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  Promise yourself to get rid of anything stained, broken, outdated, or redundant.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!