Tag Archive for: save time

simple holiday decor

Simplify the holidays

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Simplify whenever possible.

5 Ways to simplify: 

  1. Reduce the number of people to whom you give gifts and the number of presents you give to an individual.
  2. Buy gifts that don’t require wrapping (especially for adults) for example: gifts of experience, donations to non-profits in the receiver’s name, gift cards, cash. 
  3. Send an E-card instead of paper greeting cards. 
  4. Support local bakeries instead of doing the baking yourself. 
  5. Use recyclable paper products for guests to reduce time spent on clean up.
3D Character and question mark

Limiting choices helps prevent clutter

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Limit the number of decisions you make each day and the options within each decision. For example, instead of choosing from five different cereals at breakfast, narrow it down to just two. Simplifying your choices saves time, reduces stress, and prevents clutter. Options are good, but too many is overwhelming.

Staying organized during the holidays

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5 Helpful tips on how to stay organized during the holidays

  1. Write everything down. Make shopping list, to do list, mailing list, decorations list, meal list. Getting it out of your head really does help.
  2. Delegate tasks to others and allow them to do it their way. Examples are household chores, grocery shopping, trips to the post office.
  3. Simplify and reduce to save time. Bag gifts instead of wrapping them. Put up minimal decorations. Reduce your gift exchange list and your charitable donation list.
  4. Hire someone else to clean.
  5. Give experiences instead of things.
lady talking on phone

Feel happy while Organizing

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I read about a study from Gretchen Rubin’s book Happier at Home that indicated, “interrupting a pleasant experience with something less pleasant can intensify a person’s overall pleasure.” Let’s use this while organizing. While doing something you enjoy, pause that activity to perform an organizing task.

Here are 3 examples:

  1. While watching a favorite tv show, podcast, or YouTuber, pause and organize the surface of your desk.
  2. While baking cookies, pause and organize your pantry.
  3. While chatting with your BBF, pause and organize your dresser.

lady talking on phone

Arriving On Time

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Organizing tipArriving on time to your first appointment or commitment for the day is a great way to reduce stress. It also helps kick-start an organized, productive day. Here are a few tips to help make this a reality.

  • Plan your outfit the night before and place your clothes, shoes and accessories in a designated spot.
  • Make your lunch the night before and have it ready to go.
  • Have a physical or mental check list of what you need to bring with you the next day.
  • Establish a morning routine for getting ready and eating breakfast. Time this routine so you know how long it takes. Allow yourself a bit of wiggle room.
  • Figure out how much time is required to leave home, travel, park and arrive on time. Give yourself the time required and extra minutes for potential delays.
  • Be confident that you can handle any last minute mishaps.

©January 2019  Janine Cavanaugh, Certified Professional Organizer®  All Rights Reserved