge! You get to chose what goes on the calendar. I believe for me when I see it all spelled out, I can easily pick and choose what is important to me and my family.

Make this year easy and fun! Don’t be the one who is asking who is at the door so you can wrap their present before they enter! Enjoy the reason for the season with the ones you love