With December in full swing, you may feel like your home is getting out of control. Preparing for Christmas and New Year festivities on the tail of Thanksgiving can make your head spin. Just trying to keep up with the tree needles shedding can be stressful! And with so much on our minds, it’s easy to misplace things.

We experience this every year, yet we still find ourselves losing control of our living space and are left with a cluttered mess to work through by the time January rolls around. However, this can be the year to put an end to the chaos so we can relax and enjoy a clean home. Think of it as starting your New Year’s resolutions a little early. Become the “better you” now by implementing these tips to maintain an organized home throughout the holidays.

Cleaning is one of those things we tend to dread, but in reality, doesn’t take much time. The thought of the chore is ultimately worse than the chore itself. Sometimes, half the battle is just having the right supplies on hand! Being prepared with the right tools can save you when faced with the inevitable messes that come hand in hand with the holidays. When you’re out doing your last-minute grocery shopping, be sure to swing by the cleaning aisle to stock up on extra essentials like dish detergent, carpet cleaning solutions, and paper towels.

If you find yourself without something you need, you can order online and have it delivered. This household essentials delivery service, for example, can deliver cleaning products right to your home in as little as 30 minutes, so you can stay put and focus on your holiday preparations. Home delivery saves time and with Christmas just a week away, time is of the essence!

Some of you might find this tip a bit tough to follow, but stay with me. Christmas decorating is an integral part of the season; however, as with many things, less is more. Think like a museum curator when decorating and choose the decorations that make your home festive without making it look cluttered.

If you’re still setting up your holiday decorations, make a decision to donate decorations you haven’t used in years. Not only will this minimize clutter, it will also make the clean-up after the holidays so much easier. If you’ve already decorated, take a walk through your home. Does it still feel comfortable? Or does it look cluttered? Remember that clutter directly impacts your well-being. Find what makes you feel content and leave it at that.

As we all know, cooking can get very messy, very quickly. Cleaning as you go is the way to stay on top of it. Also, counter space is critical, so really look at what’s taking up that important real estate. My mantra is this: If you use it every day, it gets to stay; otherwise, put it away.

It is also very important to not refuse help. Assign cleaning tasks to family members and visitors. Make lists of what needs doing so you don’t have to keep it all in your head. You’ll be less likely to forget something important that way. It will also allow a smoother transitions from preparation to enjoying the fruits of your labor to cleaning up.

Take Santa as your mentor here. Lists can help immensely when you’re trying to organize your thoughts. Keep a notebook handy or use a notes app on your phone. Once your brain is organized, the rest will follow. It can be all too easy to become overwhelmed when there are a million tasks to get done. From shopping for presents to baking a fresh apple pie, lists will make these holiday activities pass by with ease.

Efficiency is key for staying organized throughout the holidays. With a phone application, for example, you can sync tasks with your digital calendar and set reminders for yourself. Check out of some of the best to do list apps to help achieve your organization goals now and into the new year and beyond.

What are your best tips for how to maintain an organized home throughout the holidays? We want to hear from you, so please take a moment to share in the comments below!

The post How to Maintain an Organized Home Throughout the Holidays appeared first on Declutter Your Life with Donna Smallin Kuper.