Lots of us make New Year’s Resolutions in fact “get organized” is among the top five.

Why do you think you can change your habits and routines just as easily as you turn the calendar page?

You CAN change, you CAN get and stay more organized, it just won’t happen overnight.

So if you clean up and expect it to stay that way you’re setting yourself up to fail.

Here’s three steps to set yourself up for success:

1. Choose a single space you’d like to be more organized

I know, I know there are MANY spaces you’d like to organize. But you can’t work on all the spaces at once. You have to choose just one to start with. Choose a space that will make a difference in your day. A table, the entryway, the mail. You can tackle the basement and garage later.

2. Avoid the “What was I thinking?” moment

Do not, I repeat, do not under any circumstances pull everything out of the space. If you do (and we’ve all done this) you’ll make a bigger mess and wonder “What was I thinking?”

3. Skip the Marathon Sessions

Not even a seasoned professional like myself can endure hours of organizing and stay sane. After about an hour you start to lose energy, motivation and you start to forget what you put where and why. Skip the marathon organizing sessions, instead work in bite sizes. \

Set a timer for 18 minutes (you can’t do much in ten minutes and twenty minutes is a long time.) Stay focused and work until the buzzer sounds, if you want to go for another eighteen re-set the timer.

‘Tis the season for giving gifts or in some cases regifting gifts. To avoid an embarrassing faux pas like regifting to the original gifter or gifting an expired food item follow these twelve regifting do’s and don’ts.

DO regift unused items. No one wants the hot air popcorn popper you tried just once.

DON’T regift from a store that is no longer in business. A price tag bearing the name of the department store that closed up shop two years ago is a dead giveaway.

DON’T regift perishable food items but if you must at least check the expiration date.

DO unwrap the original gift completely and check inside, you just might find a ‘to/from’ tag or something else you need to remove.

DON’T just stick on a new bow and go, you must re-wrap the gift completely. You’re regifting the gift not the gift wrap.

DO check the contents to ensure everything is inside; it’s possible you’ve forgotten using part of the gift.

DON’T regift an item you never would have thought to buy for the new recipient anyway. If you would have gotten them the DVD set of season one of Revenge then regift it, but if they’ve never expressed an interest in the show then forget it.

DO make sure the original gifter and the new recipient don’t know each other; you don’t want those two comparing notes.

DON’T regift handmade items. A scarf or a cork trivet made just for you is something you should try to use or at least pass along to someone who will- just not under the guise of it being a gift.

DO look the gift over for personalization or inscriptions, you might not expect that photo frame to be inscribed from your co-worker but you might be in for a surprise.

DON’T regift freebies like the company logo water bottle or computer mouse, those are obvious and unwanted regifts.

DO keep the regifting a secret. Unless you are hosting a regifting party no one needs to know.

And this season DO pop a sticky note with the gifter’s name on any gift you get this season that you might consider regifting, that way you’re sure to remember who gave it to you.

Now you know how to avoid embarrassing regifting situations.

From now until Christmas you’ll find a new sanity saving tip posted here daily.

30 Choose your party outfit and accessories now then try them on. Better to find out now then right before you need to leave that you need to sew on a button, remove a stain or find a whole other option.

29 When you bring the items home take them out of the bag immediately then store them in a “holiday” zone so you can find what you need when you need it.

28 Multi task by opting to host a gift wrap party. A great way to stay connected to friends during the holiday rush. Invite friends, socialize, and share gift wrapping ideas and supplies while you wrap.

27 Look up, hang ornaments from lighting fixtures like a chandelier or string them from ribbon in the window.

26 Stock up on take home storage containers and bags to send gifts and leftovers home with guests.

25 When shopping make a note of where you park your car in the lot to avoid lots of excess walking.

24 Instead of trying to write out and address all your holiday cards in one sitting break up the task and do a few per day.

23 If you love how a certain holiday decor item looks where you placed it be sure to take a photo and place it in your holiday handbook.

22 Create two grocery shopping lists, one for perishable and one for non-personable items, that way you’ll know what you pick up in advance.

21 Thinking of trying a new recipe? Test it today to avoid last minute disasters.

20 Test the air mattress- better to know now it has a hole in it or the cap is missing.

19 Line drawers with paper towels to keep them clean.

18 Add a shoe box to keep jars and can upright in the fridge.

17 HolidayIZE everyday items like adding a bow to a photo frame or wrapping a piece of art from the wall then rehanging.

16 Swap out a plain white light bulb for  a festive red or green one.

15 Fly.FAA.Gov is the place to check flight delays.

14 Traffic.com allows you to check your driving route for delays.

13 Rinse the back of the baking sheet between batches of cookies to prevent over-crisp edges.

12 Find your table linens and table leaf now.

5 Easy Ways to Organize Your Kids Using Recycling

read and print this bestselling mini book now for just $3.95

I spoke with Jennifer Sendrow at 101.9 FM News about prepping for the holidays, check out the highlights below:

Click here for Tip 1

Click here for Tip 2

Click here for Tip 3

Click here for Tip 4

Holiday Dinner Emergency Numbers tuck it in your wallet so you know exactly who to call in case your pie is getting to brown on the edges, you spill red wine or you’re not sure if the turkey is done through.

Butterball Turkey-Talk Line
800-288-8372 (1-800-BUTTERBALL)
A team of home economists and nutritionists is there to answer bird-related questions from November 1 to December 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekday hours are extended, to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., from November 1 to November 24. Hours on Thanksgiving Day are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on December 24 and 25 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Or log on to Facebook.com/Butterball for live, one-hour chats with the pros every Wednesday throughout the month of November.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Poultry Hotline
1-888-674-6854 or 1-800-535-4555
Food-safety specialists answer all questions related to food preparation and storage from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern standard time (EST) Monday through Friday all year long and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Shady Brook Farms Turkey
888-723-4468

The Crisco Pie Hotline
877-367-7438
Get advice from two National Pie Championship winners, among other pie pros, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. Hours are extended, to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., from November 15 to November 24 and from December 13 to December 23.

Nestle Hotline
800-637-8537

Betty Crocker Hotline
888-Ask-Betty

Fleischmann’s Baker Hotline
800-777-4959

Clorox Hotline
877-STAIN-411
Get advice on treating all sorts of stains

Looking for an easy to follow recipe for how to prepare for the holidays?

Just like your favorite go-to recipe for green bean casserole these step-by-step recipes give you the best information in a condensed format.

These print and go recipes are just what you need, packed with hints, tips and shortcuts these recipes will be your new go-to guides for years to come.

Keep your holidays sane, simple and stress-free with these recipes.

Collect them all! Just $3.95 each!

Entire Holiday Recipe Collection (set of 12) $40. SAVE $7.00

 

A la carte

Holiday Handbook Recipe (1 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

Holiday Gift Shopping and Budget Recipe (2 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

Holiday Organize and Spruce Up Recipe (3 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Greeting Cards Recipe (4 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Cleaning Recipe (5 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

Holiday Decorating Recipe (6 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Baking and Cooking Recipe (7 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Calendar and To Do List Recipe (8 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

Holiday Traditions Recipe (9 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Gift Shopping Recipe (10 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

Holiday Grocery Shopping Recipe (11 of 12 in the series)

 

 

 

 

Holiday Recipe (12 of 12 in the series)

Now is the very best time of year to pare down, really. I know you have a lot on your plate and the idea of adding organizing to your busy schedule might make you want to stop reading…but stick with me.

I’m not suggesting you go through every area of your home and organize it perfectly.

I am suggesting you grab a bag, fill it up and get it out of your house.

With more stuff like food and gifts coming into your home for the holidays this is the perfect time to pack up some unused, unloved items to share them with someone who will use and love them.

You can give them to charity, offer them to a local thrift store, or list them to give away for free on freecycle.org.

The best part is if you are trying to motivate a child or spouse to part with items the promise of new stuff to come means they are much more willing to part with items, in fact we all are.

For best results tell them you need a specific number of items in a bag by a certain date. Like, I need ten t-shirts or six toys in this bag by the end of the day.

Here is a list of what to share where.

Wondering where to start?

Check the kitchen:purge the fridge and pantry, organize the left over food storage containers and clear the counter tops of unused appliances.

Check the hall closet: guests will arrive and you’ll need to put their coats somewhere- make room now by purging coats you don’t wear.

Check the clothes closet: while you toss the items you don’t wear find the outfit you will wear for the holiday party, don’t forget to check the shoes.

Check the bathroom: you don’t want to apply expired make-up now is the time to clear the clutter and you might find a cute barrette to wear in your hair.

Check the playroom: kids toys, movies, puzzles and stuffed toys.

That’s it! Mission accomplished, even a few bags can make a big difference.

 

1. wash and find your apron

2. find your kitchen timer

3. plan your “day after Thanksgiving breakfast” (so you won’t have to eat turkey)

4. choose your party outfit and try it on

5. stock up on take home containers

6. check your table linens

7. pull out serving platters and extra glassware

8. make room in your refrigerator and pantry

9. locate your oven and meat thermometers

10.find yours or borrow an electric carving knife

11. test any recipes you want to prepare- but have never made before

12. locate and wipe down folding tables and chairs (if needed)

Bonus Tip: Put a cooler in the trunk of your car for when you buy cold items but have another stop to make on your way home.

Check out these other great tips.

 

When you look around do you see piles, papers, and projects that require your attention?

Then when you have the time and energy to tackle the pile, papers, and projects do you wonder where to start?

I reveal all the secrets of Where To Start When You Don’t Know Where to Start

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The work at your own pace recordings cover:

• How to prioritize
• What to do first
• Finding the time to start
• Getting up the energy and motivation to begin
• How to outwit procrastination
• The best way to keep your progress going
• What to do when you feel overwhelmed

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All the classes come with a 100% no questions asked money back guarantee. If after this class you don’t know where to start and you’re not motivated to begin simply contact me for a full refund- no questions asked.

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About Jamie

Jamie has been teaching classes for more than ten years. This popular format allows you to meet with Jamie from the comfort of your own home.

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“Jamie was able to give me the starting point I’d always been looking for. By the end of the class I knew exactly where to start and what to do.” -Margaret