Me and Mine Week

Houseworks Holiday Plan Week Three

By Cynthia Ewer, Editor
Organized Christmas

Properly appointed, the master bedroom can be an inviting oasis of calm in the midst of Christmas commotion--but not if it's choked and cluttered and cramped!

During Me and Mine Week at the Houseworks Holiday Plan, we'll declutter, organize and clean the master bedroom. Our goal: to create a refreshing space for renewal and rest during the busy holiday season.

This week's holiday prep assignments see us focus on Christmas cards, set up a gift closet or gift box, and schedule some personal "me" time into the holiday season.

This Week's Focus: Master Bedroom and Personal Spaces

Reading Assignments from Houseworks:

Sweet Dreams in the Organized Bedroom - page 200
This declutter guide for the master bedroom includes tips for bedroom clutter personalities.
Top Tips for Organizing the Master Bedroom - page 202
Get organized for a good night's rest.
How to Clean A Dry Room - page 60
Speed cleaning with the Houseworks rules for cleaning a "dry" room

Inspiration from the Web:

Gift Closet Guide: Get Organized for Frugal Holiday Gifts

This Week's Houseworks Checklist

Declutter, clean and organize the Master Bedroom. It's a place for rest and renewal ... if you can find the space! Tackle clutter in the master bedroom this week. Use the STOP clutter method to sort the stacks and piles. Once you've cleared the items that don't belong, clean your newly-reclaimed private space. Use the "dry room" cleaning method to deep-clean the master bedroom in record time!
Decorate your restorative space. Make the most of your private sanctuary! Add decorative touches--candles, scent diffusers, flowers--to make the master bedroom a pleasant place to recharge your batteries and renew your spirit.
Tackle the clothes closet. With cooler weather on the way, a seasonal clothes closet declutter is in order. Make room for holiday finery as you sort and toss summer's stained garments.

This Week's Holiday Prep Checklist

Inventory holiday cards, gift wrap, and mailing supplies. Make sure you know what you have before you buy--and shop at home first! A printable Gift Wrap and Mail Checklist makes it easy to know what to add to the shopping list.
Make a Christmas card list. Pull out the address book or database, and make a Christmas card list. Protect your wallet: prune the list, and give thought to ways to reduce the cost of sending holiday greetings.
Use a computer address book for Christmas cards. Harness the power of computer technology. If your card list is still kept on paper, convert it to a computerized form. You'll thank yourself in years to come!
Print address labels for Christmas cards. If using address labels for your cards or letters, print them now. You'll be ready to write, sign and seal!

Order, buy or print Christmas cards or letters. If you'll be buying cards this year, order them now--particularly if you'll be using the popular photo cards. Will you need a family photo session? Schedule it today to avoid the November rush!
Plan personal pampering sessions, and add them to December's calendar. "If Mama's not happy, nobody's happy"; your mood affects the whole family. If you find the season stressful, plan now for some personal pampering sessions. A massage, a retreat, or even a gathering with girlfriends can be a welcome break in a busy month.
Set aside a gift closet or create a gift box; inventory any previously-purchased gifts. The secret of organized (and frugal) gift-givers? A gift closet or gift box. If you haven't already, set aside a specific place in your home to hold all bought-ahead gifts. A gift closet inventory will let you know what you have while shopping or making out a gift list, so print one for your Houseworks Holiday Planner.