Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- Make The Holidays Easier Next Year -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	Make The Holidays Easier Next Year

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

CREATE A GIFT WRAP STATION

keep all of your gift-giving supplies in one place
set up gift center nearest the point where you normally wrap gifts
set up a long under-bed box for rolled wrapping paper
set up smaller tubs for tags, bows, ribbon, etc.
be sure to include scissors, tape, and a pen
also store the gifts you plan to give in the same place
set up one storage tub for "kid gifts" and another for "adult gifts"
make sure to include a flat surface for wrapping

KEEP TRACK OF RECIPES YOU ENJOYED

get copies of recipes from friends or family
cut out recipes from magazines or newspapers
make photocopies of recipes from cookbooks
create a ring-binder notebook for holiday recipes
include dividers for each section (veggies, bread, desserts, etc.)
put each recipe into a sheet protector page in the right section
store either with your cookbooks or holiday decorations

LIST POTENTIAL GIFT IDEAS

pay attention to items people mention they want
keep a running "wish list" of gift ideas for each person in your life
cross off each gift as you give it or know they have received it
use this as your shopping list as the holiday season begins

NOTE THINGS THAT DID AND DID NOT WORK

some plans go smoothly and some do not
make a note of items that didn't work out and what went wrong
include all the details so you can avoid those pitfalls next time
also note any particular successes or great ideas you had
include all the details so you can recreate it next year
store with your holiday decorations and supplies

PACK YOUR DECORATIONS THE RIGHT WAY

don't just throw everything in a box in a rush to get packed up
wrap lights around a piece of cardboard so they won't get tangled
wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or tissue paper
get rid of the 60,000 little boxes your ornaments came in
store ornaments in a holiday box with individual divided sections
store like items together (ornaments, snowmen, candles, etc.)
label all of your boxes clearly
keep temperature, moisture, and insects in mind
don't store items where they will melt, mildew, or get ruined

SHOP FOR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

with your wish list, you don't have to wait until December to shop
keep an eye out for sales throughout the year
pick up both specific and generic (for anyone) gifts
set aside a closet or storage tub for holding gifts you've purchased
wrap and tag them as soon as you get home to save time

START A CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT

contact your bank about special holiday savings accounts
generally, you can't touch the money until December
plan to put aside a small amount each month
can use just for gifts or for all holiday spending
adjust your contribution level accordingly
promise yourself not to spend more than you have in your account
the easiest way to plan ahead, avoid debt, and stick to a budget

STOCK UP AT AFTER-CHRISTMAS SALES

many holiday items are only available during the holidays
more expensive at the start of the season and cheaper later on
shop for lights, wrap, gifts, etc. at "after Christmas" sales
create a storage space in your home for these seasonal items
can save tremendously by planning ahead for the next year

TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR HOUSE DECORATED

the easiest way to remember how you had everything laid out
take photos from several angles and points within your house
take a full shot of the exterior
include shots of table setting, mantelpiece, and other focal points
make notes on the back of each picture about items used
store with your holiday decorations

UPDATE YOUR HOLIDAY ADDRESS LIST

go through cards you received and double check addresses
make any changes for new addresses or people who have moved
add to list and delete those you no longer want to send cards to
make any revisions while they are still fresh in your mind
if you have access to a computer, automate your address list
put your list in a program that prints letters, envelopes, and labels

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and NAPO Golden Circle Member. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile.

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