Tag: Winston Salem Holiday Organizer

Organize A Joyful Holiday Season

Organize A Joyful Holiday Season

Posted on by jillmoore

We have arrived to the whirlwind season of so many things to do. The decorating, cooking, entertaining guests, shopping, and yet another event to attend can feel like a juggling act. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy when you are buried in a mountain of wrapping paper and working with a packed calendar. We affectionately refer to this season as the most wonderful time of year. With a little planning and focus on what truly matters, it can be. Let’s dive into the ways you can organize a joyful holiday season!

4 Ways To Find The Holiday Magic

Make You & Yours A Priority

Give some thought to what an enjoyable holiday looks like for you and your family. Whether it’s baking holiday treats, game night in your pajamas or a ride around town to take in all of the twinkling holiday lights, carve out time for these things. If hosting a festive family gathering is something you enjoy, do that. Let your family priorities guide you as you decide where to place your energy and focus. The best memories will be made in the company of those you cherish most!

tips to organize the holiday season, professional organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Simplify All The Things

From the decorating to the gifts to the holiday meal, simplify your plans and goals. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and we all know perfection isn’t really an attainable goal. Every corner of your home doesn’t have to be decorated. Every dish you make doesn’t have to be homemade. Reduce your stress and free up your time by simplifying all of these things. Less “work” can lead to more time for joy and laughter. Let go of the pressure of perfection.

tips to organize the holiday season, professional organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Delegate For The Win

Holiday prep is not a one-person show. Make it a team event! Share the responsibilities with your family. Have everyone work together on the holiday plan. This can help everyone see how much work it actually is. Your partner can help with hanging lights, shopping or preparing the meal. Put the kids to work; assign age appropriate tasks like decorating or wrapping gifts. If you are hosting the family for a meal, have everyone bring a dish. This will not only lighten your load, but will bring everyone together in the spirit of the season.

The Power Of No

This time of year often comes with endless invitations and obligations. Yes, we enjoy spending time with our friends and family, but we simply can’t do it all. The secret to a joyful season is knowing it’s ok to decline invitations to events you don’t have time for or a desire to attend. If you would rather have an evening at home with your family instead of going to a cookie exchange party, that’s ok! Saying no isn’t wrong or selfish. It’s the best way to give yourself a little breathing room this season! 

tips to organize the holiday season, professional organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

You deserve to enjoy the magic of the holiday season. Plan intentionally and let go of unnecessary stress. Find time for relaxation and fun. Put down the to-do list and be present in the moment, whether you’re enjoying time with loved ones or taking in a quiet moment for yourself. Create a holiday experience that is fulfilling and joyful for you!

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation
Prepping Your Home for Holiday Guests

Prepping Your Home for Holiday Guests

Posted on by jillmoore

Ho ho ho – here comes the holidays and the holiday guests! The holidays certainly snuck up on me, too… Family time is great with all the catching up, laughs and love. If you are the holiday host, you may be starting to feel a bit of overwhelm along with your excitement. It’s ok! We are here to help you prep your home like a pro. All you need is a little time and planning to get your home holiday ready to welcome your guests with a real smile, not the stressed out, fake smile…

professional organizer tips to prep your home for holiday guests, Organized Jill Winston-Salem, NC

6 Ways to Get Your Home Guest Ready

1. Declutter High Traffic Areas

Place your focus on the areas in your home that your guests will see and use the most. Think living room, kitchen and guest rooms. Clear out any unnecessary items to make the spaces open and inviting. You can place personal items in bins or baskets and tuck them away until the holidays are over. Your guests are bound to bring their things right? Let’s give them some room to really feel comfortable during their stay.

2. Create a Cozy Guest Area

This may be a separate room or maybe the couch. You may not have a designated guest room, and that’s ok! Make sure they have clean, fresh linens to sleep on. Clear out some closet and drawer space if possible for them to tuck their things in. If you don’t really have the extra space, set up a luggage stand or provide a clear area for suitcases. Keeping your guests’ items organized and out of the way helps you and them!.

professional organizer tips to prep your home for holiday guests, Organized Jill Winston-Salem, NC

3. Optimize Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a hot spot during the holidays and adding more people into the home gets it even hotter. You will need more free space. Start by clearing off your countertops, tucking away anything that isn’t needed or used often, like small appliances. Declutter and organize your fridge and pantry. Take inventory of what you have and might need…. make sure you don’t already have 5 open jars of pumpkin pie spices. These areas are about to be home to a ton of holiday ingredients and food. Yes, the leftovers are about to take over. Make room now to avoid clutter and disorganization when your house is full.

4. Refresh the Bathroom

The bathroom will also be a highly used area while you are hosting your guests. Make sure it’s clean and well stocked with essentials like toilet paper, hand soap and towels. Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to have color coordinated towel sets. Fresh and functional is the goal here. Fill a basket with toiletry essentials in case your guests forget their razor or toothpaste. 

5. Ready the Entryway

As your guests enter your home, your entryway can quickly become a cluttered drop zone. Stay in front of this by prepping the area ahead of time. Remove any unnecessary personal belongings, like your four pairs of shoes that hang out there. This will help open the space for your guests coats, shoes and bag. Think about the potential for wet weather and have a mat or special area for wet shoes or umbrellas. 

6. Holiday Vibes

If you go all out decorating for the holidays and this makes you happy, go for it! If it’s really not your thing that’s ok too. A simple door wreath, a bowl of ornaments and a few holiday pillows can give your home that cozy holiday feel. Even just a scented plug in can make the day shine and feel like the holidays. You can add some lights and holiday tunes to really set the mood. Sometimes less can really be more and it’s less to clean up later. 

professional organizer tips to prep your home for holiday guests, Organized Jill Winston-Salem, NC

Hosting for the holidays can be stressful. Remember that the holidays are about spending time with your favorite people and soaking up all the love and laughter. It’s really not about having a perfectly organized and spotless house. Your guests are there to see you, not judge your home. Prep as much as you can, take a deep breath and enjoy your company and holidays!

If you need a hand prepping your home for holiday guests, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation