Organization tips to create a system that will last year after year
Like clockwork each year, my mother went into the attic to retrieve boxes, bags and bins of Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. My house was decorated so beautifully it put Macy’s to shame! The joy of decorating our home was always a highlight each year for my family. Every hanging ornament had a story to tell and our neighbors always enjoyed seeing our festive home. When December 26 rolled around, again like clockwork, it all came down. Storing all of the decorations was a tedious task for my family because we used too many methods of storage. One year I changed all that and created a system for my family that still works to this day. The secret…..LABELED STACKING STORAGE BINS! We all know that red and green bins sold at Target or Wal-Mart is great for storing Christmas items and they are very noticeable in the attic, however, they are costly at that time of year and I actually prefer clear bins so you can what is inside the container. Labeling the bins on all sides’ works like a charm! I use 8×11 full sheet labels with large print – you can’t miss them in the attic. Below is an example of holiday bin storage:
- Ornaments – be sure to save the box the ornament comes in for proper storage. If no box is available, repurpose boxes you have on hand. For example: light bulb boxes, tissue boxes, and for those with little ones at home, small shoe boxes. Stock up on inexpensive tissue paper to wrap the breakable ornaments.
- Lights – separate and wrap each light strand around a piece of cardboard or invest in storage reels. Separating and wrapping each strand will keep them neat and you will not end up with a ball of lights (think Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation).
- Decorations – keep mantel decorations in one bin and label it MANTEL, the same goes for the stockings and tree skirt, label the bin STOCKINGS/TREE SKIRT. You get the idea.
Toss out broken ornaments and give away decorations that you no longer use to friends or family members. Store all bins in the same location so they are not scattered around the house. Holiday decorating is fun and a great way to spend time with the family. The inevitable “undecorating” can also be enjoyed if you have the proper storage for all of your holiday items. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
Susan Parziale is a certified Professional Organizer. She is also a mother to 8 year old daughter with Autism. Visit www.susanparziale.com [1]
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This post originally appeared on our November/December 2011 Magazine [7]