Surviving the Holiday Rush: Simple Tips and Tricks to Stay Ahead
shopping, decorating, baking, wrapping, and coordinating events. Not to mention the endless pile-up of coats, hats, gloves, muddy boots, and yes—even paw prints! If you’re already feeling the holiday overwhelm, take a deep breath. Here are some easy tips to keep things under control so you can focus on enjoying this season.
1. Set Up a “Winter Gear Station”
Designate a spot in your home for all the winter essentials that come with chilly weather—coats, scarves, gloves, hats, and boots. Consider adding hooks, bins, or a small bench by the entrance so everyone has a specific place for their things. This simple setup prevents a mountain of gear from taking over your living space and keeps everything easy to grab on the way out.
Pro Tip: Place a mat or tray under the shoe area to catch water, mud, and snow. This makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent your floors from getting dirty or damaged.
2. Organize a Wrapping Station
Wrapping gifts is one of the fun (but sometimes messy) parts of the season. Keep it simple by setting up a dedicated wrapping station where you store all the essentials—wrapping paper, tape, scissors, ribbon, and gift tags. Use a rolling cart or a drawer in a spare room for everything you need, so you’re not scrambling to find supplies last-minute.
Pro Tip: After each wrapping session, do a quick clean-up of scraps and put items back in their place. It only takes a minute but makes wrapping much less stressful!
3. Tackle Muddy Shoes and Paws Early
With everyone (including pets) tracking in mud, leaves, and who knows what else, entryways can quickly become a disaster. Consider a “wipe-your-paws” and “wipe-your-feet” rule to keep things tidy. Keep towels near the door for quick shoe wipes and for cleaning those muddy paws after outdoor adventures.
Pro Tip: Have a pet-safe cleaner handy for quick clean-ups! Our eco-friendly products are gentle enough for your pets and tough enough for mud and dirt.
4. Declutter as You Decorate
Putting up holiday decorations is exciting but can quickly make a space feel cluttered. This year, take a few minutes to declutter while you decorate. Put away everyday items or decorations that aren’t part of your seasonal theme to avoid overcrowding.
Pro Tip: Less is more! Select a few favorite pieces that bring you joy and help set the holiday mood. After all, the less you have out, the less you have to clean around!
5. Simplify Your Holiday Schedule
While the holiday season is all about connecting with loved ones, it’s okay to say “no” to a few things to prevent burnout. Choose events and traditions that mean the most to you and your family and let go of the rest. Remember, quality time is more important than an overloaded calendar.
Pro Tip: Planning out a flexible schedule for family gatherings, shopping trips, and downtime makes a huge difference. And don’t forget to leave some breathing room to relax and enjoy the season!
6. Keep Up with Small Tasks
When the season gets busy, even the smallest tasks can pile up quickly. Instead of leaving everything until the last minute, get into the habit of doing a little each day. A quick 10-15 minutes every evening to tidy up can go a long way, whether it’s wiping down surfaces, sweeping the floors, or putting away stray items.
Pro Tip: Involve the whole family in these small tasks! Dividing responsibilities among everyone, even for just a few minutes, helps keep things under control and teaches kids the importance of teamwork and keeping a clean space.
7. Call in the Cleaning Experts
When the to-do list is longer than Santa’s, remember you don’t have to do it all on your own. Hiring a cleaning service during the holiday season can be a lifesaver. We’re here to help! Whether you need a one-time deep clean before a big gathering, regular upkeep, or help tidying up after holiday guests, our team at Edge Green Cleaning has got you covered.
Our eco-friendly products are safe for kids and pets, so you can feel good about keeping your home clean without harsh chemicals. We’re happy to work around your busy schedule to create a custom plan that keeps your space fresh, welcoming, and holiday-ready!
Pro Tip: Schedule your cleanings in advance to ensure you get the timing that works best for your holiday plans. Nothing feels better than coming home to a clean, fresh space during this magical season.
Let the Season Be Merry and Bright!
The holidays can feel overwhelming, but with a few simple strategies (and a bit of help from your cleaning team), you can make it through without the stress! By organizing gear, maintaining small daily tasks, and simplifying your schedule, you’re setting yourself up for a holiday season that’s as joyous as it is manageable.
Contact us today to set up your holiday cleaning plan. Let’s make your home a welcoming space for family, friends, and all the magic of the season. Here’s to a joyful, stress-free holiday for you and your loved ones!