Getting Organized Tips with Barbara Reich

There's a definite theme going on around these days.   I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to get my life in shape and get more productive in 2013.  I'm talking in all areas of my life too.  So I was super excited to receive a copy of "Secrets of an Organized Mom" by Barbara Reich in the mail today.  I really could use the help!

I'll let you know my thoughts once I've had a chance to dive in but in the meantime, here are some tips from the organizational lady herself, Barbara Reich. 

Spring Holiday Organization Tips – Don’t let 

the Holidays Stress you out!

Spring is in the air and with spring comes the first major holidays of the year – Easter and Passover.   There’s no reason to stress though.  Set guidelines for yourself.  You’ll be amazed at how a few simple rules can change the entire holiday experience! 

·    Don’t worry about making the holiday perfect.  No one is as critical as you are!

·    Decide what traditions are important to you and forego the rest.  Figure out how to make the holiday meaningful for your family.  Your family takes their cue from you, and no one will enjoy the holiday if you feel stressed.

·    Delegate whatever you can. When a guest asks what they can bring, have a suggestion ready.  Be proactive about asking guests and family members to help. 

·    Do it the same way every year.  If you always serve the same dishes, use the same platters, and set up the same way, it becomes routine.

·    If you’re a family that takes turns hosting holidays, avoid Passover like one of the ten plagues. Between all of the different courses and types of food, this is a holiday meal that’s very labor intensive to host.

·    Although I always advocate ease and simplicity, the Easter baskets I see are filled with junk you don’t want in your house. Consider filling your own baskets with some higher quality toys that might last longer than an Easter egg hunt.

·    Store holiday accessories in labeled boxes with lids.  Since these items are used only once a year, they don’t need to be accessible.

·    If you buy Easter baskets without the handle, they’re easier to store and may have some other uses after the holiday is done.

·    Stock up for next year as soon as the holiday ends; that’s when you’ll find the best sales!

Barbara Reich is a professional organizer based in New York, NY. Her tough love approach turns organization and clutter from chore to lifestyle.  Barbara’s book, “Secrets of an Organized Mom” is on shelves now.   To find more tips from Barbara, please visit www.facebook.com/ResourcefulConsultants or www.secretsofanorganizedmom.com or @BarbaraReich.

How about you?  Do you need help with organization?

Zeemaid