Christmas is just around the corner. While it may seem a little early to be hanging baubles and making fresh foliage wreaths, getting organised ahead of time is key to managing a magical, stress-free festive season.
1. Declutter key areas of your home
No matter how neat and tidy you naturally are, it's all too easy for clutter to pile up. If you're looking to bring harmony to the home before Christmas, start decluttering in stages — focus on one room, one space or even one zone within a room to make it easier (cupboards, storage nooks and box rooms are good places to start if you feel overwhelmed).
Once you've made a start, it's time to deep dive into the areas you'll spend most of your time. Concentrate your attention on rooms that will be used the most at Christmas.
2. Stock up on supplies
A well-stocked pantry or cupboard is the cornerstone for stress-free cooking at Christmas. To get organised, make a list of everyone who is coming (including what meals you want to make), and begin to gradually pick up essentials on your weekly shop. Herbs and spices, baking supplies, sauces and condiments, special seasonings, cans, jars, and packaged goods are all worth getting your hands on ahead of time. You might be able to pick up some special offers, too.
3. Get guest bedroom ready
Have you got long-awaited visitors staying over this Christmas? It might be the season for goodwill and cheer, but hosting can zap the fun out of everyone — even if you think you're prepared. As the festive season fast approaches, it's time to make space for guests.
A guest bedroom should feel like a home from home, so layer up fabrics, textures, soft bedlinen, quilts, warm lighting, and a patterned blanket at the bottom of the bed to brighten things up.
4. Tackle those maintenance jobs
Use the months before Christmas to tackle some of those nagging DIY maintenance jobs you have been putting off for months.
5. Declutter your living room
The living room is the heart of the home, which is why creating a cosy, characterful space before Christmas is vital. Your decorations might still be in the loft, but making your room clutter-free is the best place to begin — and will save you time later on.
Declutter old magazines and newspapers, keeping recent ones in a magazine holder. If toys are taking over, sort through and donate any that have been outgrown or are no longer used. Big baskets with lids are a great way to quickly tidy up toys after they've been played with. Open bookshelves look great but not if they are cluttered. Take time to review ornaments on your shelves and make sure you just have those on display which you really love.
6. Tackle your hallway cupboard
We've done a whole lot of cleaning in our homes over the past 18 months, but have you tackled the forgotten space under your stairs? Often a dumping ground for muddy shoes, coats and bags, it's an easy nook to neglect.
7. And finally, the most important of all, plan those finances
It can be challenging to pay for Christmas out of December's pay packet alone, so it makes sense to work out what you can afford — and budget ahead of time. To ensure you have the least financial stress, make a list of the things you need to buy and set aside how much you want to spend on each person (for example, will you be buying one present for each family member or will you club together for Secret Santa).
Other things you can do include tucking away a little bit each week, shopping around on various comparison websites, sticking to your budget, and being honest with loved ones about what you can realistically afford.
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