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1. Prepare your costume ahead of time. There is always a last minute rush for Halloween costumes, or are you that one person who actually ends up wearing a sheet with two holes cut out? Don't be that person! If you are on a budget, inexpensive costumes may be found at thrift stores and discount clothing retailers (Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc.). You can also exchange costumes with a friend or relative or make your own.
2. Make lists/ calendar priorities. Make a list of everything you need to do for you and your family before Halloween. Give yourself "deadlines" to get a costume ready, prepare treats, RSVP to events, etc. If you are a visual person, write these items on a calendar and use a different color for each family member's "deadline".
3. Organized decorating. Time to collect the Halloween décor from years' past. Notice if they are all placed in one spot or if the decorations are scattered throughout hiding spots in you home. Be mindful of how the decorations will be put back. Make sure the decorations do not interfere with daily life throughout your home.
4. Keep your pets safe with these tips from www.petmd.com:
- Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach
- Keep pets confined and away from the door
- Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween
- Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.
- Don't keep lit pumpkins around pets.
- Try on pet costumes before the big night, but do not dress your pet in a costume if it will irritate your pet
- Make sure your pet has the proper identification in case of an accident
5. If you are organizing a Halloween Party, plan ahead. Make sure the invitations are out, you have an RSVP list and a meal plan, decorate, and get the Halloween party activity supplies (bobbing for apples, pumpkin carving, etc.) ready beforehand.
6. Carving pumpkins. Make sure you have all of your pumpkin carving tools (or just a lot of kitchen knives), and a designated pumpkin carving area. When you gut the insides, dispose of the waste right away, perhaps in a compost box, roast the seeds, or find a use for the pumpkin insides.
7. Take reusable bags with you when you go trick-or-treating. Paper and plastic bags may easily tear, spilling Halloween treats and disappointing children. Reusable bags are much more durable and better for the environment.
8. Organize the treats you bought ahead of time. If you are expecting a rush of trick-or-treaters, place various treats into a "treat" bag that each trick-or-treater can grab.
9. Clean up as you go along. Whether you're baking, carving pumpkins, making a costume, or decorating, cleaning up as you go along will save time and probably a headache.
10. Storing Halloween decorations. Follow these simple tips:
- Designate a place
- Storage bins
- Label everything
- Store similar decorations together
- Discard or donate
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