Organization Overhaul: Clear the Clutter Before the Holidays

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 10/6/2025

Fall Cleaning • Time Management Hacks • Stress-Free Systems

Holidays are a time for gathering, joy, and celebration—and they can bring chaos if your home is cluttered and unprepared. With a little planning now, you can step into the season feeling calm, organized, and ready to welcome guests without the last-minute scramble.

Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on manageable projects each month leading up to December. Think of this as creating breathing room in your home so you can truly enjoy family, friends, and the magic of the season.

October: Lay the Foundation

With hosting season just around the corner, now’s the time to take stock of essentials. A quick inventory ensures you’re prepared before the rush.

• Dinnerware, Glassware & Silverware
  Mismatched collections can be charming, but if you’re short on the basics or holding onto pieces you don’t like, it’s time to let them go. Clear space in your cabinets and, if needed, invest in a few fresh pieces. Holiday sales are the perfect time to upgrade and create a look you’ll love.
  
  
• Bedding & Towels
  Think in sets: each person in your household should have two to three towel sets (bath, face, and hand towels). Guests usually need one or two sets depending on their stay length, saving you from doing endless laundry while they’re visiting. For bedding, aim for one set on the bed and a spare set washed and ready. This balance keeps your linen closet streamlined and stress-free.

November: Focus on the Festivities

By November, schedules fill quickly, so decluttering now will save your sanity later.

• Kitchen Cabinets
  Hosting means cooking—and cooking in a cluttered kitchen is a recipe for frustration. Toss expired items, donate unopened goods you won’t use, and make space for the grocery hauls ahead. Think of it as creating a kitchen that works with you, not against you.
  
  
• Cooking Equipment
  Sharpen your knives, check your pots, pans, and utensils, and position the items you use most in easy reach. Clear out gadgets you never touch. A quick refresh now makes holiday cooking smooth and stress-free.
  
  
• School Supplies
  If you have students at home, chances are you’ve overstocked on notebooks, pens, or art supplies. Have them help sort through the extras. Donate what’s usable or pack it away in a labeled bin for next year.

December: Streamline and Simplify

By December, your calendar is likely to overflow—so only tackle the areas that make the biggest impact.

• Entryway
  This is the first space guests see, and during winter it fills up fast with coats, boots, and bags. Pare down to just the essentials. Store out-of-season coats and shoes in vacuum storage bags (Amazon) to maximize space. Consider a freestanding coat rack from Wayfair or add temporary storage like an over-the-door hook rack (Amazon) for extra hanging room.
  
  
• Bedroom
  Don’t forget about yourself! The holidays can be exhausting, and you’ll need a calm retreat to recharge. Even if you just clear off surfaces and put away visible clutter, your bedroom can become the peaceful sanctuary you desire.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Decluttering isn’t about having a picture-perfect home; it’s about creating a space where you and your guests feel comfortable and at ease. Work in small chunks, celebrate what you accomplish, and don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything at once.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful
or believe to be beautiful.”  ~ William Morris

Helpful Resources

• Acceptable Donations | What Does Goodwill Take? What can I donate? – know what you can pass along responsibly.
  
  
• Becoming Minimalist – practical decluttering inspiration.
  
  
• Real Simple Holiday Organizing Tips – quick strategies for the busiest season.

With a little bit of prep now, you’ll greet the holidays with less stress and more joy.

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices

Join our email list to receive updates and details

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/22/2025

A practical guide to set budgets, manage expenses, and avoid holiday debt.

Do you ever feel like the holidays sneak up on your wallet faster than on your calendar? You’re not alone. Many families find that the joy of the season is dimmed by financial stress, overspending, and January credit card statements. But here’s the good news: with a little preparation, you can create a holiday season that’s generous, meaningful, and debt-free.

Think of this as your holiday financial game plan - a way to keep the celebrations full of joy while keeping your finances under control.

Holiday Spending Snapshot
Most households spend between 1–2% of their annual income on the holidays. A well-planned allocation looks like this:

• Gifts – 50%
  • $50–$100 for close family and friends
  • $20–$30 for work or acquaintance gifts
  • Charitable donations
• Celebrations – 30% (parties, travel, events, meals out)
• Decorations – 10%
• Cost Overrun – 10% (because surprises always pop up!)

Six Strategies to Build Your Holiday Game Plan

Grab a highlighter, and mark the strategies that will work best for you:

1.  Master the Gift List

Since gifts are usually the biggest slice of the holiday pie, they’re the best place to start.

• • Make a list of everyone you want to buy for and set a spending cap for each.
  • Consider budget-friendly, meaningful alternatives:
    • Homemade creations (baked goods, crafts, or DIY items).
    • Group gift exchanges like Secret Santa or White Elephant.
    • Experiences instead of stuff—invite a friend to coffee, a family hike, or an afternoon baking cookies.
    • Volunteering or donations that reflect your values (and may provide tax benefits—check with your financial advisor).

2. Budget Beyond Gifts

Gifts aren’t the only expense to watch.

• • Travel: If trips or winter getaways are part of your plans, book early for the best deals.
  • Events: Potlucks, concerts, or workplace festivities often come with hidden costs. Build them into your budget now so you’re not caught off guard later.

3. Try the “Cash Stuffing” System

This method (also called envelope budgeting) helps you stick to your plan.

• • Divide your budget into labeled envelopes (gifts, travel, events, food, etc.).
  • Spend only what’s in the envelope. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
  • It’s especially powerful for students, families, or anyone prone to impulse spending.

 4. Shop Smart with Spending Strategies

• • Seasonal Sales: Take advantage of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-holiday deals—but only for items already on your budget list.
  • Cashback & Rewards Points: Redeem wisely to stretch your dollars further.
  • Memory Gifts: Build traditions that last longer than purchases—tree decorating, ice skating, potluck game nights, or crafting ornaments together.
  • Secondhand Treasures: Vintage shops, thrift stores, or upcycling projects can turn into unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

5. Build a Holiday Cash Cache

The surest way to avoid debt is to prepare in advance.

• • Start at least 12 weeks ahead: stash savings from coupons, sales, or small windfalls.
  • Consider seasonal gig work, freelance projects, or selling unused items online.
  • Set aside a fixed monthly amount for a “Holiday Fund” and let time work in your favor.

6. Reflect and Reset in January

The holiday season doesn’t end when the decorations come down—it’s the perfect time to plan for next year.

• • Celebrate your wins: What brought the most joy? What wasn’t worth the expense?
  • Stock up on discounted wrapping paper, decorations, and cards.
  • Automate small monthly savings for the next holiday season—your future self will thank you.

When you take control of your holiday finances, you’re not just saving money—you’re creating space for peace, generosity, and connection. The best gift you can give your loved ones is a stress-free you. With a thoughtful plan, you can step into the season confident, generous, and debt-free.

“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”
~ Mother Teresa

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices

Join our email list to receive updates and details, click here!

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/22/2025

Following up after sending a thank-you note is critical to maintain
momentum and demonstrate your continued interest.

Here are some effective strategies:

• Timing Matters:
  • Send Within 24 Hours:
    • Your thank-you email should be sent within 24 hours after the interview. Promptness shows enthusiasm and professionalism
      
      
    • Wait Patiently: If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager within a week or two, consider following up. The follow-up period depends on your stage in the interview process
      
      
• Content for Your Follow-Up:
  • Express Gratitude: Reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity and consideration.
  • Reference Specifics: Mention something specific from the interview. Show that you were engaged.
  • Reaffirm Interest: Remind them of your interest in the role and the company.
  • Offer to Answer Questions
    
    
• Methods of Follow-Up:
  • Email: A concise and professional follow-up email is common. Use the same thread as the thank-you note.
  • Phone Call: If appropriate, consider calling the hiring manager. Be polite and inquire about the decision-making process. Wait at least a week after the interview before making contact 

Remember, your follow-up communicates your high interest and professionalism. Use it as an opportunity to highlight your compatibility for the position. Good luck!

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal.
It is the courage to continue that counts."
~ Winston Churchill

Join us at LifeSkills Academy, where we offer e-learning classes in Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. Our educators are seasoned professionals with proven success in the world of commerce. Sign up for newsletters and class notices to start your journey toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.