My Favorite Seasonal Storage Solutions
January 6, 2012
Another holiday season has flown by, and we are left with the task of taking down decorations and packing them away until next year. Now is the best time of year to organize your decorations to make next holiday season easier. There are so many organizational products now that are geared especially for storing holiday decor, and now is the time to buy them when they are on sale. Here are some of my favorites that I think are well worth your money:
Ornaments – There are several different styles out there, but the most important thing is that your ornaments are protected and easy to store. Most ornament storage options offer divided compartments for your ornaments. In addition to this feature, you want the outside box or bin to be sturdy enough to stack. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you are sure to find a solution to fit your space.
Lights – If there is one type of holiday decoration most likely to bring out the Grinch in all of us, it has to be lights. If you take the time to put them away carefully in a specialized storage container, you will thank yourself next season! My favorite solutions give you a spool(s) around which you wrap your lights.
Wreaths – To maximize the life of your artificial wreath(s), a wreath storage container is a must. Some are more rigid than others. Generally more rigid is better to protect your wreath, but ultimately it depends on where you are storing it. Make sure to measure the diameter of your wreath to determine the correct size.
Tree– To prolong the life of your artificial Christmas tree and minimize the amount of storage space, you should seriously consider a Christmas tree storage bag. For something of this size, you want to first determine where you want to store it. Christmas tree storage bags can be made to stand upright or lay on their side. Some even come with wheels if that would make it easier.
Decorations – Stackable plastic bins can be found in holiday colors to make them easier to identify. The plastic bins work well for general holiday decorations, because they help to protect the decorations and make it easy to stack them on shelving.
Dishes – If you have dishes that you only use during the holidays, consider purchasing containers to protect them. Again, they are available in holiday colors to make it easy to locate them. Options are available for dishes, glassware, mugs, serving bowls and platters.
Avoid turning into the Grinch next year. Take the time now to organize and store your favorite holiday decorations so they are protected and easy to find next year!
– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.
Reflecting on 2011
January 5, 2012
I like to think that reflecting on the year past is the same as tying a nice ribbon around a package – finishing it all off nicely 🙂
It seems to me like I can’t get on with the new year properly unless I reflect on what went well, what didn’t go well and most importantly, what I want from my life for the next year.
Do you agree?
Well then, let’s get to it. Continue Reading
How to Organize Your Gift Wrap
December 19, 2011
Paper and ribbon and bows…oh my! With the holidays right around the corner, organizing your gift wrapping supplies will have an immediate benefit. A common result of any type of disorganization is the frustration of having to go out and buy something you know you already have but can’t find. These supplies are no exception. Many people have enough gift wrap, gift bags, tags, and ribbon to last them a lifetime. How can you organize your gift wrapping supplies so that you can find what you need when you need it? Just follow these tips:
Sort by Type – Gather all of your wrapping supplies from everywhere in your home and sort them by type (gift wrap, gift bags, ribbon, bows, tags, tissue paper, extra boxes, tape, scissors)- Toss – Toss or recycle any items that are torn, smashed or wrinkled. Only keep the things that you would actually use to wrap a gift.
- Donate – If you find you just have way too much, or if there are any supplies that you no longer like, but they are still in good shape…donate them or pass them along to a friend! Someone will be thrilled.
- Take Inventory– Now take a look at what remains. Do you have enough wrapping paper? What about tags? Do you have supplies for other special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, new baby, etc.
- Choose a Location – Now it is time to setup your wrapping station. You want to keep all of these supplies together, and it is best to store them near where you plan to use them. The most common storage locations include a closet or under a bed.
- Containerize – Which containers you
choose depends on where you are setting up your wrapping station. Containers range from tall and skinny to long and flat. You can also find ones that hang in your closet. Many of these specialized organizing products have smaller pockets for things like tags, tape and scissors. If yours does not, then add a small bag, box or bin to keep these together. They also make ribbon dispensers. This is a great way to organize all of your ribbon and make it very easy to use. For bows, consider a box or bin to prevent them from getting crushed. - Make a Shopping List – Lastly, make a shopping list for any gift wrapping supplies or containers that you need to complete your gift wrap station.
This is a relatively quick project, and it will save you time and money repeatedly throughout the year. Happy Holidays!