Get Organized this Holiday Season!

This week is a busy time for many people. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Boxing Day (or Week), New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are all happening within days of each other, and these holidays usually involve parties, family meals, gift giving, family visits, and a whole host of seasonal activities. We’re here to offer some advice on how to stay organized during this busy time!

Keep a calendar

With all of the events and activities going on, it’s important to make sure you have everything written down, either on a physical calendar or in your phone. You can set reminders a couple days before the event so you know what is coming up, like Christmas dinner, and what you need to be doing before that event. If you’re having family over, this is also important so you can make sure the house is clean and the guest bedrooms are ready. This way, you can enjoy time with your family and not have to run around the day of.

Don’t try to do it all

Many people feel pressured to squeeze in every holiday-themed event or activity that they hear about or get invited to. This should not happen! The holidays are supposed to be a time to relax with friends and family, the keyword being relax. The holidays don’t have to be stressful unless you make them stressful. Sometimes, it’s best to say no to some people and arrange to meet them before or after the holidays in a time that works best for your schedule. December, especially the week before Christmas, should not be the time that everyone tries to get together. It’s okay to say no – it may be that your friends and family are going through the same thing!

Leave some time to relax

The holiday season is notorious for being stressful (see points one and two!) but it doesn’t have to be. Take some time for you to relax – whether it’s at home or with friends and family, as long as it doesn’t involve you feeling stressed or disorganized. Taking this time can help you get back on your feet and assess what needs to be done. It can be easy to forget what’s happening or what needs to be done during this week when you’re constantly moving from one event to the other. Once the week is over and the holidays are done, you’ll be left dealing with all of the other things you may have pushed aside to make room for these activities. Take the time for yourself to re-organize your coming days, relax, and give yourself a break!

Pack ahead of time

For people who are travelling over the holidays or visiting relatives, it’s a good idea to pack as much as you can before you have to travel. This seems like common sense, but it’s easy to put packing off during this time, especially if you’re travelling after Christmas. However, it will make your life easier and more organized if you get as much as you can packed before you have to leave, so that you can enjoy your other holiday events without having to leave early to pack or be rushed to pack the day of. Clothes, shoes, accessories, books, and other items that you don’t use day to day can be packed in your suitcase ahead of time. Toiletry items like toothbrushes and hair accessories can be packed in your travelling bag but left out for you to use. This way, it’s ready to go but still available for you to use before you leave. If you’re travelling by air, it might be a good idea to check-in to your flights online 24 hours in advance, and either print out your boarding tickets or save them on your hand-held device ahead of time.

Once you’re ready to return from your travelling, our Unpack to Organize after Summer Vacation post can help you stay organized before you even get home.

Enjoy the holiday season by staying organized and keeping track of what is happening. Cut down on your to-do list if necessary, and make sure you take time for yourself. If you’re travelling, get as much as you can done as early as you can. This week doesn’t have to be stressful if you don’t want it to be!

How Organization Saves You Time - 6 simple tips

Being organized can make a huge difference in your daily life. It can save you time, reduce stress, and help you stay focused and productive. We compiled a few of our favorite tips for getting and staying organized:

1.     Start with a clear space. Take some time to declutter and get rid of things you no longer need or use. This will help you see what you have and make it easier to get organized.

2.     Create a system that works for you. Whether it's using a planner, creating to-do lists, or using a digital tool like Asana, find a system that works for you and stick with it.

3.     Avoid Clutter, nick nacks and things that create clutter in your space. Toss it, recycle it, donate it.

4.     Use storage solutions to stay organized. Whether it's bins, baskets, or shelves, having designated places for your things can help you stay organized and avoid clutter.

5.     Stay on top of maintenance. Regularly clean and maintain your space to keep it organized. This might involve setting aside time each week to tidy up or doing a deep clean once a month.

6.     Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend or professional organizer. They can provide valuable insights and support to help you get and stay organized.

Being organized takes some effort and discipline, but the benefits are worth it. By implementing these tips and finding a system that works for you, you can create a space that is efficient, productive, and stress-free.

Once you have a system in place take 5 minutes out of every day to ensure you maintain it. This way you keep on top of things and are not faced with another project.  Remember 5 min each day is all it takes to keep the order once your system is set.

 You got this!

Celebrating the Small Things is Important - Happy Canada Day!

Why Celebrating the Small Things is Important

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to be focused solely on the “big things” - promotions, weddings, graduations, and other major milestones. However, what we often forget is that it's just as important to celebrate the small things too. Here's why:

1. Small wins lead to bigger success

Celebrating small successes can lead to positive momentum and motivate us to work towards bigger goals. When we acknowledge that we’ve achieved a small task, it gives us a boost of confidence, which can then inspire us to tackle bigger things.

2. It helps us see the good in our lives

When we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the small things, we realize that life isn't all miserable, and that's essential. Celebrating progress like finishing a book, reaching a new fitness goal, or even just clearing our spam folder can make us happier and more aware of the good things going on in our lives.

3. It brings people together

Celebrating small things reminds us to appreciate our friends, families, and co-workers. Praising someone else for their win, even if it's small, can put a smile on their face and help build positive relationships. When shared with others, it can create moments of joy, even in day-to-day life.

4. It helps us deal with setbacks

Sometimes, when things aren't going well, it’s worth celebrating just for getting through some tough times. Even if it’s just a small relief, it can be enough to help us carry on and put our challenges in perspective.

While it's easy to get caught up in bigger-picture milestones, it’s important to remember the importance of embracing the small wins as well. Celebrating small things creates positive momentum, helps us recognize the good things in our lives, brings us together, and helps us push through tough times. So, go ahead and celebrate the small things in your life today! HAPPY CANADA DAY!