The countdown to the holidays is on. Ditch the dirt and conceal the clutter because your guests are on their way--whether you want them or not. Try these cleaning and organizing tips to get your house in order, with the least amount of effort possible!

Up to Six Weeks Before:

Start a holiday journal using a portable spiral bound notebook. Carry it with you and make it the one place to jot down shopping lists, notes and menus so you can find them again.

Mark your calendar. Pencil in commitments, events and invitations then add in time for shopping, cleaning, cooking and gift-wrapping. Lastly, block off a few free evenings and weekends so you can enjoy the season spontaneously.

Make an "I'll need that" container. Designate a single box or basket in a common area as the place to toss vital items as you come across them (spare batteries, your serving platter), so you can find them when you need them.

Create a "receipt receptacle", a single place to collect receipts throughout the season. They'll be vital for returning or exchanging items, and for tracking your holiday spending. Try an unused shoebox; just add the newest on top.

Count the total number of holiday cards you plan to send out, then divide that number by seven (for seven days in a week). Now you know how many you need to write each night to get them out on time.

Charge your hand vacuum. You know you're going to need it!

Set up a gift-wrap station complete with tape, scissors, boxes and bows, to/from tags, gift bags and tissue paper.

Schedule haircuts, babysitters, manicures, catering, pet grooming, baking and wreath-making now.

Pick outfits and try them on. Replace, mend, tailor or launder if necessary.

Locate and clean bakeware, entertaining and buffet items, plus linens, tablecloths and napkins.

Stock up on plastic containers to send leftovers home.

Clean out your child's toy area. There's more on the way, so it's a good time to fill a bag or two and donate to a local charity.

Set up an emergency gift shelf filled with five to seven inexpensive, generic gifts. Photo frames, candles and scarves work well. Don't forget extra gift bags and holiday cards.

Be realistic; know what not to do. For example, now is not the time to repaint the living room. Try hanging photographs over any serious imperfections.

Charge batteries, including the ones in your camera. Buy extras if you need them.

Save time by shopping or ordering holiday cards online.

Stay on track by using a kitchen timer; set it as a reminder so you don't get sidetracked completing tasks like online shopping or wrapping gifts.

Write out a menu timeline. Start with your serving time and work backwards so you know what needs to happen in order for all the food to be ready at the same time.

One Day Before:

Empty the kitchen and bathroom trashcans; take out the trash.

Put out soap, hand towels and fresh rolls of toilet paper in your bathroom.

Turn down the heat in areas where people will be gathering. It'll get hot with all those people in the room.

Choose a few generic gifts from your gift shelf, and wrap them just in case.

Make room for guests' coats in the front hall closet by pulling your items out and stashing them in a bedroom.

Take out your camera and leave it in an obvious place so you don't forget to take photos.

Bust out your favorite holiday tunes and let the music play.

After the Holidays:

Review your holiday journal. Write down what went well, what you regret not doing, what you want to repeat and any disasters to avoid next holiday season.

Store your holiday journal along with your decorations so you'll find it easily next year.

Pack up! Carefully wrap and store your decorations. Write notes about your handmade or heirloom ornaments and store the notes along with the items so the story is not forgotten.

Clearly label and number boxes of decorations ("Box 2 of 8") so you know how many you have.

Here's an easy way to deal with opened gift wrap: slip open rolls into the cut off leg of an old pair of panty hose to avoid tears.

Catch up on tasks that fell by the wayside during the busiest times, like downloading and sharing photographs.

Place gift cards in your wallet and make notes on your calendar to redeem them.

Gather together any store returns along with receipts. Get out to the store promptly so you won't run afoul of return policy deadlines.

Collect any gifts you won't use and pass them along to a local charity.

Put a sticky note on items you're planning to re-gift so you won't gift it back to the person who gave it to you.

Clean and repair any broken or soiled items before putting them away.

Take a break.