Tips and Tricks from a Professional Organizer

What is Functional Spaces?

The 2020 holiday season is here at last! A bright and glittering spot in a year that has challenged us. Even if in-person gatherings may look a little different this year, most of us have opted in for as much decorating and gift-giving as possible.

As we bring new items into our homes, this is a fantastic time to declutter what we no longer use and organize the belongings we do. We want to optimize the sense of peace during the holiday season.

Realistic Goals

The first step is setting a goal and being realistic with the time frame. Tackle your home, room by room. Taking it all on at once will only overwhelm and discourage you.

Which room do you envision being the centre of the holidays – is it preparing food together in the kitchen? Or maybe gathering around the living area with music or games? Start there.

If you feel short on time (maybe your work is busiest at this time of the year), just set a timer and do a two-hour declutter session on a Saturday morning. Make that goal small and doable, such as the entryway or a linen closet. Do your best to stay focused on the area you choose so you can enjoy the sense of accomplishment when you achieve your goal!

Consider moving non-essential or out-of-season items – summer clothing or extra books, for example – into garage or basement storage so that they’re tucked out of the way during the holiday season.

A box of Christmas ornaments on a green cloth

Storing Items

When you’re storing items, stash them in appropriate bins and, most importantly, label them. Kids’ toys or extra books can likely go in clear containers, while things you want to keep private can go in opaque or solid-coloured bins. Not all bins are created equal.

Goodwill

What do you do with the stuff you no longer need but is in good usable condition? Bring it to your local Goodwill donation centre! Goodwill is a community-driven non-profit that, in 2019 alone, diverted nearly 16 million kilograms of waste from landfills. Your items get a second life, we help strengthen our communities by creating employment for Albertans with disabilities.

Happy organizing, everyone! Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

-Mélanie xo (From Functional Spaces)

"It's not about perfection; it’s about progress!"