Can you provide some tips for storing and organizing holiday decorations? Label and sort decorations in a box before you put them away. Put large items that are only used one items in the least accesible place. Take a picture of the room before you remove decoration so you can have an idea of how you had the decorations the yea.
Holidays used to mean Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Nowadays there are more "Hallmark" holidays than one can count. Just when did we start celebrating Grandparent's Day and Winter Solstice? You'd best mark your calendars because these are actually holidays, and with them comes a plethora of accoutrements, including decorations. And these items require organizing and storing.
In the "old days" people would cut their fresh tree down each year before Christmas. Grandpa would rig up a stand made of wood and nails and Grandma and the children would make handmade ornaments. Occasionally these ornaments became heirlooms and were boxed in the attic from one season to the next.
These days many families own an artificial tree. They adorn it with enough lights to illuminate a small city and trim it with balls and baubles in every imaginable size, shape, and color. They repeat a similar process for Easter, the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Arbor Day. The point is that while in season these items are useful and magical. When not in season, however, they are boxed and taking up space. Is there a sensible way to store and organize these holiday decorations?
Lorie Marrero, a professional home and office organizer since 2000, says "yes!" And it may not be exactly what you think. Not all decorations are meant to be stored in the same way. Marrero offers the following tips.
"Large items - like Christmas tree stands - belong in a place that is less accessible. Attics are great for items like these or large outdoor items," she says.
Attics have their drawbacks, however. "You have to be very careful with things that can be damaged by heat, when storing decorations in an attic," she reminds us.
Candles, paper goods, and extremely fragile items might not survive the heat, the cold, or the sudden switch from one to the other. There are alternatives for organizing and storing these holiday decorations.
"Large zip-loc bags are great for storing holiday lights," Marrero says. "The two-gallon size is especially handy. Sealed storage boxes made especially for storing tree ornaments and breakables are well worth the investment. They can be found at most department or discount stores."
Spare closets, underneath beds, and on high shelves in laundry rooms or guest bedrooms are great places to organize and store holiday decorations. They should be in sturdy containers that can't be crushed if stepped on accidentally and should always be sealed against dust and insects. Attics aren't the only place to be concerned with damaging temperatures either. Garages, cellars, and storage sheds aren't recommended for storing most holiday decorations.
At the close of each holiday season, consider investing in a clear plastic box with an airtight lid. In addition to labeling the box, it will be easy to see the contents, allowing you to know well in advance of each holiday exactly which box needs to be brought in, carried down, or simply found. Organizing and storing your holiday decorations will add to your holiday fun and help eliminate yet another holiday stress.
