Closets and Storage For week 7 we're focusing on closets and storage areas as our main cleaning and organizing focus for the week. If you've been following along each week, you'll remember that we tackled clutter in week one, including the clutter in our closets. If you're behind, you can get caught up easily this week.
Week 7 Tasks:
Cleaning:
Maintain cleanliness with a 15 Minute Cleanup for each room in your home. This will help us maintain all the hard work we've done throughout our home.
Organizing:
Pay special attention to organizing your closets as we get ready for the holiday season. If you haven't done so already, get rid of the clutter from your closets and storage areas. If you feel overwhelmed, start with the closets that are most likely to be seen by guests and work your way through your home, 1 closet at a time. Don't forget hidden storage areas, like junk drawers, catch-alls, and the tops of closet shelves.
Decorating:
Finish up your Christmas decorating.
Cooking:
Create menus for any parties, dinners, and other entertaining that you'll be hosting between now and New Years. Find recipes for these and any homemade goodies that may be used as gifts.
Be prepared for unexpected guests by purchasing some easy snacks, cheeses, crackers, frozen hors d'oeuvres and desserts will make spur of the moment entertaining a breeze.
Scheduling:
Take a moment to update or create a master family calendar. Add in all dates from school, work, church, sports, and activity calendars. Make sure to keep a copy posted in your home and a copy with you at all times. December dates fill up quickly and you don't want to double book your family.
Buying:
Go over your budget before spending money. Update the budget as needed.
Add to a list of presents that need to be purchased. Try to purchase 1/7 of the gifts on your list this week. Make sure you keep track of your purchases and receipts in your holiday organizing notebook.
To make it easier on you, set up a gift wrap station in your home. If you have the space you can make it a whole section of a room. If space is more limited, consider a portable wrapping storage container that can be brought out when needed.
Add to a list of decorating supplies that need to be purchased. Buy any items you can find off of your list at the sales.
Begin to make lists of "homemade gifts" that will be needed and gather supplies. Make 1/3 of your "homemade gifts" this week.
Don't forget to buy or make a few extra gifts for the unexpected. There's always someone who drops by unexpectedly with a present for your family that you may feel like quickly reciprocating.
Include all of your lists in your holiday organizing notebook so that you can add to them or modify them as needed.
If you haven't already, finish up your holiday cards and letters and send them on their way.
Week 7 Resources:
4 Container Clutter Method
Packing a Storage Container
5 Questions to Ask About Your Clutter
All 15 Minute Cleanups
Holiday Planning Notebook
Preview: Week 8 Focus: Quick Cleanups
10 Week Plan
Week 1-Planning and Organizing
Week 2-Living Areas
Week 3-Kitchen and Pantries
Week 4-Dining Areas
Week 5-Bathrooms and Guest Rooms
Week 6-Bedrooms
