Welcome to the Busiest Time of the Year: Unconventional Advice from a Professional Organizer

Ah, the busiest time of the year.
Is it wonderful? Yes.
Can it get stressful? Absolutely.
Can you keep your sanity? Definitely.

If you’re reading this, it’s December, and whether or not you decorate or celebrate, I’m guessing you already feel it. There’s just more. More stuff, more noise, more people, more everything. It’s like the whole world decided: overstimulated but let’s make it merry.

And listen, I love this season. It’s my favorite hands down. The lights, the gatherings, the Hallmark movies…I’m all in. But joy hits a little differently when you’re overwhelmed, juggling a thousand things and trying to keep it together. Between work, shopping, family, and a calendar full of events, it’s no wonder why so many of us feel more stressed halfway through the month.

So this year, I’m giving you and myself permission to keep it a little more realistic. December organizing can be hard. This is not the time to pull everything out of the closet and start labeling bins.

The goal right now is simple: make life functional enough to actually enjoy the holidays.

So here’s my kind of unconventional advice.

1. Skip the decluttering for now.
   

   Yes, I said it. The organizer said do not declutter. Because if you start that project, next thing you know your guests are pulling in the driveway while you’re knee deep in a pile of “what is this.” What to do instead? Grab one bin, box, or basket, toss all the random stuff in there, and call it good. Everything is in one spot, so if you need something, you’ll know where to look. We can deal with it after the holidays.
   *If you really have the urge to declutter, clean out the pantry so you know what you have and don’t end up with duplicates and/or the fridge to make room for leftovers.

2. Don’t do everything alone.
   

   If hosting is stressing you out, speak up. Send a text and say “Hey, I can’t wait to see everyone, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Can someone handle desserts, or games, or the playlist?” People actually love to help, but they just need the invite to do it. Hosting shouldn’t burn you out.

3. Make tidying a little party.
   

   Every night, take five or ten minutes to pick up toys off the floor, put laundry away or load the dishwasher. Turn the music on and get everyone moving. Make it fun, and not a chore. Your morning self will thank you. 

4. If it’s stressing you out, rethink it.
   

   Whatever “it” is. Whether it’s decor, travel, or saying yes to every invite, if it’s draining your joy, it’s okay to do less.

Bonus: Less can really be more.

Okay, this one’s funny coming from me because I absolutely love decorating, but too much everywhere can make your brain tired. Visual clutter raises stress so leave some white space for your eyes to rest (oooh that rhymes). 

However you’re spending this month, give yourself permission to make life a little easier. When your space feels manageable, your mind does too. So here’s to finding peace, joy, and that sweet balance between overwhelmed and merry.

Ready Set Declutter offers professional home organizing in Central Florida designed to reduce overwhelm, improve mental clarity, and create systems that actually stick.