Professional organizer Archives - Organized By Catherine

From Chaos to Calm: A Professional Organizer’s Roadmap for the Sandwich Generation

by Organized By Catherine | Jul 10, 2025 | Downsizing, Organizing, Professional organizer

As a professional organizer, I often find myself working with individuals who are part of the sandwich generation—those who are balancing the care of aging parents with the needs of their adult children. This unique position can feel like an emotional tug-of-war, leaving many feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and underappreciated. It’s a challenging time filled with a heavy load of responsibilities, and it’s crucial to address not only the logistical challenges but the emotional toll it takes as well.

In this post, we will explore the complexities of managing this dual role while providing practical solutions to help alleviate the chaos in life.

The Weight of Responsibility

Caring for aging parents can be one of the most emotionally and physically taxing roles one can take on. The decline of a parent’s mental and physical health can be heartbreaking to witness. You may find yourself not only managing doctor appointments but also serving as emotional support, caregiver, and even advocate for their needs. If you have siblings, the dynamics can further complicate matters.
Consider the sibling who lives closer and has become the primary caregiver. They are the one scheduling appointments, bringing over groceries, and providing daily companionship. Meanwhile, the sibling living further away expresses sympathy but often distances themselves from the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. This separation can intensify feelings of isolation for the primary caregiver, who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and burdened by guilt for not being able to do more.

These scenarios can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment towards those siblings who are not as active in the caregiving process. You might wonder why they do not grasp the extent of the challenges you face daily. The emotional turmoil can take a toll—not only on your mental well-being but also on your relationships at home with your adult children.

The Challenge of Transition and Possessions

One of the most difficult aspects of managing the decline of an elderly parent is what to do with a lifetime of their possessions. Suddenly, the once cherished items become daunting reminders of the past. You might feel immense guilt when contemplating what to do with these belongings, aware that each item holds a memory or story.

This can lead to feelings of mental anxiety and stress as you travel back and forth to your parent’s home, spending hours sifting through their possessions while also trying to support your own adult children dealing with challenges of their own—whether it’s mental health, job searches, or financial constraints. This juggling act may leave your own household in a state of chaos as you wrestle with the guilt of putting your parental responsibilities above the needs of your children.

The Emotional Burden of Decluttering

You may feel like time is slipping through your fingers, leaving you with little opportunity for self-care or relaxation. The accumulation of your parents’ belongings can be emotionally taxing, creating a cycle of anxiety as you struggle to find solutions. Just the idea of tackling this burden might seem insurmountable but remember that help is available.

Finding Hope Through Organization

As a professional organizer, I am here to tell you that relief is possible. Transforming your parents’ living space can facilitate a smoother daily routine, allowing them to remain in their home safely and comfortably. Here’s how you can take actionable steps forward:

Reorganizing the Home for Daily Living

The first step is to adapt your parent’s home to meet their current needs. This may involve creating a bedroom on the main floor so that they can avoid the stairs. Think about repurposing rooms to fit their lifestyle better, perhaps turning an office into a cozy den where they can relax.

“Catherine helped us turn my parents’ office into a beautiful bedroom that fits their needs perfectly!”

Reorganizing the kitchen is equally essential. Ensuring that frequently used items are within easy reach can significantly enhance their independence and reduce the physical strain that comes from lifting heavy pots or reaching for things high up. Decluttering items that are too heavy or no longer useful will not only simplify daily tasks but will also provide a sense of calm in the home.

“Catherine transformed my parents’ home, making every item easier to reach. It relieved so much stress from my plate!”

Sorting and Downsizing

If your parent is ready to downsize, professional organizers can work at a comfortable pace. Listening patiently to their stories while sorting through years of belongings helps create a respectful and compassionate environment. It’s important to consider what can be donated or sold, creating a pathway for them to let go of things that may weigh them down emotionally.

“Catherine was so understanding when my mom had a hard time letting go of some belongings. She made the process easier every step of the way!”

Dealing with Nursing Care Transitions

In the unfortunate circumstance that your parent requires a move to nursing care, the emotional burden of managing years of possessions can feel overwhelming. If you and your siblings cannot agree on how to approach the sorting process, a professional organizer can step in and efficiently categorize their belongings within days. This gives you the opportunity to review sorted categories without the emotional attachment hindering your progress.

“She sorted through my parents’ entire house in just a few days! It was a game changer for us.”

Managing the Sale of the Family Home

If selling your parents’ home becomes necessary, professional organizers can also refer you to trusted service providers—electricians, painters, real estate agents, and auction services—saving you countless hours and stress. This network can be particularly valuable as navigating the sale of a family home comes with its own set of emotional implications, and having supportive professionals can ease the burden.

“Catherine connected us with the best real estate agents and auction services. We couldn’t have managed the sale without her!”

Supporting Adult Children Living at Home

Many in the sandwich generation also grapple with the needs of their adult children, who may be living at home for extended periods. As a professional organizer, I can help create a separate and comfortable living area for your adult child, ensuring their space is functional and free of childhood possessions. This not only respects their adulthood but also provides an atmosphere conducive to personal growth.

Creating distinct spaces for your loved ones in the home can minimize chaos and provide a sense of ownership and independence for both your parents and children. Eliminating unnecessary clutter can foster a more harmonious household environment, reducing the emotional impact of stress.

“With Catherine’s help, we created a beautiful, functional space for my son that he loves. It means so much to have that separation!”

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Life in the sandwich generation can undoubtedly feel overwhelming, rife with emotional burdens stemming from the care of aging parents and the demands of adult children. However, you are not alone in this journey, and there are productive steps you can take to lighten the load.

By reorganizing your parents’ living space for accessibility, helping them sort through their possessions with compassion, and creating functional spaces for your adult children, you can establish a sense of order amid the chaos. Seek help, when necessary, whether through a professional organizer or support groups, to navigate the complexities of your role.

Remember, embracing self-care is essential. As you support those you love, do not neglect your well-being. You deserve time to breathe, to reflect, and to recharge. With the right strategies in place, you can navigate the emotional maze of caregiving and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and balance in your life.

Acknowledging the emotional landscape and burden is the first step towards creating a more manageable and fulfilling experience for you and your loved ones. We all have stories to tell, and sometimes, sharing the burden with a trusted partner can provide the clarity and relief you need to move forward.

“Catherine not only transformed our physical space but also lightened our emotional burdens. She gave our family hope during a tough time.”

Through these testimonials from past clients, it’s clear that professional organization services can be a lifeline to the sandwich generation, helping to ease the logistical and emotional challenges of caregiving. Embrace the opportunity to create a better, more organized environment for both your parents and you. You are not alone, and there is hope on the horizon.

If you are looking for support organizing, feel free to reach out for a free quote.

Moving Made Easy: Tips from a Professional Organizer for a Seamless Spring Transition

by Organized By Catherine | May 8, 2025 | Tips from a Professional Organizer

stacked cardboard boxes with words written on them Spring is a time of renewal and fresh starts. With the blossoms blooming and longer days ahead, it’s no wonder that many people consider embarking on a new journey—like moving to a new home. As a professional organizer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the chaos that can accompany a move, but I’ve also seen how purposeful planning and organization can transform the experience from overwhelming to manageable. In this article, I’ll share helpful tips and insights into how moving can be a great opportunity for simplifying your space and practicing mindful decluttering.

The Importance of a Moving Checklist

When it comes to moving, the key to a smooth process lies in preparation. This is where a moving checklist comes into play. A well-structured checklist can serve as your roadmap through the often-chaotic moving experience. Here’s a simple breakdown of what a moving checklist should include:

Six Months Before Moving:
– Set a moving date.
– Start researching moving companies or truck rentals.
– Create a preliminary budget.
– Start decluttering each room.
One Month Before Moving:
– Finalize your moving company and confirm details.
– Purchase moving supplies.
– Begin packing non-essential items.
– Notify utility companies of your move.
Two Weeks Before Moving:
– Pack up the rest of your belongings.
– Create a checklist for the essentials that you’ll need right away (keys, medications, etc.)
– Arrange for a cleaning service for your old home if necessary.
One Week Before Moving:
– Confirm your moving truck or company.
– Prepare a moving day kit with essentials (snacks, water, paperwork).
– Double-check your checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Moving Day:
– Do a final walkthrough of your old home.
– Ensure all items are packed and ready to go.
– Make sure to keep important documents with you during the move.

Decluttering: The Heart of Mindful Moving

One of the most liberating aspects of moving is the opportunity it brings to declutter your belongings. We often accumulate clutter over the years, and moving poses the perfect chance to re-evaluate what we truly need. This is where mindful decluttering practices come into play.

Here are some strategies to effectively declutter:

Room-by-Room Decluttering: Tackle one room at a time. This approach prevents overwhelm and creates a sense of accomplishment as you complete each space. Start in areas that are less frequently used, such as guest room closets or the basement.
The Four-Box Method: Label four boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” This method simplifies decision-making and reduces indecision as you sift through your belongings.
The 12-Month Rule: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, consider donating or selling it. This rule helps in identifying truly significant items versus those that are merely taking up space.
Sentimental Items: For items with sentimental value but little practical use, consider taking photos or videos to preserve memories without retaining the physical object.

Also, consider environmental responsibility when decluttering; recycling electronics or donating gently used items helps reduce waste and supports others in the community.

Packing Efficiently

Once you’ve decluttered, packing becomes a more streamlined process. A few tips to enhance your packing efficiency include:

Use Quality Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling. Proper materials can prevent damage to your items during transport.
Label Everything: Clearly mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you countless hours of searching when it’s time to unpack in your new home.
Pack Strategically: Start with off-season items, then continue with less frequently used belongings. Save your daily essentials for last so they are easily accessible.
Pack Similar Items Together: To make your move more efficient, pack similar items together. For instance, keep all your kitchen items together in boxes label “Kitchen”, and toiletries in boxes labelled “Bathroom”. This approach streamlines the unpacking process; movers can easily sort your boxes to the appropriate rooms, and you’ll save hours of searching later since each box will contain items designated for a single room rather than a mix from multiple rooms.

Moving and Organizing

The combination of moving and organizing can feel like a daunting task. However, hiring a professional organizer can lighten the load significantly. Here’s how an organizer can help you in various stages of your move:

Pre-Move Decluttering: An organizer can provide guidance on how to declutter effectively. They can offer a fresh perspective and help you make decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.
Packing Assistance: Professional organizers not only assist with packing but also implement efficient systems to ensure a stress-free move. They can complete the packing process quickly, which can be incredibly beneficial when time is of the essence.
Unpacking in Your New Home: Unpacking can be one of the most overwhelming aspects of moving. An organizer can streamline this phase by methodically unpacking each room according to your needs and preferences, ensuring that everything goes in its designated space, saving time and energy.
Post-Move Organization: After a move, it’s essential to set up your new home in a way that feels functional and organized. Professional organizers can help you establish systems that make sense for your lifestyle, leading to a more peaceful, organized living environment.

Simplifying Your Space

The ultimate goal of moving should be to create a space that feels warm and welcoming and makes you comfortable to be there. Simplifying your space means embracing a minimalist approach that allows for more freedom and less distraction. Here are ways to simplify:

Embrace Functionality: Choose furniture and items that serve a purpose in your new home. Consider multi-functional pieces that can reduce clutter while providing utility.
Maintain Open Spaces: Arrange your furniture to create open pathways and visual clarity. Less visual clutter can promote a sense of calm and organization.
Consistency in Storage Solutions: Utilize similar storage solutions across rooms to create a cohesive and clean look. Baskets, bins, and shelves can all work together to maintain the minimal aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Regular Maintenance: Once you’ve moved and organized, there’s an ongoing need to maintain your space. Establish routines for daily tidying and periodic decluttering to keep your new home feeling fresh.

Final Thoughts

Moving can be a fresh start, full of exciting possibilities—if you approach it with the right mindset and planning. From crafting a thorough moving checklist to embracing mindful decluttering practices, each step can contribute to a smoother transition and a more organized living space.

As a professional organizer, I’ve seen how a thoughtful approach to moving can alleviate stress and create the opportunity for a lifestyle that values order and simplicity. So, this spring, as you think about moving, remember that it’s not just about the physical relocation of items; it’s about creating a home that reflects who you are. Simplifying your space, while finding joy in decluttering and organizing, can create a transformative impact on your life.

Happy moving, and may your new space bring you peace and joy for years to come!

If you would like help with a moving project, complete the contact form, I would love to have a chat!

Catherine Davis
Professional Organizer
Organized By Catherine

Why Spring Cleaning Often Falls to the Wayside and How a Professional Organizer Can Help

by Organized By Catherine | Apr 14, 2025 | Home Organization Tips, Spring Cleaning Tips

Catherine sweeping in garage As a professional organizer, I often hear people lament about the notorious spring cleaning season. For many, it’s a time that promises renewal and a fresh start, but inevitably it arrives with a heavy sigh accompanied by the mental weight of what needs to be done. Many people find spring cleaning to be quite the chore rather than a refreshing experience. So why is it that so many people dislike the idea of spring cleaning?

Let’s delve into the reasons why spring cleaning is dreaded and look at how a professional organizer can transform spring cleaning into a manageable task.

The Burden of Clutter

One of the primary reasons people dread spring cleaning is clutter. Over time, it accumulates in various forms: outdated clothing, forgotten gadgets, old paperwork, and even items we’ve inherited and never used. This clutter creates a sense of chaos, making the thought of tackling it feel overwhelming. For many people juggling work projects, family responsibilities, and social commitments, the very idea of spring cleaning feels overwhelming.

Another obstacle to spring cleaning stems from the emotional attachments we develop with our belongings. Items often hold memories or represent significant life events, making it challenging to part with them—even if they’re just adding to the clutter. Many individuals struggle with the “what-if” mentality:

“What if I need this someday?”
“What if my children resent me for discarding an item they once loved?”
“What if discarding an expensive item causes me upset about losing money?”

This leads to an accumulation of possessions that ultimately weigh us down rather than lift us up.
Clutter doesn’t just take up physical space; it can also drain mental energy. The mess serves as a constant reminder of unfinished business, contributing to stress and anxiety. As a professional organizer, I understand the emotional toll that clutter can take. You might be asking yourself, “Where do I even start?” The answer is simple: take it one step at a time.

How a Professional Organizer Can Help

When clients work with me, I introduce them to strategies that make spring cleaning and decluttering achievable. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can streamline the process. Instead of dedicating an entire weekend to cleaning out the garage, for example, we commit to spending 2 – 3 hours on a specific area—such as a small section of the garage, or the area closest to the garage door. Over time, these small efforts add up significantly, leading to impressive results without the stress of a marathon decluttering session.

Emotional Obstacles

As a professional organizer I also help clients navigate emotional obstacles. I encourage clients to consider their relationship with their belongings. For example, I ask:

“Do you use this item?
“How often do you use it?
“Is it sentimental?”
“How important is keeping this item to you today?”

These questions can help clarify what is truly valuable and what is ready to be let go.
Working with a professional organizer provides relief from mental overload. Besides offering practical organizing solutions, such as setting up an efficient filing system or creating storage solutions tailored to your needs, I act as your accountability partner. I help you establish a timeline, set goals, and follow through, transforming the daunting task of home organizing into a structured and manageable project.

Mindful Decluttering Practices

One strategy I use with my clients is the “Four-Box Method”: label four boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” As we review your belongings, we sort each item into the appropriate box instead of overthinking every single piece. This system not only helps streamline the decision-making process but also makes it easier to visualize the amount of clutter you’re reducing, and easily remove it from your home at the end of our session.

As a professional organizer, I advocate for eco-friendly decluttering strategies. For example:
Delivering your unwanted items to local charities that need them.

Participating in community swap events, such as Durham Region’s Curbside Giveaway Day.
Recycling whenever possible by selling your items locally.
Not only does this help the environment, but it also gives a more positive spin to the often-tedious process of spring cleaning and decluttering.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning presents an opportunity for renewal. It’s a chance to refresh your space and invigorate your mind. As a home organizer, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of decluttering and organizing. Creating an orderly environment can lead not only to physical clarity but can also clear mental pathways. After working together, you’ll find that home organizing doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore; rather, it can become a fulfilling process with lasting benefits. Imagine walking into your home after a successful organizing session – everything has its place, and you can breathe easy knowing that your spaces are functional and pleasant to live in.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let Organized By Catherine transform your cluttered spaces into the dream sanctuary you deserve. Together, we’ll welcome the season of renewal with a fresh start and renewed energy!

Catherine Davis
Professional Organizer
Organized By Catherine

Step-by-Step Guide to Organize Your Home Office

by Organized By Catherine | Mar 27, 2025 | Office Organization, Organizing

As a professional organizer I see a lot of disorganized home offices. Desks covered with mail, floors hidden by piles of stuff, printers buried under papers, drawers with no room to add anything, and bookshelves crammed with stuff that is starting to fall out. The good news is that most home offices can be returned to productive, Zoom worthy, workspace in just a few hours. Here is my step-by-step guide for organizing your home office. Let’s get started!

1. Clear your space

The first step to organizing a chaotic home office is to clear the space. Start my finding proper homes for the items that are taking up space on the floor. If the item is not used to get work done, it is time to relocate it out of your home office and put it in its proper location in your home. (Yes, that means you, giant package of Costco toilet paper and your treadmill.) If you have old printers, monitors and other outdated technology just lying around it is time to get rid of them now. (Go to https://www.recyclemyelectronics.ca/ to find a location close to you that accepts old electronics.)

2. Sort your stuff

This is the fun part of organizing because you get to find all your stuff that has been lost! Time to clear off the desk, empty each drawer and remove every item from the bookshelves. Your goal is to sort every item into categories that you will create. Office supplies will be one category, books will be another, electronic cords will be another. Keep creating categories based on what you find. If you do not have enough room on your desk continue sorting your categories in piles on the floor. If some of your categories get too big, consider dividing them into subcategories so that the piles stay manageable. For example, your office supply category has so much stuff you decide to create separate subcategories for printer paper, lined paper, and notebooks.

Papers that require further sorting should be boxed for now to get them out of the way. If papers are already grouped by project, use large elastic bands or Zip Lock bags large enough for papers, to keep them together. A good system for categorizing papers is Current, Projects to Do, and Filing.

Keep going until you have sorted every item in your office. If you require more space, use the closest space outside your home office, such as the hallway or an adjacent bedroom. Items will only be here temporarily so do not worry about how it looks for now.

3. Purge your stuff

Now that everything has been divided into categories it is time to purge some of your unused belongings. Look at each category separately. As you were sorting you probably came across some items and thought “I haven’t used that in years”, or “I’ve replaced that”. Your first purge should be these easy items that you no longer use. Have boxes labelled donations, recycling, and trash, ready to drop these items into.

For the next round of purging pick up each item and ask yourself the following questions:

“Have I used this in the past year?”
“Will I use this in the future?”
“Could I find this information online?”

If you are not currently using something and you have not used it in the past year, chances are you are not going to miss it if you get rid of it. Only keep books that you plan to read or refer to again. For printed material ask yourself if you could find it easily online? If the answer is yes, consider recycling it. For items that still have life left in them consider donating them. It keeps them out of landfill, and somebody will want and use it. Remember one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!

When you are done making decisions, move the recycling box to the garage and the donation boxes to your car. Having the donations in your car will remind you to drop them off the next time you go out. If you have any items to sell, move them to an area of your home that will remind you to list them online. (I like to list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace while watching TV, so I tend to move any items I have for sale to the living room.)

4. Furniture placement

Now that your office is emptied out, it is time to reconsider furniture placement. Is the desk in its ideal location? A window behind you is not ideal for Zoom calls, as the light will leave your face shadowed. A window facing your screen may be uncomfortable on a sunny day. A window can also be a source of distraction. Will facing a wall help you remain focused and improve your productivity? Is your printer located far away because of the outlet? Now is the time to grab an extension cord and try reconfiguring your office furniture to suit your current needs. If your desk is too large to fit another way, consider problem solving another way: use blackout curtains during Zoom calls, or consider covering a distracting window with artwork or an attractive window cling.

5. Storage decisions

Now that you have reduced the number of items in your home office, it is time to look at everything you have decided to keep and figure out the best storage solutions. Think of storage space like real estate. The space within arm’s reach of your office chair is prime real estate. This is the space that must house the items you use every day, such as your laptop, pens, and your calendar.

Your next most valuable real estate is the area close to your desk but not within arm’s reach. This could be a bookshelf, a filing cabinet or a second desk. This space will store items that you like to have close by, but do not necessarily use every day, such as extra printer paper, reference material, and family photos.

The last storage space to consider is storage that is out the way. This could be a closet, a storage trunk, or the space under the stairs. Here you will store everything you only need to access occasionally. This could be previous year’s tax records, completed projects, and sentimental items.

Things to consider when you are storing items: Keep like with like. Storing similar items together cuts down on the amount of time you spend looking for a particular item. So, whether the item ends up in your desk drawer or it is stored in the closet, consider keeping like with like. Consider this example using household batteries: when you need a battery, it is easier to go to the junk drawer to find one rather than searching multiple storage areas of your home. The same thing goes for items in your home office. Group all your extra pens, printer paper and Post It notes together in their storage location. This will not only make them easier to find but you will be able to see the total quantity you own, cutting down unnecessary multiple purchases of items.

6. Paperwork

Most of the home offices I get called in to organize have been abandoned by their owners because stacks of paper have taken over the space. Problems with papers tend to start when there is no system for addressing incoming mail and the filing system is outdated. To ensure you do not get overwhelmed by mail create a system that temporarily houses your mail until it is dealt with. This could be as simple as a designated spot on your desk, or a multi-tiered tray labelled “Pay This Month”, “For Filing” or “Read later”. It is a good idea to keep a recycling bin under your desk to discard the outer envelopes and anything papers you do not wish to keep, and a shredder to destroy documents that contain confidential information. Next, you must decide on a system for storing important documents you must keep. Whatever system you use, whether it is a filing cabinet, a box with hanging folders, or an accordion file, review it on an annual basis to purge the papers you no longer need. If there are certain papers that you file regularly, ensure those folders are the easiest to reach by placing them in the most accessible drawer near the front. Hate to file? Do not do it every day. Let it build up and do it once a month in one easy swoop.

7. Hire a Professional Organizer

If the thought of organizing your office feels overwhelming or you simply do not have the time, consider hiring Organized by Catherine. We save you hours of time by completing the sorting process, guiding you through the purging process, and optimizing your home office workspace. Hiring Organized by Catherine is an investment in your productivity!

10 Tips For an Organized Christmas Season

by Organized By Catherine | Nov 20, 2023 | Home Organization Tips, Organizing

The Christmas season is a joyful time of year, one that many people look forward to with anticipation. But it is easy to understand why many people feel overwhelmed and stressed out by the busyness of the season.

Not only is there pressure to find the perfect gifts, there is worry about spending too much money, the expectation that you will fully decorate the interior and exterior of your home, the time commitment required for baking and planning special meals, the scheduling of multiple parties and get togethers, the obligation to send Christmas cards, visiting all your relatives, and when it’s over, you still have the enormous task of packing up all the decorations for next year. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed just thinking about it you are not alone. But there is hope! By following these few simple tips, you can have a more organized Christmas and avoid that feeling of being overwhelmed.

Schedule to Avoid Conflicts

Many of the activities we do around the holidays involve coordinating multiple family members and their conflicting schedules. Scheduling activities in advance can cut down on your stress level and make for happier family relations. To do this, print a large calendar for the month of December and tape it on or near the fridge. Instruct everyone to add their December events to the calendar so that everyone in the family can easily tell at a glance the comings and goings of each family member. For example, by letting your family know that the second Saturday in December is reserved for Christmas baking, or that December 20th is reserved for classic movie night, it allows everyone to schedule their other events around those of the family, thus avoiding hurt feelings and disappointment that comes from missing an event due to a conflict. Use the December calendar to schedule both family and work events, party obligations, get togethers, and volunteer commitments.

Stress Free Decorating

Does holiday decorating stress you out? Between work and your busy schedule when will you ever find the time to haul out Christmas boxes, sort decorations, set up the tree, hang exterior lights, and set up the lawn reindeer? Whew! I get tired just thinking about it! But there is a way to avoid all the stress and hassle that is associated with Christmas decorating. Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Smaller tasks are easier to complete and give you a sense of accomplishment, making the entire project less daunting and more enjoyable.

For example, just finding and hauling out the Christmas boxes from storage can be a daunting task, never mind unpacking everything and decorating the house. The solution is to break the job down into smaller, manageable tasks.

Task #1 could be “Find and bring Christmas boxes to the main floor”. This task can be completed a day in advance of any decorating; that way you won’t feel tired from hauling boxes.
Task #2 could be “Move Christmas tree and tree decorations to the main room”.
Task #3 could be “Decorate the Christmas Tree”.

The idea of breaking the job into smaller, manageable tasks is not to exhaust yourself by trying to do it all in one shot. Space out the work and as you complete each task think of mentally crossing it off of your to-do list. Maybe you are up for completing two tasks per day, or even three. The point is to go at a pace that is fun and manageable for you. This might mean a straight weekend of decorating where everyone pitches in and every task gets completed. Or, it could mean that you complete one task per day and complete decorating over a period of two or three weekends.

Take Stock Before You Bake

If you are like most people, you probably have some special recipes that only get made once a year for the holidays. You may even have a tradition of setting aside a day to bake or inviting family members to share in the ritual of preparing a special family recipe. Whatever your tradition, avoid stress on baking day by checking your recipes a week in advance to see what ingredients you need to stock up on. You may have forgotten that Aunt Mary’s shortbread recipe requires 4 pounds of butter, or that 2 dozen eggs are required for multiple batches. This is also a good time to check the pantry for ingredients you have on hand but may not be fresh. Brown sugar is notorious for going hard, and if your flour is years old it won’t perform as well as a fresh bag. Avoid that last minute panic of running out to buy key ingredients by checking your recipes and pantry a week or two in advance and shopping for all the ingredients beforehand.

Christmas Cards Made Easy

Like to send Christmas cards but don’t have time to write a personal note in each one? Consider typing a one-page letter detailing the highlights of your year. Can’t remember what you had for breakfast last week, let alone what you did at the start of this year? Use your calendar to help you recall events that happened this year and write about them. If you have time, purchase Christmas letterhead to print your letter on. This will give it that extra special touch and make your letter appear more in line with your personality. (Note: There are some funky Christmas letterheads out there!) Ensure the content of the letter is generic enough that its suitable for all friends and older relatives. And if you find postage costs prohibitive, or you have left card mailing too late, consider sending your letter by email or text to those who prefer electronic communications.

Preparing For Guests

With COVID-19 travel restrictions being eased, many people will have more guests for the holidays this year than last year. Chances are, the space in your home that was previously designated as a guest room has been repurposed during the last lockdown. Your guest room may now serve as your full-time home office, a home gym, or a catch-all room for kids toys and older furnishings. But there are some simple steps you can take to make this space welcoming for visitors again.

First, clear any horizontal surfaces of papers. This could be as simple as placing an elastic band around the piles and moving them to the floor under your desk or to another room that your guest won’t see. All guests appreciate a clean, flat surface to place a few items on, be it their medication or toiletries.

Next, ensure the floor is clear. Remove any tripping hazards such as toys or boxes so that guests have a clear path to the bed. Last but not least, pull out your guest linens and towels and give them the sniff test a week ahead of any guests’ arrival. If they smell musky, you will still have time to run a load of laundry before your guest arrive. (Note: To refresh clean towels, skip the wash and place them in the dryer with a scented dryer sheet.)

Gift Wrap Storage

To save time and cut down on frustration when it comes to wrapping presents, create a storage zone for all your gift- wrapping supplies. Keep everything you need for wrapping presents (scotch tape, a pair of scissors, bows, ribbons and name tags) with the Christmas rolls so you don’t have to search for each item when you are ready to wrap. Designate a convenient spot for all these supplies that is large enough to store them together. This could be a tall cardboard box stored in the basement, an under-the-bed storage box, or a garment bag hanging in a spare closet. It is also a good idea to keep an extra box of Christmas cards with your Christmas wrapping supplies to have on hand for any last-minute gifts.

It’s OK to Say No

Too many times we agree to take on roles that we simply do not have the time for in an effort to be seen as accommodating. Did you agree to become chairman of a committee at your church because no other volunteer stepped up? Did you commit to drive for a local charity because they didn’t have enough drivers in your area? Did you agree to bake gingerbread men for little Suzie’s entire class because somebody heard you are a great baker? If these voluntary obligations keep finding you and you are negatively impacted by them, it may be time to set some limits on what you agree to take on. Remember, it is okay to say no if the task ends up causing you stress, disruption to your routine, or has other negative consequences. Think about what you can realistically handle. Perhaps you can commit to attend a meeting, but not be its chairperson. Or, you can agree to drive for the charity on an occasional basis but not once a week. Do your best to accommodate requests but don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Priceless Gift Giving

Christmas is a time of year that budgets get thrown out of the window. There are so many people in your life who you would like to shower with gifts. Gift giving has become synonymous with appreciation, caring and love. The problem is, we all have a limited amount of money and no one who cares for you would want you to go into financial hardship for the sake of a gift. So how do we treat a multitude of people to gifts without breaking the bank? First, make a short list of people who absolutely need a store-bought gift and budget for those people. Next, make a list of all the remaining people you would like to give a gift to but would appreciate a personal gift that isn’t store bought, such as preparing a homecooked meal or baked goods, offering to babysit or house clean, or volunteering at a loved one’s favourite charity. The gift of your time is very valuable. It cannot be purchased but its value outweighs any gift card.

Online Shopping Tips

If you have ever ordered something online, you understand the frustration of waiting for something to arrive that you desperately need. While Christmas presents generally do not fall into the category of “desperately need”, you don’t want to disappoint a child or be without a gift for your spouse because you are waiting for a delivery. Delivery times have already been impacted by shortages in the supply of microprocessors (used in many electronics) and shortages in labour forces. To avoid disappointment, order your gifts well in advance of December 25th. If you require a deadline to motivate you, pretend November 25th is Christmas Day and make a game of it to see if you can have your online orders arrive by November 25th.