As busy schedules and stress levels rise this holiday season, ACCO Brands Corp. in Kettering, a supplier of branded office and consumer products, print finishing solutions, and productivity and time management tools, offer these tips to help you cope and prioritize.

• “Home is where the heart is. And it’s also the gathering place for family and friends, so get yourself and the house prepared. Create a chore chart and timeline so you’re not in this alone, and focus on the ‘public areas’ of the house, especially the kitchen. Maximize its space by cleaning and clearing counter tops. A professional carpet cleaning, which is recommended every six [to] 18 months, should be considered, as well.”
• “It’s party time. If you’re hosting a holiday event, request RSVPs to ensure an accurate headcount. Then, create a plan that includes seating and space requirements, supplies and party favors — 2013 calendars make great gifts. Be sure to plan for food storage and cooking [or] preparation space during the party — this is also a great opportunity to clean out the refrigerator.”
• “What’s a feast without roast beast? Unless you’re in Whoville, you probably will feature more traditional items for your feast. Whatever they may be, write out a detailed menu, create a shopping list, gather grocery ads and coupons, and create a cooking timeline. Make sure to organize these lists and items properly to ensure an efficient trip to the store. Account for dietary restrictions and food allergies, too.”
• “Away you flew like a down of a thistle. Maybe you’re not staying at home for the holidays — make sure your travels to your destination are as stress-free as possible. Create and print out itineraries for the entire family. If traveling by car, go through the standard 21-point checklist, or make time in your schedule for a professional mechanic to look over your vehicle — use of an auto record book helps you stay on top of required services. If traveling by air, pre-print boarding passes and other necessary documentation for faster check-in. Set up alerts through your mobile devices with the airlines to keep on top of delays or flight changes.”