Store Holiday Decor

Top 7 Tips

People buy and display more holiday décor every year.  The cost to purchase and the time needed to organize and store it away also increases - sometimes to the point that folks become overwhelmed and the seasonal spirit and fun is lost.    

Here are my top 7 tips to make simpler and better use of the things that become such a beloved part of our holiday traditions.

Get It Out

1. Choose the Best
   When unpacking your lovely things give them a close look and do some serious editing.  Anything you haven’t displayed in years?   Give it to a new home. Set standards.  Promise yourself to get rid of anything stained, broken, outdated, or redundant.  Save your precious space and time by making a home for only things you and your family truly love.

2. Make a  List

As you review your items make a list of supplies you’ll NEED now and for next year, such as wrapping materials, cards, extension cords, and replacement light bulbs.  With this list, take advantage of pre and post-Christmas SALES. Stick to your list, being careful not to collect more clutter just because it’s on sale.

3.  Contain It

Once you have a good idea of what you own and what you’ll keep, then look into the best options for storage containers.  I like to use color as a way to quickly identify by season, and both harvest and Christmas color bins and totes are available now.  You might find these on sale after the holiday, but do not count on it because retailers are pretty savvy.  If you see something great that you NEED, grab it now.

There are specialty containers available for most any holiday décor, and if you have things that are bulky or delicate or particularly valuable you might want to make the investment.   Some include:

Archival - Store your most precious ornaments, paper memories, etc. in archival quality boxes.  These products are durable and chemically stable to preserve special items.   They are definitely more expensive than standard paper or plastic, but are worth it for items that are priceless to you and your family.   Find these – including a special box made for ornaments at the Container Store.  For an almost unlimited selection of sizes and shapes, or even custom archival storage try Gaylord online.

Other

-          Wreath boxes and tree bags or duffels

-          Light reels and storage from Plow and Hearth

-          Padded and/or divided ornament containers to protect surfaces.   For a lower cost option save up egg cartons for smaller baubles – simply stack them into your storage box.

4. Save It
   Take SNAPSHOTS of decorating arrangements that you especially like to save time and decision making next year. Order double prints. Keep one set with your Christmas decorations to serve as instructions. Put the other set in your safety deposit box with your household inventory for insurance purposes.
   

Put It Away

5. List It - Again

The day AFTER Christmas, make next year's "to do" list so that you won't have to work so hard again! Shop year round for gifts, decorations, and cards for those you love. Keep a running list of things you enjoyed, recipes that were a hit, and activities to skip  - yes, you read that right – some things become a tradition more as a habit and bring little joy!

          6.    Organize It for Accessibility

     Put away sorted decorations according to GROUPINGS. For example, keep all your tree trimmings together rather than scattering them throughout your storage boxes. Be sure to label each container according to its contents.  

Consider numbering your boxes according to decorating priority. “Box 1” would contain those items that you consider essential and would want to unpack first, such as decorating photos, holiday music, cards to send, and special recipes.

Take this opportunity to store items that you ONLY use during the holidays, particularly those that take up valuable kitchen space - like serving platters.

7        7.    Store It

  Finally, wherever your boxes go (attic, basement, garage, etc.) keep temperature in mind.  No candles or delicate items in the heat!  Also, leave some room in your new organizing system.  Open spaces in shelves and closets feel luxurious and make access so much easier.  And you just might find an irresistible new black cat banner or turkey platter for next year!

Clutter Free Gifts

Uncluttered Giving 2014

 

It’s the time of year to search for ideas for gifts to give and to (subtly) request. My clients and those attending my seminars and workshops know that I am passionate about reducing the unnecessary “stuff” in our spaces and lives. I call it “giving consumables” – items that are used and enjoyed quickly without taking up permanent residence in our residence! 

 Most of us have too many things and not enough time and peace, so I’ve been thinking about some ways to show we care without adding to the clutter.  This is my answer to the “oh no - another gadget/ knick knack/ pair of socks/ dust collector” dilemma. The concepts are likely valuable for a lot of people on your list, so use your imagination and customize for your own joyous holiday gift giving and receiving!

Give Pampering

Give a gift certificate to a spa for a day of relaxation, some yoga classes, a massage, or a manicure and pedicure to someone who could really use a little bliss more than another kitchen appliance. They will think about you and smile.

Give Treats

Make or purchase very special treats that people often deny themselves. Be sensitive to dietary restrictions, but gourmet foods, rich chocolates, or elegant wines or champagne are great choices that won’t permanently fill a cabinet. Luxury personal care items make lovely (consumable) gifts if you know what they enjoy and use. Save space, your budget, and the planet by minimizing wrapping.  

Even easier?   Check out the vast array of ...Of the Month Clubs.   Google it to see expected items sent at chosen intervals like fruit, coffee, and wine, but there are some unusual options like plants, artisan crafts, cigars, olive oil, and bacon!

Give Fun

Tickets or season passes to the symphony, local playhouses, sporting events, amusement parks, or a favorite movie theatre show you know what they love, and they won’t end up stacked in the garage! Or, how about tuition for a class? Maybe they always wanted to learn to salsa, speak Italian, or make jewelry - and you will long be remembered for making it happen.  This is a terrific choice for any age. 

Give Technology

How about cards with time for iTunes or GooglePlay, Netflix or Amazon Prime for music and movie buffs?   Get a subscription to Mozy for safe back-ups, or get a service to offer trouble-shooting and repairs for their home computer.   Boy - I want that one!!

Give Time

Hire a service to help out the stressed out. Engage a cleaning or lawn service for a one time or ongoing project, or purchase child or senior care services to give a respite to those with too many responsibilities. Get a mobile car care service to detail a vehicle at their home or office, or – my personal favorite – hire a professional organizer to help them re-claim their space and inner peace! Go to http://convenientlyorganized.com/home or call 501-620-0546 to request gift certificates.

Give Life

Supporting charities is a simple, significant way to share holiday spirit. For example, give meaningfully in the name of someone who already has much by purchasing an animal from Little Rock based Heifer International. These sustainable gifts provide sustenance and self-reliance to those in need around the world. Go to Heifer.org to choose your special live gift. Or have a tree planted in your loved one’s honor at Arborday.org which even supplies the gift card.  Consider what causes resonate with them and with you, and the love will shine!