by KYW's Michelle Durham

It's the most wonderful time of the year! 
 
But the holiday season is also the busiest, and you may need a strategy on how to get everything accomplished while juggling your usual tasks. One local organizing expert has some helpful advice.

Philadelphia-based "Totally Organized Living" president Janet Taylor says that at this time of year, Santa should not be the only one with a list and checking it twice. She says taking on the holidays a little bit at a time each day will help you feel less overwhelmed:

"Take into consideration how you can do things at off-peak times. Maybe you can run to the store when it first opens or at an off time in the evening, so you are not caught in that traffic jam in the parking lot."  

And what if your household was on the disorganized side before the holiday season started? She says this may be the time to take some of your unused belongings and donate them to a worthy charity. She calls that a win-win situation: helping someone else, getting rid of clutter, and perhaps gaining a tax deduction.

In the November issue of her newsletter Totally Organized Living, Taylor had even more tips:
 
Managing The Paper Piles This Season    
 
1.  Discard holiday catalogs dated 2006 and earlier.
2.  Tear out the pages of catalogs that have the items you want to purchase.
3.  Create a file for gifts and other purchases you need to make.
4.   Keep all packing slips, invoices and receipts in one folder or large envelop for       future reference.
5.   Record all debit card transactions and verify all transactions on your bank and credit card statements. Keep statements in a file clearly marked.

Holiday Time Management Tidbits   
 
1.  Use a planner or calendar and schedule time for decorating, shopping, cooking and other items on your to-do list.
2.  Establish a place for a family bulletin board/calendar and review weekly to ensure no one is overwhelmed or feeling stressed by their schedule.
3.  Make a list of tasks friends and family can assist you with during the holidays      (someone will ask how they can help you).
4.  Ensure that you schedule time to relax.

Conquering Clutter in Your Refrigerator    
 
1. Schedule time to clean out and organize your refrigerator and freezer.  
2. Get rid of items not labeled, not dated, or that have been in the refrigerator too long.
3. Use organizing products specifically designed for the refrigerator to maximize space (stackable beverage dispenser, lazy susan).
4. Date and label all items that you store in the refrigerator.
5. Schedule time weekly (the night before trash day) to toss items and keep your refrigerator organized.