I have a confession to make. When it comes
to Christmas décorations, I’ve got more than I can possibly use. But I struggle
to part with any of it. Some have emotional and sentimental ties. Others I just
hate to give away because I bought them on sale, and “they’re just too good to
not use.” And what am I rewarded with each year? The feeling of overwhelm. Know
what I’m talking about? This year, with the help of family, I am taking the
decluttering “bull by the horns.” We will conscientiously declutter Christmas décor
step by step.
How and When to Declutter Christmas Decor
Now is the perfect time to declutter Christmas
décor. Christmas Day has passed and your favorite decorations are out. So purge
what you no longer want, gather proper quantities of properly sized storage
containers, and store only your best holiday items.
1. Declutter Holiday Decor You No Longer Want
As you bring your storage boxes back
out, declutter the following items:
- Items broken beyond repair or that you won’t take the time to repair (ornaments, strings of lights, etc.)
- Anything you don’t love or even like very much
- Everything you avoid putting out year after year
Check out this list of home
storage solutions for even more ideas.
Remember, less is more, especially when
it comes to holiday décorations. As you declutter Christmas décor, conscientiously
keep only the best and throw out or donate the rest.
Note: Don’t donate broken items
deserving of the trash. Also, these steps to declutter Christmas décor can be
used when dealing with all holiday and seasonal decorations throughout the year.
2. Categorize Your Best Decorations2
Once you’ve purged and donated the items you no longer want, then categorize decorations into one of the following categories:
- Decorations for the Christmas tree: ornaments, hooks, beads, lights, tree skirt, tree stand, tree topper
- Indoor and outdoor light strands: extra bulbs, light clips. Mark each strand with its length.
- Artificial tree(s), wreaths, and garlands. Mark each garland with its length and where it is displayed (atop kitchen cupboards, upstairs stair banister, etc.) Here are some great storage ideas:
- TreeKeeper artificial Christmas tree storage bag. This allows you to keep your artificial tree assembled and ready to use next year.
- And if you have room to do so, hang your garland instead of winding it up in a box or bag. You’ll save yourself a lot of time since you won’t need to fluff your garland.
- Use WreathKeeper bags for hanging
regular to oversized wreaths.
- Nativity scenes, Christmas villages, and other freestanding decorations
- Lawn ornaments and outdoor decorations
- Christmas dishes
- Candles
- Miscellaneous
3. Gather Properly-Sized Containers to Store Your Christmas Decor3
Assess the amounts of decorations in
each category. Then make sure you have enough of the right-sized containers to
store everything properly and safely.
If you’re unable to buy a number of
storage containers all at once (especially right after Christmas), keep these
ideas in mind and purchase what you need as you have opportunity throughout the
year.
How to Store Christmas DecorationsH
- Pack decorations from the same category in one box. (For example, one box for everything that goes on or with the tree)
- Don’t overstuff boxes. Everything should fit neatly with plenty of room to keep things from breaking or being damaged while in storage
- Store all Christmas storage boxes together in one area in your home or garage. Then everything can be found easily next year!
- Protect decorations from extreme temperatures, moisture, dirt, dust, rodents, and insects
Christmas Storage Solutions to ConsiderC
There are lots of great places to
purchase storage containers in stores and on-line. Watch this video
from Good Housekeeping for things around your home that can be repurposed into
ingenious storage containers.
- Instead of cardboard boxes, replace them with sturdy, plastic Christmas storage containers. They stack well and protect their contents effectively. “Clear” boxes allow you to view what’s in each box without lifting the lid, too.
- Purchase tissue paper or newspaper end rolls to wrap ornaments, or use ornament storage boxes with divided containers. Ornament boxes are designed to keep the decorations from banging against each other in storage and getting damaged or broken.
- Avoid the frustration of untangling Christmas lights next year. This year wrap your light strings around a Christmas light storage reel. You can purchase them or make them yourself.
- Buy storage items designed specifically for storing large Christmas décor such things as an artificial tree or wreaths.
Store Only Your Best Christmas Decor in the Best WayS
Wherever you store your Christmas items,
store the containers so that they are easily accessible when next Christmas
arrives. You want to find what you want quickly. That means labeling your boxes
with its contents and stacking the boxes so that the label is visible and easy
to read.
Apply Patience Now for a Less Hectic Christmas Next Year
Whatever efforts you make to declutter
Christmas décor this year will make decorating next year much easier. Yes, it
takes time and patience, but the reward of added space and easier Christmas
decorating will have you repeating, “I’m so glad I did that last year!” nce
you’ve taken these steps this year, each year’s Christmas decoration process
from now on will be so much easier. You’ll be able to find all the boxes you
need quickly and easily, pull out clean undamaged decorations, and enjoy the
process of decorating your home for the holidays.
Declutter Christmas décor now and enjoy the added space in your Brooklyn home all year. And if you decide to sell, you’ll be one step ahead in the selling process and getting your home ready to be shown. It’s another win-win for you and your potential buyers.
And when you’re ready to sell, call Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email charles@brooklynrealestatesales.com.
Charles D’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 206
Charles@BrooklynRealEstateSales.com
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