This month at home
Short notes from our editors on what is worth organizing right now. Product links go to Amazon and are affiliate links.
Thanksgiving is November 26: clear the fridge this weekend
The week of the holiday, the fridge has to hold a turkey, pies and a dozen side dishes. Empty one shelf completely now, use up the half-finished jars and set aside one bin for leftovers. It is a twenty-minute job that saves the scramble on the day.
Read the guideGuests coming? Get the spare room ready in 20 minutes
Visitors need less than you think: a clear bedside surface, a few empty hangers, good light and somewhere to put a suitcase. Set those up once and the room is ready for every visit this season.
Read the guideSort the decoration boxes before anything goes up
The best moment to organize holiday decorations is when you open the boxes, not when you are tired of them in January. Test the lights, let go of what stayed in the box last year and note what needs replacing.
Read the guideCoat season: reset the front hall
Gloves, hats and heavy coats arrive all at once. Move summer jackets out, give each person a hook and put small items in pockets on the door, so the morning rush has one place to look.
Read the guideSet up a wrapping station before the first gift
Paper, ribbon, tape and tags scattered over three rooms turn wrapping into a search. Gather everything in one upright organizer now and December gets noticeably calmer.
Read the guideHoliday baking starts with the spice drawer
Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves come out once a year, and that is when you discover three open jars of each. Check the dates and line the jars up where you can read them before the baking begins.
Read the guide