Liz's Top Ten Christmas Organizing Tips...
1) Make a list & check it twice. Actually the more lists you write, the more organized you'll be. Make a list for all the people you are gifting & write the amount beside their name that you plan to spend. This will help you stick to your budget. Next, book a time when you will do your shopping. This will help you feel in control of your time & help avoid those costly last minute expenditures. Keep the list with you in your wallet or in your phone, so that it will always be with you.
2) If you are entertaining, write a list of what you are serving & again book your time to shop, prep & cook.
3) Buy all the wrap, gift bags, bows/ribbons & cards at once. Put all the gift bags, bows/ribbons in a box (banker boxes work well for this & are not expensive). This makes it easy to store & move to where you do your wrapping. Long rolls can be put in clear garbage bags or you can buy plastic storage bins designed for them. Often, It always takes longer than you think.
4) If you send out a lot of cards, consider creating a mailing list on your computer to generate mailing labels. This will save you a lot of time. Put on some Christmas music to help set the mood.
5) Consider buying a few extra hostess type gifts for those last minute invitations.
6) Ask for help from family or friends if you are feeling overwhelmed with all that has to be done. You will get the work done in half the time and enjoy it more when you share it with others.
7) Keep a pad of paper beside your bed. If you are like me, you do your best thinking when all is quiet. This way you wont forget anything, because you'll probably not remember it by morning.
8) Consider giving charitable gifts for those hard to buy-for people. This helps avoid clutter, makes the receiver feel good and helps others.
9) Try to make some time to do your own de-cluttering before Christmas. Out with the old, in with the new. This is especially true for children. It's a great time to teach them how to donate toys, clothes etc., that they no longer want, need or use and are needed by others.
10) Having guests stay? Make room for them in your closet, cupboards or drawers. Its a good time to buy a stacking shoe rack for the extra boots etc that will be in your house.
When all your preparations are done, take the time to sit back and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Elizabeth (Liz) Manore is located in Oakville and is a Professional Home and Office Organizer. She helped pioneer the Organizing Industry in the Greater Toronto area through the formation of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC). She is the Founder and President of The Company of Organizers Inc. - a company she created in 1993(formerly Wilful Units) to organize Corporations, Small Offices, Home Offices and Residences. As an innately organized person, Liz brings this unique ability and expertise to all of her work. She understands the necessity for being organized in all areas of life. She has seen the cost and effects of disorganization in her clients' homes and offices with the loss of productivity, efficiency, and enjoyment. Liz can be contacted at 905 467 2400
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