There's so much to keep up with during the holidays - shopping, decorating, sending cards and managing social schedules. Being organized will allow more time for the joys of the season.

Mom, Where's the ...?

Tired of everyone coming to you when they can't find something? Here are tips from the pros for hot spots of disorganization.

Kitchen

Spin Zone - Lazy Susans provide access and visibility in packed pan-tries or refrigerators. Many sizes are available.

Clear Counters - For counters cluttered with more small appliances than the local Crate and Barrel, create more space by storing dust-collectors that aren't used daily.

Cupboard Convenience - Keep pots, pans and cooking utensils near the stove so that these items are handy when the heat is on and food preparation is underway.

Closet

Out With the Old - Make room by donating anything that hasn't been worn in the past year.

Stay in Season - Reorganize closets each season. Put out-of-season clothing and accessories towards the back of the closet or in other storage areas. (Label before storing for easy recovery when a heat wave or cold front hits.)

Get Stacked - Shoe-lovers should label stackable clear plastic shoe containers or tape a digital photo or Polaroid to shoe boxes to make finding just the right pair for each outfit a breeze.

Colorize - Group clothing by type and color to make finding specific garments easier.

Garage

Clear the Bench - Work benches are a catch-all for random items, including small dangers like loose screws and nails. Put small items in labeled jars or bins for easy access.

Peg the Problem - Install inexpensive pegboards with movable hooks behind workbenches and along garage walls to keep tools in reach and out of the way. From hammers to hacksaws, nearly anything with a handle can be hung.

Look Up Solutions - Hang off-season items such as sleds, bicycles and jogging strollers from the rafters. Sports and lawn care equipment organizers can be hung from walls to keep rakes and balls off the floor.

Resolve to Get Organized

As the holiday frenzy winds down, New Year's resolutions to get organized kick in. Whether the goal is to make room in the closet for new clothes, find space in the garage to park the car, or gather everything for tax season, follow these organizational basics from DYMO:

1. Be realistic: Tackle one room, closet or file cabinet at a time.

2. Everything has its place: Keep everyday items within arm's reach and store seldomused items in labeled containers. Keep your label maker handy. The DYMO Personal Labelmaker Plus comes with a handy magnetic holster for convenient storage on the refrigerator or file cabinet.

3. Get rid of it: Dispose of items not used for more than a year.

4. It's a date: Keep a calendar handy near the phone to schedule appointments, games, recitals and time for organizing.

5. Save the trees: Only store issues of publications needed for future use in labeled storage bins. Recycle the rest.

6. Train 'em young: Keep labeled toy baskets in rooms where the kids play. Get them in the habit of tossing toys back in the basket before bed and regain some adult space.

7. Get help: Tap the skills of an uber organized, or "Type O," person you know, or call a professional organizer to get you started.

8. Divide and conquer: Assign household chores to family members.

9. Cool reminders: Putting magnetic labels on the refrigerator with daily tasks and chores for each family member will help keep everyone accountable for his or her household responsibilities.

10. Maximize space: Add extra racks, rods and shelf dividers to closets or storage space.

For more organizational tips, visit www.dymo.com.