Organize 365 Podcast

We are in it! There's no time left to plan anything so how can you still be proactive and ahead of things? I'm sharing my sanity saving tips to meet you and your family's needs and still show up as your best self in these last couple of weeks in December. We are in those flexible strange last weeks of the year so what can you do to save your sanity? Event Go Bags If you only have time to implement one thing - this is it! Event go bags are like the go back you should have packed to grab at a moment's notice so you have the things you need while you are away from home for an unknown amount of time. In this instance, you will look at the calendar and place a bag, in an out of the way area, for each event. Then you're going to put some kind of clip on it to attach any notes you make to yourself about the event like grab the appetizer from the refrigerator or return the book to Aunt Betty that you want to remember as you go out the door for the event. As the date approaches, you can add items to the bag too that you want to remember to bring…maybe Aunt Betty's book. And I strongly recommend a donation area. I know I talked about it recently that you may be getting the bug to declutter. We have January energy creeping up on us and we want things to be clean before company comes. A great free activity is decluttering with your kids. Because they are home and they are bored! But you definitely don't have time to pack everything up and head to a donation center. No problem. Create a designated area for items you may want to donate. And while decluttering you may find Aunt Betty's book which then you can place in that bag which is likely near the donation area. See how that just works out? This is the beauty of the Sunday Basket® that we all appreciate. It's one designated place for safe keeping actionable items until the time we intend to address them. I know these two spaces may create a little clutter but let's be honest most of our homes look like it's the day before laundry day right now anyway! Let's stay sane. Two Week Big Haul I realize this next suggestion you may have to play with your paycheck schedule now but utilize it this year and plan for it next year in your operations binder. I want you to make a grocery haul for the next two weeks. We talked about a version of this before Thanksgiving. You need snacks, meals, and more snacks. The kids are off school and people are snacking like it's their job. Think about all the appetizers or items you need to bring to any parties. Consider paper plates this year in between the meals or even for the meals too depending on your phase of life. Just decide what is right for your family. Then do it. Consider your finances and then decide what all you can do and get it done to save your sanity! You don't have time for multiple trips to the store in addition to everything else. Final Suggestions Gas up the car so you can get to where you need to go without having to make yourself late stopping to get gas. Make sure you have enough stamps for thank you letters or Christmas cards. And if you are stuck in the stone age with me using cash, get some cash. You never know when you'll need to pay someone back for your half of the meal or something they picked up for you. Or you could just send it on Zelle or Venmo like the cool kids. Take advantage of these tips because these last few weeks are going to be amazing! EPISODE RESOURCES: The Sunday Basket® Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media.

In this discussion, Sarah Hart Unger, a dedicated planner and author of "Best Laid Plans," shares her insights on navigating the chaos of modern life. She tackles the overwhelm caused by multiple closed systems and offers effective strategies to manage cognitive load. Sarah emphasizes the importance of treating planning as scheduled work and introduces long-range planning techniques tied to family milestones. Her practical tips on time blocking, managing distractions, and planning family activities make efficiency feel achievable.

Feel the urge to declutter as the year winds down? Discover how to harness that December energy! Learn why it might be best to postpone decluttering until after the holidays, and get tips for involving kids in the process. Find out how to manage storage spaces without disrupting holiday displays. Plus, dive into capturing your planning dreams for the next year and organizing your ideas with the Sunday Basket system. It's the perfect time for a fresh start!

The conversation dives into the shift from Thanksgiving to December energy, encouraging proactive holiday planning. Listeners are urged to strategize decorations by involving family preferences and simplifying their decor. Smart shopping tips are shared, focusing on budget and timing. Lisa emphasizes the importance of planning memorable winter break activities without overspending, suggesting daily focal tasks for balance. Finally, she advises on preparing global gifts early to ease year-end exchanges. Get ready for a festive, organized December!

Are you ready for the 6 busiest weeks of the year? Let's zoom out and look at our family, our houses, and events to orchestrate a place of planning, purpose, and memory making. I wanted to share the energy I feel this time of year and how I manage my expectations of myself and others during this busy season. Fed People are Happy People When I think ahead and plan the food component of Thanksgiving I have much lower stress. Once you get the day before the holiday off of work/school, the day of Thanksgiving, and the next day, plus the weekend; you now need to plan food for 5-7 days. Think about your own weekend habits. You eat differently, you spend differently, and you have a different energy. In my experience when people are fed they are much happier people and then I get to enjoy the holiday too. Think ahead and plan a fun breakfast, have on hand some snacky/appetizer type treats, and what meals you'll have. Ok now, on the big day…this is a food holiday! This is NOT the holiday to try a new recipe or a spin on a favorite dish! Talk to your family and find out what foods are important to them. Do you need a whole dessert table maybe? Make sure that "certain" dish is there for the ones you love. Now that could get pricey so here's a tip to cut the budget: Ask that guests to bring their special dish. I've noticed as my eating habits have changed so too must my plate at Thanksgiving. Now I just take a few bites of everything I like and leave it at that. No need to overstuff myself and feel miserable the rest of the day. Family Once all the food is in place you get to catch up with all of your family. Please people manage your expectations. Lean into gratitude for the family you do have. I have lost loved ones, so I choose to be grateful for the family in the room on Thanksgiving. You may need to change a conversation or hop in a game that people are playing to avoid certain conversations. And permission to not kill yourself cleaning. Your family is not doing a white glove inspection and they aren't going past the common spaces and a bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, make sure you have plenty of toilet paper! You'll need lots of that and dish cloths to ensure others can help with all the dishes and cleaning up! Fun to include everyone I love a game being played to infuse fun into the room and include others or people who are joining your family for the first time. You may hear of someone who will be alone on Thanksgiving because loved ones have passed, or travel isn't possible, or other reasons - invite them to join you and your family! It's that much easier to make memories when fun is in the air! Break out some fun board games and put the Thanksgiving Day Parade on followed by some football. And then it's like you have a 3 day weekend after the big day so here's what I do. I shop the Black Friday deals on my phone. Side note: I do want to thank everyone who will be working the Holidays like our first responders and retail personnel. Heads up Organize 365® will be starting our Black Friday sale on Wednesday so no one has to break from the festivities. I'm also planning to do some holiday baking and normally this is when I decorate for my holiday of choice - Christmas. I hope this helps to reduce your stress this holiday season and let's you be more present in making holiday memories. EPISODE RESOURCES: The Sunday Basket® Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media!

Explore the paradox of modern technology as it drains time instead of saving it. Hear about the frustrations with robot vacuums that need constant Wi-Fi attention and updates. Delve into the challenges of juggling numerous apps and convoluted home systems like HVACs. Lisa reflects on how increased phone usage has affected family dynamics and the depth of conversations. Discover practical tips for reclaiming time from devices and nurturing richer relationships over passive consumption.

Discover the power of personal PTO as one woman transforms her staycation into a self-care haven. Balancing family time, she plans to catch up on three years of scrapbooking before a grandbaby arrives. With productive moments spent organizing photos and work materials, she redefines productivity. A delightful shopping spree brings a refreshing update to her wardrobe, while preparation for family events and future travel keeps her on track. This journey inspires women to embrace their time off meaningfully.

The host shares the surprising decision to cancel a long-anticipated trip to Italy, citing concerns about family dynamics and anxiety. Instead, they embrace a staycation, filled with boutique shopping and a delightful pasta cooking class. The couple finds joy in local adventures, exploring nearby towns and art galleries. The experience leads to meaningful dinner conversations to reconnect. They also take time to support their daughter who is expecting, turning a potential disappointment into cherished memories and new traditions.

Discover the power of intentional planning to bring peace and joy, especially during the hectic holiday season. Explore the dreaming phase to envision meaningful celebrations with your family. Learn to narrow down your holiday priorities and shed unnecessary pressures through strategic conversations. Get tips on efficient decoration timing and how to tackle Black Friday shopping smartly. Lastly, get excited about end-of-year planning to set powerful goals for 2026 and beyond.

Get ready for a stress-free holiday season! Discover how to simplify your celebrations by asking your family what truly matters to them. Find out how the free Holiday Blitz can help you dream, plan, and make the holidays enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Lisa shares tips on eliminating unnecessary traditions and focusing on quality time together. With printables and helpful resources available, you'll feel equipped to make this year’s holidays memorable and fun. Don’t miss out on setting yourself up for success!