Organize + Energize: Get Organized For the Holidays

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Kristin MacRae, GoLocalWorcester Organizing Expert

The holidays are right around the corner. Avoid the stress that comes with it by getting prepared.

Before you know it, the holidays are going to be over. We get all stressed out for 2 months and then poof! the holidays are gone. This year, make some changes to the way you function during the holiday season. We have so much to do in so little time. This causes feelings of stress and overwhelm for so many of us.

This article is Part I of IV. For 4 weeks, I will be writing about how to get through the holidays in an organized, efficient manner and remain stress free. This week it’s about planning and preparing.

Here are 5 tips to get you started:

Organize your kitchen.

If you are cooking for your guests, organize your kitchen now. Set aside 3 hours to tackle your kitchen. Start with the food pantry and then move to your appliances. By organizing your kitchen, you will save time and money, be less stressed, and you will be more efficient.

Plan your menus now.

Write down all the dishes you will be serving and then write down all the ingredients you need to purchase. If your kitchen is organized, it’s going to be a breeze to make your shopping list from the food pantry.

Utilize a calendar.

Clear the mental clutter and get everything out of your head and onto the calendar. Our minds are full of information and the appointment you think you will remember but don’t write down is the one you will forget.

Table settings and decorations.

Think about how you want to set the table and how you want your home to look this holiday. Jot it all down if you must, and then make a plan to tackle it.

Break up errands.

Think about what stores you need to shop at and plan to spend a day in one area instead of running all over town wasting gas and sitting in traffic. Make lists and stick to them.

By planning and preparing, you are going to have a stress free holiday season. You won’t be purchasing duplicate items, because you will know exactly what you have. By planning you will not waste precious time, you will know what you need to do and when you need to do it. Above all, you will be less overwhelmed and less stressed. We have enough stress with outside forces. Control this aspect and you will greatly reduce your stress and enjoy the holiday.

Next week’s article: Clear the clutter and get organized for the holidays.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. Kristin has appeared on air on www.talkstreamradio.com and Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio. Her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. Her CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to start and is available at the locations listed here. She is also available for organizing workshops.