Get Ahead on the Holidays: How To Start Preparing Early
There are so many moving pieces to the holiday season that it sometimes feels more hectic than joyous. Having a game plan ahead of time means you can spend less time scrambling and more time with your friends and family. This guide from Trojan Storage offers advice on how to get a head start on holiday planning to enjoy the season.
1. Create a Holiday Budget
The best way to keep track of your expenses is to create a holiday budget. Create a list of all the gifts, decorations, food, and travel costs and check it twice. As you shop, look for bargains or discounts to add a cushion to your budget whenever you can. We recommend setting aside impulse purchases, as they can strain your budget.
2. Buy Gifts Early
Once you’ve made your gift list, start shopping early to take advantage of fall deals and avoid last-minute stress. Fall sales can offer great deals without the holiday crowds or early morning online shopping sprees.
3. Schedule and Prepare for All Events
Are you the host of this year’s holiday party? Prepare for the upcoming events in advance. Clean your home, decorate, and prepare guest rooms if needed. Stock up on food and drinks, then do a quick walkthrough before guests arrive to catch any last-minute details.
4. Plan Your Holiday Menu
Each family has its staple foods that they have every year. It’s also not unheard of for a new dish to make an appearance at the table every few years. The sooner you create the menu and plan out these foods, the better. Here are some common menu items to plan for this year:
- Roast turkey
- Ham
- Prime rib
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Pies
You should also reach out to your guests in advance to confirm any dietary restrictions or preferences they may have.
5. Organize Your Holiday Decorations
Being organized, especially with holiday decorations, can make the season feel more manageable. Start by deciding which decorations you’ll use this year, and purchase any new pieces early before the stores run out.
From there, start putting everything up. Any unused items can be kept in storage. Keep similar items together in spaces devoted to each item group. Invest in dedicated ornament storage or packaging for smaller items.
Have a Game Plan for Decoration Storage After the Holidays
As the new year arrives and you need to declutter, you’ll need to decide where to keep your seasonal items. If your home is running out of room, self storage can help you organize decorations without cramping your living space until the next holiday season.
Find a storage unit that suits your needs and explore various storage options, including climate-controlled storage, if you have sensitive items that require a stable environment. You can also use your storage unit for decorations from other seasons.
Find Premier Holiday Storage at Trojan Storage
Make space at your place this holiday season at Trojan Storage. Our many storage facilities each offer an extensive selection of small, medium, and large storage units to store all your decorations. From garlands to lights and ornaments, we’ll help you keep everything organized and ready for next year. Contact us and find your nearest Trojan Storage facility to rent a storage unit today!