7 Steps to Storing Holiday Decorations After Downsizing
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!
Hello friends, When the calendar flips to January, we’re suddenly flooded with possibilities of fresh starts, clean slates, and promises to ourselves that this is the year we’ll finally get organized. Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating systems that make your life easier, calmer, and more intentional. 1. Start with on small space Instead of tackling the whole house, choose a single drawer, a nightstand, or a pantry shelf. Small wins create momentum. 2. Set realistic, measurable goals Replace 'Get organized' with specific, achievable goals. 3. Do a quick purge of everyday clutter Spend 10 minutes collecting items you no longer need. Immediate relief! A visual timer helps. See link below for a timer recommendation: https://a.co/d/jjDKhoB 4. Create homes for your most-used items A home for everything keeps chaos away. 5. Simplify your daily routines Prep the night before. Make mornings calmer. 6. Embrace the ‘One In/ One Out’ rule Maintain clutter-free spaces all year. 7. Use Visual Systems Labels, clear bins, color coding - especially helpful for kids and busy families. Kids do well with pictures and word labels. Link for products below: https://a.co/d/8uFMLzw 8. Schedule your organizing time If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. Consistence is key! 9. Ask for help when you’re overwhelmed Support accelerates success! 10. Celebrate progress, not perfection Every organized drawer is a success! Here’s to a simpler, lighter, more organized year ahead! Life Simplified is here to help you every step of the way!
Don't stress! Follow these helpful hints to stay organized and enjoy your time with family and friends. Hosting Holiday Meals Ask your guests to help Lists! Lists! Lists! (grocery, menu, etc.) Remember the batteries Use disposable pans & Plates as much as possible Consider Grocery delivery Service Also, support any local farmers markets or farms by buying any produce from them! Stay focused, Hydrated & keep that protein level up! Have 10 quiet minutes? Wrap a present! Grab a glass of wine Turn on a Christmas movie Be sure to have your camera ready but don’t forget to sit back & enjoy the moments Set the coffee to automatically brew. You'll love having a hot cup of coffee to start your day! Most Importantly... Enjoy this time with your family and friends . Yes, it can be stressful; yes, it can be overwhelming, but it can also be fun! Allow yourself to enjoy it - stress and all!
How long do you leave your holiday decorations on display in your home? We hear from a lot of people that they continue to enjoy their holiday decorations well into the new year . We’re all for squeezing every last drop of joy out of the season and we think you should leave your decorations up as long as you’d like! However, when the time comes to un-decorate, we highly recommend that you downsize holiday decorations: take the time to sort and organize them before you put them away. Always edit your collections before you store them. This concept is harder than it seems, but if you decorate your home for the holidays and still have more decor in storage, you may want to donate or re-home anything you didn’t display this year . If you’re ready to apply this principle, try this method: 1) Pull out ALL of your holiday decor and supplies at the start of the season. 2) Decorate your home and set up your gift wrapping area, holiday supplies etc. 3) Box or bag anything that didn’t make the cut this year for decor and supplies. 4) Retain any storage containers that could be useful to better organize the items you want to keep for next year. The pros recommend clear containers so you can see what’s in there! If you’re downsizing or short on space, consider: Choose unbreakable and easy-to-store options when you can. Fragile decorations that need a lot of protection take up a lot of space in storage. We know some downsizers who have chosen to go all-natural (as much as possible) with live garlands, wreaths, tree trimmings, floral arrangements, etc. so that there is less to store at the end of the season. You can always choose fewer areas to decorate , focusing on the spaces where you will most enjoy your holiday trimmings. When it’s time to store: Use the right container for the job . Specialty ornament containers may cost more, but they will protect delicate items. Consider off-site storage . We’re seeing more and more specialty storage solutions for small-space dwellers, including services that will pick up and deliver your holiday supplies on demand.