These organization tips are scary good.

It’s been a spooky year, but that doesn’t mean Halloween 2020 has to be a haunted mess. And since you and your family are probably looking forward to enjoying some scary fun and sweet treats, it’s a good idea to kick off the season by being well-organized. That way, you won’t waste time looking for things you need and will be able to keep up with all the boo-tiful activities!

Keep reading for five simple ways to make your Halloween organization a treat.

1. Craft a Productivity Potion

No matter what time of year it is, staying organized is one of the best habits to boost productivity at work, school, or home. So even if you don’t have the witching skills for a productivity potion, you can just follow these top organizational tips to start practicing this fall if you’re not using them already:

• Do your hardest tasks first (that’s when you have the most energy to tackle them)
• Create physical and time-based boundaries to minimize time wasters (e.g., no phones in bed, no social media within the first hour of waking up, etc.)
• Schedule (mental) breaks for yourself
• Say “no” to events and commitments you’re not able nor willing to do

2. Decorate Like Dracula

Before you head to the store for some new decor, first pull out all the Halloween decorations you already have and lay them out where you can easily see them. Knowing exactly what you own will prevent you from buying more than you need — and wasting money in the process.

As you look over your decorations, ask yourself the following questions:

• Which decorations do I want to use this year?
• What decorations would I love to purchase or make?
• Which decorations look broken, worn out, and ready to be thrown away?
• Which decorations can I donate?

Dust the cobwebs off your decorations (literally) by decluttering and getting rid of whatever you don’t want and making space for the things you’d love to add to your collection.

While you’re at it, take this opportunity to make sure your Halloween decor storage is up to snuff. Use clear storage bins and labels for quick identification and sturdy stacking, get appropriate packaging material for more delicate items, and designate one spot in your home where you can put everything — no more scrambling around to search for those fake spiders and faux-skeletons.

3. Store Costumes the Smart Way

Buying costumes for the kids this year? If you can, keep the packages they come in for easy labeling. Otherwise, resist the urge to jumble them all up in a drawer or bin, as this can cause wrinkling and make it hard to keep track of where everything is, including any costume accessories. Psst: this strategy works for grown-up costumes, too!

If you’re the creative type taking a DIY-approach to Halloween costumes, be sure to give yourself ample time to create your masterpieces.

3. Don’t Be Spooked by Cleaning

Do a general sweep, clean, and tidying up of your home before hanging up your decorations. Also, be sure to think about the type of decor you want to use before actually putting them up — is this safe for the pets and kids in your home? Will those fake cobwebs, old window decals, and glitter really be worth the clean-up hassle? If not, is there some other way you can create the setting without the mess?

Think ahead to the clean-up process before starting any Halloween arts and crafts, too, like pumpkin carving. Make sure you have all the room and supplies you need, including butcher paper or newspapers to contain the sticky debris. Try cleaning up as you go to minimize the headaches!

5. Use a Planner to Stay Prepared

Whether you’re scheduling seances or family game night (both are totally normal by the way), a planner is the best way to stay organized throughout the season.

Planners are known to help:

• Improve time management
• Increase productivity
• Reduce stress
• Prepare for important dates, holidays, and events
• Stay up-to-date on appointments or seasonal to-do’s (e.g., changing snow tires, getting an annual physical, getting the pup to the groomer’s, etc.)

Don’t be tempted by the idea that you’ll “remember” everything. With mummies and zombies causing tons of chaos this time of year, it’s easy to forget things unless you have them written down. So, use your preferred digital or non-digital planner to help you visualize your schedule.

Here’s to a fun, safe, and ultra-organized Halloween!