I find that the days just prior to Thanksgiving are perfect
for getting organized. Company may be coming soon or you
may be leaving town to visit family. It's the start of the
holiday season. It's the countdown to a brand new year. Why
not 'make a clean sweep' now, so you can enjoy the holiday
season, end the year with a bang and start off the new year
fresh?
Here are five things you can do to get organized before
turkey day:
1) Don't go grocery shopping. Except for perishables, like
milk, try to make your meals based on what you already have
in the cupboards, refrigerator, freezer and pantry. This
'use up what you have' theory forces you to be creative
with your meal planning, and allows you to make plenty of
room for the big Thanksgiving feast and the leftovers.
2) Give the coat closet an overhaul. Whatever coats or
jackets you have that nobody wears can be donated to your
favorite charity. Warm outerwear is especially appreciated
by local donation centers this time of year. Everything
that remains in the closet should be hanging in one
direction--including hangers--for a consistent, uniform
look. Get rid of those flimsy wire hangers and trade them
in for sturdy wooden or heavy plastic. Smaller accessories,
such as mittens, hats and scarves, can be stored a multi-
pocket accessory organizer that hangs from the rod. Another
possibility is storing each family members's accessories in
tote bags, labeled with the person's name and hung from a
hook in the closet. Finally, be sure there are empty
hangers inside for holiday guests.
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3) Make way for the tree. If part of your celebration
includes a Christmas tree each year, conquer the clutter in
the room where the tree will be displayed. Empty papers off
any surfaces and either recycle them if they're not needed
or file them away in your filing system for future
reference. Get any toys into baskets with lids or put them
into the toy room. Gather anything in this room or area
that should not be there and bring it to its proper home--
that is, unless you don't have a use for it, in which case
it should be donated or tossed. Start moving any furniture
necessary so that when you finally bring the tree into the
room, it will be a smooth and simple process.
4) Make a good impression. First impressions are important,
and when someone walks into your home--including yourself--
it will not be a great impression if you have clutter
strewn about in each and every room. Give your home a calm,
warm, relaxed look by eliminating the chaos. Put things
back where they belong. Get baskets and containers with
lids to help you contain items like remotes, toys,
magazines, office supplies and books. Are you so
overwhelmed you don't even know where to start? No problem.
Just tackle one small thing at a time--the area that
bothers you the most--and you'll be well on your way to
an organized home before you know it.
5) Make a list and check it twice. With so many different
tasks and activities going on this time of year, the last
thing you should do is try to remember everything in your
head--that is, if you want to avoid headaches and stress.
The most basic and simple solution for getting everything
done in a calm and collected manner, is to keep track of
everything you have to do and everything you've
accomplished on a simple list. With this visual, you won't
have to worry about forgetting anything. Plus, it will be
easier to see what tasks you can delegate--hint, hint, if
you don't have to do it all, don't. Get help from family
members, friends or professionals (like organizing services
or cleaning services) whenever you can.
P.S. If you enjoyed these tips, get over 1,300 more quick
and simple ways to get organized! Visit:
http://www.getorganizednow.com/newbook.html
by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!
Get your free Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak, filled with
tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your
office, and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site:
http://www.getorganizednow.com
