Effective Tips for Organizing Your Holidays

Home Improvement

Holidays can be overwhelming, but being organized can help you avoid stress and enjoy the season. Imagine trying to find what you need from poorly labeled boxes of haphazardly packed holiday supplies at the last minute. This can lead to chaos, and you may not achieve your holiday preparation goals. By taking steps to get everything in order ahead of time, you can have more fun during the holidays. Organizing Christmas ornaments and other aspects of the holiday season, such as parties, family dinners, and gift giving, can help you enjoy the process. Making lists, setting deadlines, and selecting the right storage containers are some of the simple actions that can help you have the best time possible. Also, putting everything in order afterward sets the stage for next year’s celebrations.

10. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is crucial to holiday organization. Start planning for the holiday early, at least a month in advance. Create a centralized, all-encompassing holiday calendar for the weeks leading up to, during, and after the holiday. Include everything that’s already been scheduled, such as travel plans, guest arrival days, pageants, parties, and work functions. Pencil in events as they are announced and planned, and only accept invitations for open dates. Ensure to block off shopping and preparation days and factor in deadlines for shopping, shipping, and baking. Mark a few “off” days to rest on your calendar to relieve stress.

9. Get It in Writing

Make separate categorized to-do lists for optimal holiday organization. Make a gift shopping list itemized by person, a list of rooms or locations that need to be decorated, and a related list of decorations that need to be purchased. You can create lists for baking projects, travel plans, and people to whom you need to send cards and correspondence. Plan holiday menus first, then make the grocery list. Always have these lists with you when you are heading out to the store or the mall. If you have trouble keeping up with paperwork, create a special “holiday binder” to store everything related to a particular holiday, including lists, gift receipts, and future decorating ideas.

Ties that Bind

8. Determine Objectives and Limits

Avoid overbooking holiday events and occasions.
BananaStock/BananaStock/Thinkstock

Make the holiday season less stressful by setting practical objectives and limits. For example, if you have relatives arriving on the Monday before Thanksgiving and leaving on the Sunday after, you should not schedule a potluck dinner with friends that week or go Christmas shopping that weekend. It would be too chaotic and distract from your family’s visit and the holiday itself.

Here’s another tip: Break down each task or project into manageable parts. For instance, does it always take longer than expected to decorate for Halloween? Give yourself plenty of time. Furthermore, set a realistic decoration timeframe, such as seven days. Decorate one room or area each day of those seven days. This way, the work is doable, and it won’t dominate several whole days.

7. Take Stock

Discard damaged decorations and note what needs to be bought.
Comstock Images/Comstock/Thinkstock

Now that you’ve planned, you can begin the physical work. However, before putting up anything, take some time to assess what you have. Many of us have been using the same holiday items for years, whether we like them or not. Here’s a simple sorting rule: Give away what you hate and throw away what’s broken. In other words, don’t let an unsightly tree skirt take up space or broken tree lights sit around in a tangled mess. (It’s also a great time to check everything with electrical or moving parts.) Get rid of anything that’s crumpled or soiled. With an inventory of what’s usable, you can add new decorations that need to be purchased to your to-do list. To make next year easier, repeat this inventory step at the end of the holiday season.

6. Set and Respect Deadlines

Deadlines help you to get things done and checked off your list. Determining and following them can help you prioritize numerous tasks when you feel overwhelmed. Simply decide what needs to be done in what order, and set your deadlines accordingly. Then, begin with the tasks with the closest deadlines. External deadlines can also influence your priorities. For instance, if you need to send gifts to loved ones, find out through the U.S. Postal Service (or your preferred private carrier) the final dates for holiday shipping. Prioritize mailing things out as soon as possible to avoid clutter and stacks of to-dos around the house.

Timely Greetings

Use an online card service like Modern Post Card or uPrinting to ensure your holiday cards arrive on time. These companies allow you to choose cards and compose a message through their websites. Then, the cards are printed and sent on your behalf.

5. Involve Others

You don’t have to take on all the holiday tasks alone. Delegate some of the work to family members and make it a fun activity. Involve the kids in making decorations, putting them up, and even baking. Chore swapping is also a great idea to save time and make everyone happy. If you love baking but hate decorating, swap tasks with a friend who loves decorating but can’t bake. This way, you both get what you want out of the holiday preparation.

4. Pack It Up

Thick, plastic, transparent storage bins are a great solution for storing holiday items. They are affordable, and you can easily see what’s inside of them. You can even color-code them according to the holiday. Try using one bin per room, such as a living room bin or a dining room bin. You can also use these bins to store gifts and gift-related items, like wrapping paper and gift bags. Plastic bags are also a cheap and versatile option for storing some holiday items, especially food-based crafts. Garment bags and zippered bags from pillows can be used for storing odd-shaped outdoor decorations. If you have a damp storage space, use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes and place moisture-absorbing silica packets inside them.

3. Label and Index

If you have multiple storage bins, labeling them can help you keep track of what’s inside. Use index cards to label each box with the holiday and general category. Another approach is to number each box and create a document or index card file that lists the contents of each box. This way, you can easily find what you need without having to dig through all of the boxes.

Here’s a helpful labeling tip: assign one box for each holiday as the “open first” box. This will ensure that you start things off in a logical order. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to open the tree skirt box before the tree box.

If you’re planning a low-key celebration for an upcoming holiday, consider creating an “essentials” storage box with basic decorations, like a wreath for the front door and a small artificial tree. Keep it easily accessible to save time on setup.

2. Handle Delicate Items with Care

Don’t toss fragile ornaments and decorations into boxes unprotected. If possible, keep the original cardboard packaging they came in. If not, sandwich baggies can work just as well. Instead of tossing everything into a regular box, try using old wine or liquor boxes that have partitions. Place each delicate item into its own slot, then pad them with tissue paper or newspaper. For smaller items, consider using egg cartons in the same way. Wrap each item carefully, fill each egg divot, then place the cartons in boxes or bins. Keep them near the top to prevent damage from heavier items.

1. Host an After-Party

If you have the energy, a holiday party after the holiday can be a great way to take care of multiple things at once. This party won’t compete with other holiday parties happening during the season, and it’s a fun and social way to get back to normal. Serve your guests leftovers and unwanted food and wine from the holiday. Ask them to bring their own leftovers and unwanted food gifts. Invite your guests to take a look at your holiday decorations before you store them away. It can help you identify what’s broken, damaged, or unwanted. Whatever you don’t want can be tossed out or donated to charity. Your guests can even take it home with them if they want it.

Before you throw anything away, consider recycling holiday waste. Shred wrapping paper to use as shipping box filler. Cut up old holiday cards or valentines to use as gift tags.

Lots More Information

FAQ

1. How can I start organizing for the holidays?

Start by creating a to-do list, including tasks like decorating, gift shopping, meal planning, and sending holiday cards. Then, set a budget for each category and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadline. You can also create a schedule or calendar to help you stay on track.

2. What should I do with holiday decorations after the season?

Consider storing decorations in labeled bins or containers to make it easier to find them next year. If you have items you no longer need or want, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store.

3. How can I save money on holiday gifts?

Consider making homemade gifts or purchasing items on sale or clearance. You can also participate in gift exchanges or secret Santa events to limit the number of gifts you need to purchase.

4. What are some tips for meal planning during the holidays?

Plan your menu in advance, taking into account any dietary restrictions or preferences. Make a grocery list and try to purchase non-perishable items in advance to avoid last-minute rushes to the store. Consider delegating tasks or asking guests to bring a dish to share.

5. How can I stay organized while hosting guests?

Prepare a guest room or space in advance and provide clean linens and towels. Create a schedule or itinerary for activities and meals, and communicate it with your guests in advance. Make sure to also set aside time for yourself to relax and recharge.

6. How can I avoid overspending during the holidays?

Stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases. Consider using cash or a prepaid card to limit spending, and avoid using credit cards if possible. You can also set a spending limit for gift exchanges or secret Santa events.

7. What are some tips for staying stress-free during the holidays?

Take breaks when needed and make time for self-care activities like exercise or meditation. Delegate tasks and ask for help when needed. Set realistic expectations and remember that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan.

8. How can I stay organized when traveling during the holidays?

Make a packing list in advance and check it off as you go. Consider packing items in a carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage. Make copies of important documents like passports or tickets, and keep them in a safe place. Make sure to also leave extra time for travel delays or unexpected events.

Brody Stewart

Brody is a skilled craftsman and gardening expert. From renovating living spaces to cultivating lush gardens, Brody’s knowledge and passion shine through, inspiring readers to embark on their own home improvement and gardening journeys with confidence.