Let's Clear the Clutter

Once the high of the holiday season is over reality sets in. It’s time to pack up everything to get ready for the next season. Are you dreading it even more this year because you have a lot less storage space? I hear you. Living in a small home sometimes takes creativity to find the space for what’s important to you. Below are some strategies to get you through the holiday decorations packing process. Simplify Your Collection Consider simplifying your collection to a theme or just the sentimental stuff. As you decide what to keep, opt for smaller items and consider replacing decorations that take up a lot of space. For instance, use a house light projector instead of string lights. Keep Your Collection Small Each year, take time to edit your collection. When you bring in new things, such as those annual ornaments marking the year, try to remove something else to make space. Before packing your things away, remove anything that’s broken, doesn’t work, or missing parts or pieces. Then donate, sell, or gift anything you haven’t used. Take Everything Apart I know it’s more work but taking everything apart and putting it back together each year, like your faux trees, is going to save you much-needed space. Take apart your string of lights and roll them individually around cardboard instead of a large holiday light reel. Same goes for your extension cords. Separate Indoor vs. Outdoor Indoor decorations, especially things like candles and wrapping paper, need to be climate controlled. Separate them from outdoor decorations, which you can store in an outdoor shed or garage. Containerize + Label ​Pack everything neatly into bins and bags by season/holiday and indoor vs. outdoor then label everything. Use every last drop of space in the container and utilize storage solutions meant for what you have, such as a wreath bag or figurine box. Protect Fragile Items No point in taking up storage space for 10+ months with broken figurines and ornaments. Protect your treasures and use options that take up less space like cardboard dividers and ornament boxes rather than packing paper and bubble wrap. Use paper plates to divide china instead of wrapping them individually. Use Vertical Space You need to be creative in a small home with limited storage. Think vertical. Use the walls of a closet, the back of a door, or garage ceiling racks, which are ideal for outdoor décor. Don’t forget to look down too. Use under-bed bins, ideally with wheels, to tuck things under furniture. This is a great option for storing your birthday gift wrapping supplies and other things you’ll need year-round, so you can access them easily. Wrap Up Storing holiday items doesn’t have to be a seasonal nightmare. Use these steps to face it head on, so you can relax and enjoy the next season. You may even find you have a little fun now that you know what to do. Stay focused on the reward… Being able to bring the next season’s treasures out! Happy packing!

Are you the one who prepares and serves Thanksgiving dinner? For those who love to cook, preparing a celebratory meal for family and friends can be a rewarding experience. If you have ever entertained on a large scale, or prepared big meals for a crowd even once a year, you probably have some specialty equipment and service pieces in your entertaining inventory. If you’re downsizing, the holidays can be the perfect time to enjoy your favorite things and let go of items no longer needed . Use your time in the kitchen this year to take inventory of your kitchen and entertaining supplies with an eye toward downsizing and moving. Let Go of Leftovers If you have the time, pull out your serving dishes and prep items the week before Thanksgiving to save yourself the headache of locating those items when the big day arrives. Once that’s done, take a peek at all of the unused pieces left in your cabinets when all of your best and most used items are out? Is there anything that can be donated or otherwise re-homed? Play Favorites Of course, this advice goes for any genre of equipment in the house, but if you plan to downsize soon , now is a good time to take a hard look at how many colanders, potato mashers, tiny little saucepans, and glass mixing bowls you have. Pick your favorite and most necessary ones to use during your cooking and entertaining this season, and set aside the rest for donation. Say No to Old Spices When was the last time you organized your spice cabinet? Take a few minutes to find everything you’ll need for Thanksgiving and toss any spices you haven’t used in the past year or two . Chefs say anything older than that has lost its flavor—so do yourself a favor, grab some fresh poultry seasoning, and finally ditch that crusty dried sage from 2014. Share the Love (and the Stuff) Once you’ve decided to part with some of your “big meal” serving dishes or storage containers, put them to good use on Thanksgiving night! Use unneeded serving or storage pieces to send leftovers home with guests —along with any extra cans of pumpkin or cranberry relish you don’t plan to take with you when you move. Most importantly, be sure take plenty of photos of you, your family and friends, and your favorite dishes served in your favorite platters, bowls, and baskets! The memories of your Thanksgiving traditions can be enjoyed going forward (no cooking or cleaning required) And of course, no matter what you’re doing, we hope you have a very enjoyable Thanksgiving!