Ah, the holiday season is upon us.  Now is the time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the holidays.

From October to early January, there will be more pumpkin pie, Hallmark movies and college football bowl games than ever.

It’s the hap-happiest season of all. Yet for some, it also can be one of the most stressful.

Whether it’s the crowds and long lines at the stores, gaining weight or traveling, the holidays can be a hectic time for some. And if you’re expecting family over your house, that can add to the stress, especially if your home isn’t quite ready.

Don’t worry though, there’s still time to bring your home up to par. Here are some tips for organizing your home for the holidays that will keep your cup of cheerful:

Tip #1: Start Early

The best way to avoid stress this holiday season, especially if you’re expecting guests, is to start early. Give yourself an ample amount of time for cleaning, shopping and everything else you need to get done in preparation for the holidays.

Tip #2: Call for Reinforcements

After all, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. We all know that getting organized for the holidays can get a little crazy. There’s no shame in asking for help – or hiring it for that matter. Hiring a caterer or servers will help lighten your load and free up some of your time. Keep in mind, though, that catering companies book well in advance, particularly around the holidays.

Tip #3: Keep it Simple

No need to complicate things or add more work for yourself. Being a host comes with its share of responsibilities, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Simplicity is a great thing. Put off large-scale home improvement projects until after the holidays. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of an unfinished project, especially if you’re having guests over or even traveling yourself. Wait until things slow down. The holidays can be stressful enough, so cut back on stress rather than adding to it.

Tip #4: Declutter and Organize

For anything you don’t like, use or need, get rid of. Getting rid of stuff can be very therapeutic for some. One of the most important home organization tips is, well, organizing your home. This includes making room in your coat closet and decluttering the public areas of your home, such as the kitchen, living room and dining room. Make and prioritize a to-do list and stick to it. Do a little holiday cleaning, especially guest bedrooms and bathrooms. These areas should be clean and inviting. Make your guests feel welcome and secure.

Tip #5: Decorate Early

Home organization tips, as well as the holidays, wouldn’t be complete without decorations. This is your chance to showcase your decorative pumpkins, cornucopia or your display of Christmas lights. However, as you begin to sift through boxes upon boxes of holiday charm, don’t overwhelm your home’s space with décor, crafts and other decorations. The idea is to minimize the clutter.