During the November/December holiday months, it’s easy to get caught up in gift shopping and decorating. Once the holidays are over, you may be wondering what to do with that Christmas tree or those plastic Santas.
Do you throw them out? Don’t buy another tree for next year? With a little planning and organization, both on and off-season, you can maintain holiday decor from year to year — instead of heading down the curb.
Gather Your Holiday Decor
Gather all holiday decor items into one place and record the number of items on a sheet of paper. Place items together, for example, wreaths with other wreaths, ornaments with other ornaments.
Sort and Declutter
Holiday decorations are so much fun to set up but they can be a bit of a hassle to put away. If you don’t have the space to be storing holiday decor, it can be overwhelming to decide what stays and what goes. Here’s a step by step guide that will make it easy to organize your decor once the holidays are over.
Choose a storage solution
Now that you’ve sorted and decluttered your holiday decor, it’s time to choose a storage solution that works for you. Consider the size and quantity of your decorations when selecting storage options. If you have a large collection of holiday decor you may want to opt for larger storage bins or boxes. For smaller items, vacuum-sealed bags or hooks and hangers can be a good option.
Here are some storage options to consider:
Plastic storage bins with lids
These are a classic choice for holiday decor storage. They come in a variety of sizes and can be stacked to save space. Be sure to label the bins clearly so you know what’s inside.
Fabric storage bins or boxes
These are a more stylish option and can be a good choice if you have holiday decor that is more delicate or prone to damage. Fabric bins and boxes also come in a range of sizes and can be easily tucked away in a closet or under the bed.
Vacuum-sealed bags
If you have a lot of smaller holiday decor items, vacuum-sealed bags can be a great space-saving solution. Just be sure to wrap delicate items in tissue paper or bubble wrap before sealing them up.
Hooks, hangers, and over-the-door organizers: For items like wreaths and garlands, hooks and hangers can be a convenient storage option. Over-the-door organizers are also a good choice for lightweight holiday decor items.
No matter what storage option you choose, be sure to label everything clearly so you can easily find what you are looking for when the holidays roll around again.
Pack and store your decor
If you have chosen a storage solution, it’s time to pack and store your holiday decor away. Use packing materials like bubble wrap or tissue paper to protect delicate items. If you’re using plastic storage bins, you can also add a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper (anything soft) to fill in any empty spaces and help prevent items from shifting during storage.
Be sure to label all of your storage containers clearly, using a permanent marker or labels. This will make it much easier to find what you’re looking for when the holidays roll around again.
Store your holiday decor in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets. A basement or attic can be a good choice, as long as they are properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. If you don’t have access to a basement or attic, you can also consider storing your holiday decor in a closet or under the bed.
Maintain organization throughout the year
To keep your holiday decor organized throughout the year, consider setting aside a specific day or weekend to pack up your decorations after each holiday season. This will help you stay on top of your organization and prevent clutter from building up.
You should also regularly assess and declutter your holiday decor collection. Donate or discard any items that are damaged or that you no longer want. By keeping your collection manageable, you’ll have an easier time finding what you need when the holidays roll around again.
Conclusion
If you take the time to organize your holiday decor, you can actually save yourself money and time. Not to mention get rid of stress in the process.
With a little bit of effort and planning, you can create a functional system that works for you and your home, making it easier to enjoy the holidays as they come every year.
Whether you choose to use plastic storage bins, fabric bins and boxes, vacuum-sealed bags, or hooks and hangers, the important thing is to find a storage solution that works for you and your collection.
By keeping your holiday decor organized and protected, you’ll be able to make the most of your holiday season and create lasting memories with your loved ones, instead of worrying about your holiday clutter.