Clutter Busting Coach

…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

stress-less

Clutter Busting: Stress Less Countdown

by Leave a Comment

Where are you with your holiday planning? If you started around November 1 you should be making some great progress on your task list and hopefully you are feeling less stressed. The whole idea of a holiday countdown is to tackle a few tasks each week so you avoid being overwhelmed and so you can hopefully enjoy the season a little more.

Even if you are just getting started today, here are some ideas to divide and conquer your holiday task list in three weeks:

  • Schedule your tasks in your calendar. Select three days each week to work on your holiday to-do list.
  • Decide what tasks are necessary and which are nice. Allow yourself to remove one or two items from your list. This will open you up to experience more joy.
  • Delegate. Get your family members (based on age and skill level) to help with items still left on the “to do” list such as decorating, baking, wrapping, shopping or decorating.

Make your plan and work your plan and your holiday countdown will be joyful instead of stressful.

Stress Less This Holiday- Six-week Countdown

by Leave a Comment

Did you start your holiday countdown on November 1? If no, read on…

Having an eight week timeline for planning a stress-free holiday is ideal. Yet you can still reduce the anxiety caused by the holidays if you strategically use the six weeks remaining before the holiday. Here is a list of specific tasks to accomplish week by week for the next six weeks to take the stress out of the holidays.

  • 6 weeks: develop gift list, set up gift-wrapping center shop/wrap ½ of gift list, develop card list, address envelopes/create holiday letter/copy
  • 5 weeks: shop/wrap ½ of gift list, finalize baking/menu list, buy stamps gather return labels
  • 4 weeks: decorate outdoors, write holiday cards, buy baking supplies
  • 3 weeks: decorate indoors, mail gifts/cards
  • 2 weeks: attend/host parties, buy grocery staples, bake/cook ahead, begin cleaning/finalize holiday menu
  • 1 week: finish baking/cleaning, buy perishable groceries.

So put these tasks in your calendar and you’ll be on the road to feeling prepared and calm this holiday season. If you would like to receive a copy of my Six Week Holiday Checklist, contact me.

Holiday Countdown- Stress Less This Year

by Leave a Comment

Would you like to stress less this holiday season? Then start your holiday countdown tomorrow, November 1. Most people don’t even think about the holidays until Thanksgiving or after, but if you want less stress this year, even if you aren’t in the holiday spirit yet, start now.

By breaking tasks into weekly segments you can conquer all the ‘to dos’ for the holiday with ease. It will give you a jump start to a successful holiday.

And if I haven’t convinced you yet, having an eight-week plan will allow you to create a budget, take advantage of seasonal specials, make conscious choices about your commitments, have time to create homemade gifts and provides time to discuss gift giving with others to avoid potential drama or hard feelings.

Guarantee yourself a stress-free holiday this year by implementing my eight-week holiday survival plan. So start tomorrow. And if you would like to receive a free copy of my Holiday Checklist, please contact me.

 

What You Can Do Before the Holidays To Stress Less – Part 2

by Leave a Comment

Here are five more tips to help you achieve the calm and peaceful holiday you have always wished for:

  1. Schedule time in your calendar now for holiday baking and cooking. Begin recipe collection and ingredient purchases for staples.  Also plan to prepare and freeze a few make-ahead meals for busy days.
  2. If you plan to shower your loved ones with homemade gifts. Start your list now, inventory supplies, purchase additional materials, schedule craft time and determine a deadline.
  3. Inventory holiday decorations and supplies within the next week. Determine your shopping list and map out a timeline. Don’t forget to delegate or enlist help. Make decorating this year a family affair and even part of the holiday festivities.
  4. Begin gift shopping now if you haven’t already. Don’t forget to get those gifts that need to be mailed purchased first. Check the postal service website for package mailing deadlines.
  5. Start planning holiday storage for next year as you take things out. Resolve to put like things together. Determine new storage needs for current possessions and make a list for necessary storage containers. Organize storage areas in preparation for post celebration pack up.

Following even a few the the tips share in this post and the previous one can keep stress at bay this holiday season. Wishing you and yours a stress-less holiday!

What You Can Do Before the Holidays To Stress Less – Part 1

by Leave a Comment

Organizing several tasks weeks prior to the December can reduce some of your holiday stress. So take some time now to plan for a calmer, more joyous holiday. Here are some ideas of tasks that you can begin accomplishing now:

  1. Determine your holiday travel plans now. Make reservations now. If you aren’t traveling, but planning holiday activities purchase those tickets now.
  2. Decide on dates and times for all holiday entertainment: parties, dinners and family gatherings. Email “save the date” messages to potential attendees. Start gathering recipes and lists.
  3. Make a list of gift recipients on an index card or in your planner. Include gift ideas and sizes. Request wish lists if you need help. Begin buying gifts and store them in a designated spot.
  4. Gather gift wrapping supplies. Create a wrapping station or make organize a tote with essential supplies. Simplify wrapping by using one color scheme. Start wrapping (don’t forget the tags) as you bring gifts home.
  5. Begin getting the holiday card process under control. Purchase cards early if your inventory is low.  Schedule time to address cards over a few days. If you send a holiday letter, begin drafting it soon. Select a deadline to mail cards. And most importantly start updating your address list now.

By creating your holiday to-do list now, you can manage and avoid stress as well as enjoy the season.