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NEW! - Keywords For This Page: Holidays
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.
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CREATE A GIFT WRAP STATION
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- 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
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KEEP TRACK OF RECIPES YOU ENJOYED
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- 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
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LIST POTENTIAL GIFT IDEAS
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- 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
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NOTE THINGS THAT DID AND DID NOT WORK
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- 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
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PACK YOUR DECORATIONS THE RIGHT WAY
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- 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
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SHOP FOR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
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- 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
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START A CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT
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- 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
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STOCK UP AT AFTER-CHRISTMAS SALES
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- 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
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TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR HOUSE DECORATED
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- 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
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UPDATE YOUR HOLIDAY ADDRESS LIST
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- 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 Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.
Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. 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. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.
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