This Seasonal Guidance Ensures Gift Arrangements Remain Tidy throughout the Festivities
Lately, I've been on a mission to tidy up various rooms and areas in my home to make them more functional for my family and me, particularly before the chaotic holiday season begins. My gift closet was on my list of spaces that needed some TLC. I decluttered, set up a station for wrapping supplies, filled it with essential wrapping supplies, and started storing gifts there as the holiday gift-giving season approached.
However, I wasn't consistent about ensuring that I wouldn't misplace any gifts in the depths of my clothing wardrobe, which can be a common issue. I recognized that implementing a system would likely increase the likelihood of maintaining consistency. Although I'm not inclined to create an organization system out of the blue, I acknowledged that one was necessary. According to Jean Promins, a Certified Professional Home Organizer and the owner of Sparkle Home Organizing, "An organizational system will help prevent gifts from getting lost and will reduce overbuying."
One afternoon, while shopping in a local boutique, a sales clerk offered some insight into how she kept her holiday gifts organized. I found her advice straightforward, so I gave it a try as soon as I got home. Luckily, I've been able to maintain consistency with her system. Tara Bremer, the founder and owner of House Peace, says that "A system means less wasted time, less energy spent searching for an item, and less wasted money due to having to repurchase an item that was forgotten or lost."
Here's the straightforward system a local sales clerk shared that I've adopted and how it works, along with tips from professional organizers to help keep the holiday gift-giving season organized and successful.
Keep Track of Purchases
While I try to shop for gifts as early as possible, I worried that the holiday season was still several months away, and I might forget about a gift I had purchased. I asked a sales clerk for her advice, and she suggested keeping a written list of everyone's name in a small notebook and documenting each gift purchased for each person as soon as it's stored. As soon as I returned home, I started doing this, and I even went back to list any gifts I had already purchased. I placed the list on a high shelf in the closet to keep it out of reach of little hands.
Create a Shopping List
Most people know that it's important to make a list before shopping for holiday gifts. Regardless of whether it's a mental list, a virtual document, or a handwritten list, a list is essential for maintaining a streamlined and organized holiday gift-giving season. I prefer to use a virtual list on my phone and then add ideas as I hear discussions on likes and see potential gifts.
Avoid Hiding Gifts
Having multiple locations for gifts can become confusing during the hustle and bustle of daily life. And inconsistency can lead to misplacing or forgetting a gift altogether. According to Promins, "When gifts get hidden, they often get forgotten about." A better solution is to designate a large space (like an entire closet) and install appropriate-sized shelving or bins for each person to make the most of the vertical space efficiently.
Take it a Step Further
After placing each gift in the closet, I take it one step further to add another layer of organization. I use a sticky note on each item, label it with the recipient's name, and note if it's part of a set of gifts for that particular person or pet. I wait until the tree is up before placing the gifts under the tree.
Additional Tips to Stay Consistent
Having a system like this has helped me stay on track, knowing exactly what to purchase, how much has been spent, and what I need to complete my list.
- Keep wrapping supplies near when storing gifts so they can be easily accessed when needed.
- Purchase extra items, especially for deserving hostesses, when you find a special gift. This way, you already have it when the right occasion comes.
- Give the same gift to multiple recipients. If you find a gift that many will like, consider purchasing the same item for various people. A waxed-covered amaryllis is always a good idea during the holidays.
- Consider consistency with other aspects of the process, such as gift wrapping. "I prefer neutral wrapping paper, like a brown craft paper, that can be customized with ribbon so that it can be used for multiple occasions," says Bremer.
- Stick to the plan and remain consistent. If you have established a solid routine, remain consistent with it. Things will get busy, but spending a little time on the front end can make gifting more manageable and less time-consuming during the holiday season.
At the start, a bit of effort and planning with recording every gift makes for a less chaotic and pressured holiday period. This leaves room to savor the season and the act of giving, which is inherently what the holiday season is all about.
Was this page helpful? Thanks for your input! Let us know why!
- I decided to implement a system recommended by a sales clerk to prevent misplacing gifts in my home organization project, especially during the holiday season when SouthernLiving recommends staying organized for gift-giving.
- To ensure consistency in my holiday gift organization, I adopted the method of keeping a written list of gifts and recipients, as suggested by a local shop assistant and advocated by professional organizers like Tara Bremer from House Peace.
- To maintain organization during the Christmas season, I follow the advice given by Jean Promins, a Certified Professional Home Organizer, and the owner of Sparkle Home Organizing, by designating a large space for gifts, like an entire closet, and using appropriate-sized shelving to maximize vertical storage, reducing the chances of losing or forgetting gifts during Holidays Occasions.
