Home Organization Tips

Halloween is exactly 19 days away, but who’s counting, right?  Actually, if I had to take a guess, your kids probably are.  And that means that it’s time for you, as the parent, to get organized.  With 19 days left (or even with two or three) you still have enough time to come up with some creative Halloween costumes, to purchase inexpensive candy or other items, and to get your home ready for the big event.  Here’s how you can keep your sanity, and keep those chaos gremlins away, this Halloween season.

Getting the Halloween Costumes Ready

You shouldn’t have to break the bank just to have hip Halloween costumes. There are many ways to find discount Halloween costumes that will still be the talk of the town, and that will make your kids feel cool (or yourself, for that matter).  Go to a costume store and look through the many costumes for Halloween.  This will give you great ideas, and you’ll probably see that many of these costumes could very easily be replicated in the home.  Then, if you’ve got the time, enjoy making homemade Halloween costumes. If homemade Halloween costumes just won’t cut it in your house, why not trade costumes with a neighbor?  Perhaps your kids are sick of the baseball and princess costumes you have in the house, but they’d love to wear Johnny’s tiger outfit or Beatrice’s ballet one.  Trading costumes is a great way to save on Halloween costumes while making everyone happy. It won’t help you for this year, but remember to go bargain hunting for costumes as soon as Halloween is over.  You’ll be able to find amazingly cheap Halloween costumes in early November, and can put these away for next year’s festivities.

Let Them Knock!

Make sure that you’re ready for those knocks at the door with all of your Halloween supplies.  Keep kids from pounding on your door by purchasing a new door knocker.  These beautiful hardware items are as practical as they are lovely, and they’ll ensure that the door remains unharmed this Halloween and that all knocking is directed to your new door knocker.

Save On Candy…and Save Their Teeth

When it comes time for the Halloween candy, many people end up spending a fortune.  Here are a few ways to stay organized this Halloween, while refraining from breaking the bank.  You still have time to shop online for Halloween treats.  You may be able to find less expensive candy options in bulk if you search the web for great bargains.  Certainly, stores like Costco can also help you to cut down on the cost by buying in bulk.  For some alternative ideas to candy, you can purchase temporary tattoos, bubble gum, stickers, crayons, markers, key chains and more.  Go to a crafts store or into the supermarket and look at the sale items that they feature in the bins near the check-out line.  You’ll often be able to find interesting, small items that you can buy in bulk for reduced prices.  While you might think that kids only want candy, most kids will actually enjoy receiving something more original.

Games & More

Halloween doesn’t only have to be a night when your children charge out the door to greedily collect candy.  You can create some family time out of the night as well by supplying your children with fun games at home.  Perhaps each child could invite a friend to come over as well, after trick-or-treating, for some fun game time.  Play Pass the Pumpkins, a musical chairs type of game with pumpkins.  Have a Halloween candy hunt in the house, or have the beginning of a story that the children have to collectively finish together.  Play Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin and many other engaging and interesting games.  You can find oodles of Halloween game suggestions online that will entertain and engage your kids for hours and that will help to organize the night.

Armed with these many suggestions, you should have an organized, peaceful and fun Halloween for the whole family!

Posted on October 12th, 2009 by Romi
Filed under: organizing tips, Household Management, Kid-friendly