Q&A with NEAT Method: Holiday Prep
Who else cannot believe how fast this year has flown by? Hazy summer days feel like they were just yesterday. Nevertheless, with the end of the year approaching, it can only mean one thing: the holiday craziness is upon us. From Thanksgiving prep to fêtes and festivities, we wanted to give you (and, let’s be real, ourselves) the tools to have the best-prepped celebratory season yet. We asked the Co-Founders of the NEAT Method (our trusted source on all things organization), Ashley Murphy (CEO) and Marissa Hagmeyer (COO), to share all of their best tips and tricks for you to feel prepared and ready for the crazy days ahead.
What is the NEAT Method?
Ashley: NEAT Method was launched in 2010 to transform the organizing industry as we know it, offering a fully customized, turn-key service that had never been offered in the category before. These services include space planning, purchasing, and implementing organizing solutions, with a goal to elevate our clients' lifestyles and bring a sense of peace and calm. Since launch, we have grown to reach over 95 markets across the US and Canada.
In 2020 we took our organization offerings one step further, introducing our very own product collection to coincide with our systems, providing the perfect balance of aesthetics and function.
The holiday season is upon us, starting with Thanksgiving! How early should you start prepping for the holidays?
Marissa: Giving yourself an adequate amount of time to begin planning is very important. We suggest prepping at least one month in advance. That way, if any changes occur or last-minute needs arise, you have the bulk of your efforts complete and can act accordingly, without feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand.
What is the first thing someone should do when getting their home ready for entertaining?
Ashley: Before entertaining, the first thing we recommend is editing belongings, especially those categories that you’ll be accessing throughout the holiday. It’s best to start the season with a fresh slate by clearing out any unused items that are causing clutter and taking back control of your space. From there, you can best evaluate the items that you have on hand and any gaps that you need to fill for the season.
Just from accomplishing this first step alone, you’ll be amazed at how much peace of mind it brings you. It might feel like a daunting task at first but it will certainly pay off in the long run.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner like Thanksgiving or just need a little clean-up pre-Holidays, what are the most important areas in the kitchen to organize? How do you organize each space?
Marissa: The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home. It’s not only where you cook, but where guests often gather to spend time with one another.
We recommend prioritizing your pantry, fridge, and countertop. Start with your fridge and pantry by taking inventory of the ingredients that you have on hand, and those you will need for the meals that you plan to serve. This is also a good time to sift through perishable items and toss anything that is expired. You’ll want to keep any key ingredients towards the front of the fridge and pantry, ensuring that they are easily accessible for meal prep. Anything that will not be used for your holiday feasts can be stored out of the way, toward the back. This time is also the perfect opportunity to utilize elevated storage solutions such as our Grid Baskets, which allow you to group your essentials into categories and label them accordingly for ease.
Lastly, address your countertop. This is a space that can become very crowded with appliances, condiments, paperwork, and more. We suggest streamlining what is stored here as much as possible, only leaving out high-traffic ingredients like olive oil, salt, and pepper, which should be kept in easy-to-reach areas, such as next to the stove. Anything that will not be consistently used throughout the day should be tucked away in cupboards and drawers. The more free counter space that you have, the easier it will be to plate your meals and accommodate the larger serving ware that often comes alongside entertaining.
What’s the best way someone can get in order before setting their holiday table (i.e. table linens, place settings, etc.)?
Ashley: Check table prep off your list in advance to relieve the stress of last-minute to-dos. Gather table linens and serving ware together 2-4 weeks before the holiday and sort by type. Set aside any items that are stained, worn, or no longer used for donation, and identify any gaps you may have that need filled. This is also a great time to launder and steam fabric napkins, tablecloths, and runners. We also suggest taking the time to clean any platters or utensils that have collected dust and polish any silver you plan to use.
We all know gift wrapping can be a mess if you’re not prepped. How do you organize gift-wrapping stations/closets in your client's homes?
Marissa: Creating a functional system will set you up for success on every holiday, birthday, or any other gift-giving occasion. Take advantage of unused space by adding a vertical organizer on the inside of any swinging closet door to store wrapping paper and gift bags of various sizes. Similarly to how we suggest organizing your pantry, move lesser-used items, such as large gift boxes, to areas that are harder to reach such as the shelving at the top of your closet.
What are your top tips for keeping gift-wrapping elements organized and together throughout the season?
Ashley: The key to sustaining your organization is clear and cohesive labeling. Adding labels is the final step to any organizing project and will make your system so much easier to maintain - especially when it comes to getting other members of your household on board.
What is your favorite hosting prep tip to give to your clients?
Marissa: We love suggesting that our clients create fun, curated holiday kits. Whether it's a bin in your pantry with the ingredients for your favorite holiday cookies or a basket in the guest room with overnight essentials for your guests, it adds a special touch to your home that feels special to the season.