Me and Mine Week

It's a retreat, a haven, a place of rest:  the master bedroom. During the busy holiday season, the master bedroom can be an inviting oasis of calm in the midst of Christmas commotion.

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 reflection and rejuvenation.

In holiday prep, we'll 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:

• Changing Seasons: Clothes Closet Declutter
• Tips to Rejuvenate the Master Bedroom
• Simplify Season's Greetings: Using Computers to Send Christmas Cards
• Planning A Gift Closet

This Week's Houseworks Checklist

• Declutter, clean and decorate 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!

  Finally, add decorative touches--candles, scent diffusers, flowers--to make the master bedroom a pleasant place to recharge your batteries.

• 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. Dare to dump it!

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!
• Make a Christmas card list.  Pull out the address book or database, and make a Christmas card list.  Give thought to simplifying and reducing cards sent.  
• Use a computer address book for Christmas card envelopes or labels.  Harness the power of computer technology.  If your card lists 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. 
• 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 printable gift closet inventory form will let you know what you have while shopping or making out a gift list, so print one for your Christmas planner today.

This Week's Christmas Planner Pages to Print:

Christmas Card List Gift Closet