Plan, Organize, Enjoy

I love the festive season, but I’m also aware that for many, it can bring a mixture of excitement and stress. From hosting and gift-giving to managing work and family commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The fact is: the holidays don’t have to feel like a burden. I’ve learned with a little advanced planning and a few thoughtful adjustments, anyone can enjoy a more streamlined and stress-free season.

Here are some of my tips to help you do just that!

Organize with a checklist

Create a checklist with due dates for everything you need to get done. Having a roadmap will make sure you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Delegate

Don’t take on everything yourself! Assign tasks to family members or ask friends for help with bigger jobs.

Start your holiday prep early

Whether it’s travel planning or updating your home, taking action now will definitely help you avoid the last-minute rush.

Travel prep

Double-check expiration dates on your passport or TSA precheck to avoid rush fees.

Battery check

Replace the batteries in smoke detectors and other devices before the holiday season, so you’re not scrambling mid-festivities. The rule of thumb when changing batteries in smoke detectors is every six months or New Years, but I change mine in October and March.

Declutter

Decluttering is an easy and impactful way to prepare your home for the holidays. Spending just 15-30 minutes focusing on this each week can make a big difference.

Kid items

Work with your children to sort through toys and clothes they’ve outgrown. Donate gently used items to those who could use them.

Your items

Lead by example! Go through your own festive attire, coats, and accessories, and donate anything you no longer need.

Deep clean

Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and guest rooms. Doing a deep clean now will make light cleaning easier during the busy holiday season.

Get your kitchen ready

The holidays often mean more time in the kitchen, whether it’s for meals or baking.

Pantry check

Go through your pantry and fridge to check expiration dates, especially for baking supplies. This will help you avoid last-minute runs to the store when items are out of stock.

Donation opportunity

Any non-expired items you don’t plan to use can be donated to your local food bank.

Prep guest spaces

If you’re expecting visitors, now is the time to get your guest bedroom(s) and bathroom(s) ready to go.

Declutter and clean

Clear out any items that have accumulated and replace old linens with fresh ones, restock soaps and lotions, etc.

Make room

Ensure there’s space for your guests in the closet and dresser—vacuum out any dust bunnies and check that you have enough spare hangers.

Organize your decorations

Decorating for the holidays can be a fun tradition, but it’s easy to forget what you already have stored away.

Inventory check

Go through your decorations early to avoid purchasing duplicates. Discard broken items and donate any you didn’t use last season.

Light prep

Test all electrical decorations now so you’re not battling crowds in December for replacements. Given how early a lot of stores have their holiday items available, I’ve noticed that it’s really difficult to get replacements because they are often sold out by the time you need them.

Plan your budget

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that expenses add up quickly during the holidays. Having a budget in place helps keep spending under control.

Set limits

Create a budget for gifts, parties, and daily expenses, so you’re not feeling the financial strain come January.

Gift list

Once you have a budget in place, plan your gift-shopping strategy by allocating amounts for each person on your list.

By planning ahead and getting organized early, you can reduce holiday stress and focus on enjoying the season. These simple steps will help you stay ahead of the curve and create a more relaxed and joyful experience for you and your loved ones.

Are you ready to transform your space and mindset? Contact Sage Home Harmony today, and let us help you start your journey to a more organized, fulfilling life.