PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Andy Williams once sung “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, but I can’t help thinking, preparing your home for Christmas and that this lead up to the so-called “time” can actually be stressful for some.

So with my experience as a Professional Organiser, and having prepared many homes for Christmas, here is my step by step guide to making this Christmas the best ever.

Step 1

Pre-Organise

Now, this may be a bit late for some, but having your decorations already organised is a big time saver on the day. With many of us storing our Christmas decorations in the garage, use storage tubs and label them “baubles” or “Christmas lights”. By doing this, you know exactly where everything is, and it also stays in great condition.

My favourites for any garage makeover are Howards Flex Box, which come in 42,28l, and 12l. This combined with the Howards Mimi Container Extra Wide, will make sure all your garage/loft storage needs and sizes are covered.

On this note, how are your outside lights looking? All tangled? Invest in a good lights holder that will keep them all in place, and easy to use each year.

Step 2

Your Environment

Christmas Trees can quite often be big and bulky, so when choosing where to place the big items, we always consider these 5 points:

Thoroughfare
Animals
Children
Plug Points
Watering (if required)

Step 3

Less is More

Now, from a Professional Organiser point of view, those that have lots and lots of “things”, end up counting down the days until they can take them down again – sound familiar? By choosing special pieces, or a few Children’s hand-made decorations, and using them sparingly, looks classy, easy to assemble, and more importantly, easy to put away! So consider your theme, and don’t think you have to use EVERY piece EVERY year, just mix it up each year instead.

Step 4

Lights

I consider lighting as one of the first decisions when decorating. Plugs aren’t always where you want them, so maybe consider using battery operated lights like String Light LED 100 Bulbs Battery, I love them! Here are a few ways I have used them for my clients in the past:

Christmas tree
Kids bedrooms
Table centre piece
Around mirrors
Twined around a garland or wreath

Step 5

Inside your home

Preparing your home for Christmas isn’t always about the decorations, also consider:

Linens, such as a festive Quilt cover, towels or cushions
Do you require additional storage such as Howards Extendable Garment Rack with Top Shelf to help store you guests’ items?
I love the scent of a candle, or hand wash, and it also provides a personal touch for you and your guests. My favourites are The Sunnylife Byron, Palm Beach and Bronte Candle Trio
When entertaining, consider pieces like The Avanti Champagne & Punch Bowl, and for that anti-pasto platter I love the Stanley Rogers Wooden Lazy Susan

Step 6

Outside your home

Now one of my favourite things to do at Christmas is to meet up with friends outside or around the pool and just have some great fun. I love these fab tumblers Sunnylife Poolside Tumblers Desert Palms, and they also have the matching Sunnylife Desert Palms Cocktails Essential Kit. Its all in plastic so its hassle free for the pool and kids.

Sunnylife Cheers Desert Palms Stemless Glass Tumblers 2 Pack

If it still all seems too much, or you’re time poor, and you would like to prepare your home for Christmas, then consider outsourcing to a Professional Organising company like ourselves. You can head to the www.iopo.com.au and find your nearest organiser.

May I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas from myself and the team at Organise My Life.

Maria Patisso

Creative Director & Professional Organiser at Organise My Life

Organising is my passion…. I’ve worked with hundreds of people in Australia and the UK, improving the efficiency of their lives and homes, by decluttering, organising, packing and making over rooms.

People often feel overwhelmed, sometimes embarrassed and don’t know where to start…. but I can turn their visions and dreams into reality, whether its a de-cluttering a room, preparing your home to be sold, or creating a beautiful labelled show-home pantry.

I am passionate about NDIS participants of all ages and disabilities, to achieve their goals, and to improve and support independent living.

I am also a busy working mum of two kids so I know all about being organised!

www.organisemylife.com.au

Insta: @organisemylife_sydney

FB: Organise My Life Sydney

Contact: 0478 503 669