Preparing for the Holiday Prep
It seems to happen every year: we’re enjoying the beautiful early autumn days, and then suddenly BAM!—the holidays are upon us. We feel like we’re in over our heads, continually playing catch-up all the way through New Year’s Day.
John F. Kennedy is quoted as saying, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” We want to help you stay ahead of the game this year! Let’s get physically and mentally ready for prepping for the holidays, so we can actually enjoy the ride.
Tackle the Clutter Hot Spots:
Start small. Schedule 30-45 minutes a day to take on problem areas in your home. Label three boxes or bags with Toss, Donate, and Re-home, and go to town!
Prioritize guest rooms and areas that will be decorated, such as the living room and entry way. Make space in coat closets and shoe racks, and pack away any summer attire that’s still hanging around.
If Santa is planning on adding more toys, clothes, or sports equipment to your home, this is a great time to bring your kids in on the journey. Explain that a second fantastic life can be ahead for any of their pre-loved possessions, and encourage them to be a part of the donation process.
Don’t forget to freshen up the guest bathroom! Make space for visitors’ toiletries, if needed, and stock up on tissues, toilet paper, and fresh towels.
Clean Out the Kitchen:
Create room in your fridge and pantry by throwing out old leftovers or any expired canned goods. Start taking note of what you already have on hand for holiday meal prep, and make space for new ingredients.
Tidy up your shelves, drawers and counter space. Store away any appliances that won’t be used regularly over the next few months.
Do you have room in your dining room or at the bartop to set up a coffee station? Save that precious room in the kitchen, and place all the coffee/tea/hot cocoa supplies in an area that is nearby for everyone to access.
If you don’t have an extra refrigerator to store holiday ingredients and drinks, consider using a mini-fridge. Have your college student bring theirs home for the holidays, or check online shopping platforms for used ones.
Declutter Your Mind:
Set up your Notes app or have your personal planner handy for anything that pops in your head while you’re decluttering. Whether it’s what to buy for the guest room, or reminders that Elf on the Shelf needs to make an appearance soon, write it down so you can continue on without distractions!
Schedule some down time on your calendar, and stick to it. Go on walks, read a book, take a bubble bath, get coffee with a friend, journal—whatever relaxes your body and calms your mind. Mental refreshment is an important part of our lives, especially during the holiday prep season.
Delegate, delegate, delegate! Start now as you declutter—ask family members to each take on a doable hot spot, and make it fun! Put on a great playlist, and reward yourselves with a fun movie and dessert afterward.
Make sure to delegate for the celebrations as well. If any guests ask if they can bring something to your holiday feasts, take them up on it! Or better yet, make your party a potluck, and let everyone contribute to the fête.
Bonus Level:
Set up a budget! For some, it’s a no-brainer. For others of us, it can be a major stretch. But give it a whirl, and enlist one of the budgets apps available to help you tackle it. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
For those sending out holiday cards, make an appointment with yourself for a planning meeting: pick a photographer, a location and the outfits -or- keep it easy and choose a fun candid shot taken over the past year—people love it all. (Especially if you add a few outtakes to the card or social media post!)
Need help with holiday organization? Our team at Making Home Space is ready to come alongside you in the planning, set-up, and tear-down—call us for a free consultation.
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Cheers!
Your MHS Team ✨
