Client Testimonial about Helping During the Holidays

This testimonial above is exactly why we love helping clients get organized during the holidays. Often times we become too stressed and make non well thought out decisions during the holidays. When you hire us for organizing or concierge services during the holidays our goal it to make it as stress free as possible for you. I know a good chunk of the holiday season is still 2 months away, but now is a great time to start thinking about things. 

What is a common task or area you need help with the most during the holidays? 

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Houston Professional Organizer's Holiday Binder to Help You Get Organized During The Holidays

Every holiday season (and throughout the year) I use a holiday binder in order to help me stay on top of all things holiday and keep me organized. That way have a go to place to keep my calendars, shopping lists, card list, receipts, etc. I also like to keep envelopes with money in them for things that I want to do during the holidays or tips I need to give to service people during the holidays. 

I sell these holiday binders on the Eco Modern Concierge Etsy shop. 

Get organized for the holidays with this holiday binder

28 pages include:

• Thanksgiving timeline
• Thanksgiving menu planning
• Thanksgiving grocery list
• Thanksgiving gratitude list
• Frindsgiving guest list
• Hanukkah menu planning
• Hanukkah grocery list
• Christmas menu planning
• Christmas grocery list
• New Years grocery list
• New Years menu planning
• Shopping list
• Holiday packing list
• Holiday mailing list
• Holiday bucket list
• Holiday kids to-do list
• Holiday to-do list
• Holiday interior decorations plan
• Holiday exterior decorations plan
• Holiday party planning checklist
• Holiday party planning notes
• Holiday restock list
• Holiday ideas
• Holiday gratitude list
• Holiday notes
• Holiday give back ideas
• Holiday travel itinerary 
• Holiday travel tips
• 4 recipe cards with sheet protectors
• 2 clear letter sized pocket pouches
• 1 clear zippered pencil pouch
• 2 blank calendar pages
• 1 binder

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Holiday Tips You Can Start Doing Right Now To Get Ahead

I know it may seem early to start prepping for the holidays, but in order to relieve some stress and in an effort to get ahead of the game, I thought I would give you some tips that have worked for many of my clients and myself. We help organizing and concierge clients all the time get organized for the holidays and try to make them as stress free as possible. Here are several holiday tips of things you can do right now to prepare for the holidays.

 Start stocking up on gift cards. I know I have talked about this before, but now is a great time to start stocking up on gift cards for stores you know you will shop at during the holidays. This way when it comes to holiday shopping you have already "saved" for it and you don't feel as strapped for money. Also, many grocery stores will offer double and triple reward points throughout the year on gift cards and that is also a great time to stop up on them while getting extra points.

If you are shopping sales right now, think about your holiday gift list and stock up on items now. Even some experience gifts like museum & zoo memberships, subscription boxes, etc. are offering great deals right now. Stocking up on gifts now lessens the stress later in the holiday season.

If you already have a stockpile of gift, take inventory of what you have now. That way you are not overbuying during the holidays. Also, take inventory of your gift wrap supplies. 

If there are certain services you know you will use during the holidays, book them now before their appointments fill up. Plus, you will get a better choice on a day and time you want. Book services like photographers, carpet cleaners, caterers, house cleaners for deep cleans, organizers / concierges;), etc. 

Book your doctor appointments now if you are trying to meet your end of year deductible and spend your FSA money. If the doctor is already booked, get on their waiting list.

If you tip certain service people like lawn services, cleaning services, nannies, etc. during the holidays, start putting cash aside in envelopes for them that way you don't forget and you're ahead of the game. 

Start reviewing your holiday card list. Update addresses and take advantage of card sales when they happen in October and November. 

Paying for certain holiday services early will often give you bigger discounts. 

Many holiday light companies in Houston offer discounts anywhere from 50-75% off if you get your lights installed at the end of October versus in late November and December. Just because you have them installed doesn't mean you have to turn them on. Also, some Christmas tree companies will give you a discount if you pre-order your Christmas tree early.

Always ask stores for discounts and to price compare. Many stores will price compare, take expired coupons, discount various items if a box is damaged and sometimes you can even add on a coupon after price matching for even bigger discounts. It doesn't hurt to ask, and the worst that can happen is the manager says no.

Start decluttering your home now. Declutter areas that are often used during the holidays like kitchens, pantries, guest bedrooms, kids rooms, playrooms, etc. Donate, sell or give away your no longer needed items.

If Eco Modern Concierge can help with any organization or concierge services during the holidays feel free to call or email us, info@ecomodernconcierge.com. We'd love to help!! Visit our website to see holiday services that we often offer. 

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Eco Modern Concierge is Now Booking Holiday Appointments

 

I know it’s early, but we are currently booking holiday appointments! 🎄 🕎 🎁 Thanks for all that have already pre-booked decorating, gift wrapping and event help! We service corporate and residential clients. Feel free to visit ecomodernconcierge.com or email us at info@ecomodernconcierge.com to get on the books. 

Here are some services that we specialize in:

• We offer gift wrapping for individuals and businesses. This is a great way to reduce stress and a benefit for you or your employees during the holidays.

• Individuals - we can help you wrap gifts and get you ready for the holidays

• Businesses and holiday parties - Send us an email at info@ecomodernconcierge.com for rates and more information as there is 2 options available. This is great for small businesses, departments within larger companies, at holiday parties if you are having guests over, and the list goes on & on. Here is what is included:

  • 2 professional gift wrappers

  • 3 hours, all day or we can customize

  • All supplies

  • Discount if you use our services during the holidays.

  • Company pays a set fee and employees or residents pay the happy gift wrappers in tips OR employees or residents pay for services and we charge per package.

• Holiday decorating services
• Errands
• Address and mail holiday cards
• Gift research
• Booking reservations
• Coordinating holiday activities
• Buy gifts and customize gift lists for you
• Ship items
• Get house organized for the holidays
• Organize events help
• Event help set up, errands and behind the scenes help like running to get that extra ice or extra alcohol you need
• Stock the bar and fridge
• Wait services
• THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS. Don’t see it here, just email or call and ask!

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3 Holiday Helpers Part 2 | Houston Professional Organizer & Concierge

As a professional organizer and concierge business owner I feel like I always need to be prepared. I have a toolkit that I bring to most projects, but during the holidays there are specific things I make sure to have on hand. From now until Christmas I will be featuring 3 holiday helpers each week that are helpful always, but especially during the holidays.

Here is part 2 that was supposed to be posted last week, but what can I say. Watch the YouTube video above where I explain why I like these holiday helpers. 

All items are linked in the Eco Modern Concierge Shop.

ecomodernconcierge.com

15+ Ways a Personal Concierge can help you stay sane during the holidays

The is a repost from years past, but still relevant. This time of year is super busy for so many people and you can get overwhelmed really quickly. I have many clients here in Houston who use me for various daily tasks and the holidays are no exception. Hiring a personal concierge is easy there are several in Houston and all over. Here are some things that they can help you with.

• Gift Research. I often times get hired to research various gifts, but have an extensive list of go to gifts that I like to give or that I know are a hit. Here in Houston there are various stores I know that I can find the perfect gifts.
• Shop. This is one of the biggest things I get utilized for during the holidays. There are so many gifts that get bought and given 
• Help Decorate. Sometimes you just can't do it all and need help. 
• Donation Drop Off. There is a ton of giving back during the holidays and I often drop off donations for others.
• Organize. Since I am a professional organizer, I often help with general organization in businesses and around the home. This really helps clients destress and not worry as much during the holidays. 
• Gift Wrapping. The key is to find stores like Kuhl-Linscomb that gift wrap for free, but if not then use a personal concierge. I often do this for clients and have so much fun.
• Shipping. I ship a TON during the holidays. The key is to ship early when lines are not as long. Many of personal concierges charge by the hour, so shipping early can save you time and money. 
• Write, Address, Stamp and Mail Holiday Cards. This gets outsourced a lot because usually when people send out holiday cards they send out a lot. 
• Corporate Gift Buying. Lots of companies give gifts to employees, clients and colleagues and this is something they use concierges to assist them with. 
• Party Prep. This is a big one because so many people host holiday parties. 
• Book Travel. A ton of people travel during the holidays and a concierge can help with flights, hotel reservations, car rental, booking activities, etc. 
• Grocery Shop. So many groceries to be bought during the holidays. 
• Guest Prep. If you have guests coming into town a personal concierge can help with prepping for their arrival from getting rooms organized to arranging pick up for them to buying gifts. 
• Basic Errands. I help clients with all kinds of basic errands they just don't have time to do. 

Virtual Concierge Help
I have had others hire me to help them with holiday tasks virtually as well. Here are some holiday things that I often get asked to help with virtually.

• Buy and Ship Gifts. If there are items that can be purchased and shipped online, then that is what I help with.
• Order and Mail Holiday Cards. This often times can be done anywhere.
• Arrange for Professional Services. I often help arrange for services like house cleaning, organizing, catering, etc. to come in and help during the holidays. 
• Book Travel. Just like above this is something that a concierge can help with.
• Send Alcohol and Flowers. I arrange for bottles of wine and liquor to be delivered for clients. As well as, flowers and plants. 

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

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Houston Professional Organizers #1 Tips for an Organized and Stress Free Holiday Season

Last month I asked some of my fellow NAPO Houston organizers and business partners #1 tips for an organized and stress free holiday season and below are their tips. What is your tip for a stress free holiday season?

Adonna Braly of Clutter Roundup: "Give experiences, not gifts. https://www.cloud9living.com/"

Naomi Kealy of Charming Spaces: "Make a list for each person you're buying for so you don't forget anything or anyone. I send my kid's lists to the grandparents too!"

Michelle Smithpeter of Pretty Practical Spaces: "As you open up your seasonal decorations, attach detailed labels to each of the tubs/boxes/bags, so you know what goes back where!  And it makes next year that much easier ""

Ann Zanon of A2Z Organizing Solutions: "I keep a list of what I gave to whom every year so I don't duplicate but as Adonna said, we don't give a lot of stuff. I also don't usually give friend gifts. Instead, for many years, I have held a Cookie Decorating Party as my gift to my friends. I bake all the cookies, provide everything except a platter for them to take cookies home and we spend a Sunday afternoon, just ladies, decorating cookies, listening to Christmas music and laughing." 

Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: "Make a list of everything you have to do leading up to the holiday including decorate thetree, bake, buy gifts and list the names and etc. Then try to plug dates with the task."

Dena Wilson of Places! Professional Organizing: "Do as much in advance as possible!"


Ellen Delap of Professional-organizer.com: "Start early! Prioritize. It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing what has the most meaning."

Tammy Atchison of The Busy Corner: "Know your limits. It’s ok to set boundaries."

Elizabeth Wood of Clean Moving Crates: "Stock up now on hostess gifts and client appreciation gifts. I keep a stock of repurposed wine-bottle candles from Hanh Tran - she also has other glass bottles than wine that she has cut and smoothed - they are a unique and inexpensive gift that supports a local artist. I keep a drawer stocked so I just grab one as I leave for the event - it keeps me from having to stress about giving "the right thing.""


Donna Matthews of Slay the Chaos: "Simple Does It. Let it Go. A place for everything and everything a place Your Way! Also, rather than a ton of "stuff" I love to use scent to transform my home - candles, tea, oils, coffees" 💕"


Suzanne Langford of Re-Vision It!: "Putting up the big tree can sometimes be overwhelming, I now have a handful of small, 3-4 ft artificial pre-lit trees in pots. Each one is stored in its own box with one small subset of ornaments/decor and an extension cord. I can easily put one or two up at a time in 10 or 15 minutes (including tree fluffing). It naturally breaks up the decorating in manageable chunks. If I get to the big, tree, great. If not, I have lovely small trees all around! Suzanne Langford, Re-Vision It!"


Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: "Start early! It makes the holidays so much more less stressful. Also, create a holiday binder with November & December calendar pages, gift lists, receipts, timelines, budgets, etc."

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