Dirty dishes in the sink, junk mail covering the kitchen table: If you're not careful, disorganization can take over. Major changes like a new baby, a promotion, divorce, or a death in the family can stress you out, causing you to neglect cleaning and home maintenance.

Even daily stress can spur disorganization, and holiday planning is a major daily stressor in December and January. But don't worry: With a few organization tips, you'll be on your way to an orderly home in no time!

Create a stress-busting plan

• Think function first. Your kitchen is primarily for cooking; the dining room or kitchen table for eating, and your living room for living. Before you bring a piece of mail, a dirty dish, or an appliance into or out of a room, make sure it's going to the right place!
• Take small steps. That pile of disorganized clothing or mail might not be as bad as you think. Choose a task, and give yourself 15-20 minutes to work on it. Or, set aside a certain amount of time every day for cleaning — and stop once you've run out of time.
• Share your organization strategy. Make sure your family knows where things go. Some mess is inevitable, but having many helping hands can keep disorganization to a minimum.
• Ask yourself, do you need it? Whether you're making a new purchase, or deciding what appliances deserve your precious counter space, prioritize your resources and space for the essentials.
• Think small: Gift cards make fabulous gifts, can be presented in creative ways — and don't require much space to store.

Organizing your kitchen for the holidays 101

Whether you're cooking everything from scratch — or taking advantage of time-saving pre-cooked delicacies — the kitchen is an essential part of holiday celebration.

• Know your menu. Whether you're hosting a holiday celebration or attending a potluck with friends, knowing what you're cooking helps you prepare effectively. Instead of buying groceries you don't need — or forgetting essential ingredients — you can set aside all of your recipes and cooking aides in advance.
• Organize your tasks, and ask others to pitch in. One person to clean, one person to cook sauces, one person to watch the oven — sound like a dream? With a little planning, the whole family can get involved in preparing a delicious meal.
• Save time, and add value. Giant Eagle^® offers an exciting array of holiday side dishes and entrees, from Brussels sprouts to juicy roasts and fresh seafood. These heat-and-serve options taste just like homemade, and give you the freedom to focus on gift-giving, organization, and entertaining.

Remember: The holiday season is an exciting time, but the best part of all is spending time with family and loved ones. Staying organized helps you avoid clutter — and boosts your holiday spirits, too.