Reorganize Today for an Easier Christmas Next Year

While the memories of Christmas last year long, the decorations need to come down. By organizing them as you put them away, it will make it easier to use them next year. Do not rush out and buy containers yet to store things.  Just like any organizing project, you figure out what needs to be stored and then figure out storage systems. The task is not so daunting when you break it down into simple steps.

1. Separate items into categories.

2. Find storage containers for those categories.

3. Label containers.

The first thing is to look at all of your items, especially those that did not get out of the boxes this year. Do you still have a strong attachment to those decorations? Sentimentality is a large factor of Christmas but if you do not really love the item, it is time to share them with others who truly will love them. Set aside a box for donations as you begin the packing process.

Sort items into categories and pack similar items together so it will be easy to find all of the like items next year. Remember not to pack delicate items on the top or bottom of boxes.

1. Inside decorations: garland, greenery, lights, silk flowers, collectibles

2. Outdoor decorations: garland, bows, lighting

3. Ornaments.

4. Greeting Cards.

5. Fabric related items. Towels, linens, wall decorations.

6. Dishes. Can they be stored on a shelf in the kitchen or dining room? If not, pack securely using some of your towels or linens to help cushion the breakables.

7. Wrapping paper, ribbons, tags, bows. -Shop for next year after Christmas.

8. Artificial Christmas trees. Store in the original box or purchase a Christmas tree bag for storage.

9. Candles. Wrap each candle to avoid scratches. An old sock works.

10. Keep track of things needed for next year.

Storage Containers:

Once your items are sorted then look at storage options. Clear boxes make it easy to see the contents but cardboard boxes may be the thrifty way to go. Special boxes for ornaments are a great investment as they keep the ornaments separated or use layers of batting to separate your ornaments in a covered box.

Label the boxes. A general name on the outside of the box and then a list inside with specifics.