We are into our fourth day of our Holiday marathon on how to make the holidays less stressful with organizing tips and organizing ideas to use now and all year long. The reason I called this a marathon is because it is several weeks to the holiday and to participate in a marathon (the running kind) the runners pace themselves. To stay away from the stress zone during the holidays we to must pace ourselves and do a little at a time.

You know how Santa makes a list and checks it twice? That is exactly what we need to do. Make a master list of what you want and need to do before and during the holidays. Here are some organizing tips to get you started making out your list:

1. Decide on a budget and stick to it. I know that is easier said than done, but come as close as you can.

2. Write down your gift list. Do this on the computer and you will have a template for the next year. Make different categories; one for family, one for friends, neighbors, and for others at work or clubs where you exchange gifts.

3. If you mail gifts you know how expensive it has become. But did you know you can mail in a priority mail flat rate box for $9.80? The beauty of this is it doesn’t matter how much it weighs. (This is in the U.S.)

4. Designate an envelope for all receipts and put them in it before you leave the counter when you purchase an item. Even if you just know it won’t be returned—do this. It will make your life easier if you or the recipient has a return to make. One of the best organizing tips I can give you is: set up a filing system (I love Freedom Filers system) and in the system label a hanging folder for receipts. When you get home, put the receipts in this folder and return the envelope to your purse.

What organizing ideas are you using to reduce stress?