I know this might seem early, but in a few short weeks, we'll be thinking about putting away the Christmas decorations that we've only just put out. And when you do so, I want you to be prepared with my top tips for storing your Christmas decs so that come Christmas 2022, you will know where everything is.
No more time wasted untangling those dreaded Christmas lights or facing bauble casualties.
Image Credit - @littlehouseinlondon
Tip Number 1 - Only keep what you love
If you know anything about the KonMari™️ tidying approach, it's that you should only keep what sparks joy to you.
So packing away your Christmas decorations is the perfect time to do a quick joy check as you've already got everything out!
Do you have broken baubles or lights? Have you got some decorations that didn't even make it onto the tree this year because they just aren't your cup of tea anymore?
If so, get them out. Donate them to charity, or on your local freecycle page. If they're broken, take them to the tip. Don't pack them away for next year as they'll just be stored as clutter and take up valuable space for what you do want to keep.
Tip Number 2 - Save yourself from tangled lights
Do you find yourself untangling lights every year? I used to and it's so frustrating! Particularly if you've gone to the effort of untangling only to find out a bulb has gone!
There are lots of products you can buy to save yourself from this misery, but you can also be frugal. Instead of spending money on Christmas light holders use a piece of cardboard, a hanger or the tube from the middle of your wrapping paper and wrap the lights around it. Your future self will thank you.
Image Credit - @ashevilledreaming
Tip Number 3 - Protect your baubles!!
My parents had a lovely tradition of buying 2 or 3 new baubles every year to add to their collection, so when I had my own home, I decided to do the same. You'd think that over the course of the last 15 years I'd have a nice collection of baubles? - wrong!
Unfortunately, baubles are very delicate, especially if you go for glass ones as I do. Over the years, poorly stored baubles have resulted in more breakages than I'd care to admit to.
This year, I invested in a bauble storage box from @homebargains. I don't normally like to buy things that only have one purpose, but these are actually really good. However, you don't need to buy a box to keep your baubles safe. Here are some other suggestions:
- Make your own using an old shoe box and strips of card.
- Use egg cartons for delicate items.
- If they will be kept together, protect them from breakages by re-using the gift wrap from the big day and wrap each bauble.
Image Credit - @little.grateful.hearts
Tip Number 4 - Store and Label.
If you've been following me for any time, you'll know that I just love a label. Labels help you to find things when you need them. Labels are your biggest friend if you want to get organised and most importantly, stay organised!
Use box's you already have or invest in boxes that'll stand the test of time and separate your items as you pack them away (I am a huge fan of clear stackable boxes)
Adding a label at the end will let you easily find what you need next year.
Image Credit - @azhouseoforder
Tip Number 5 - Keep everything together*
Try to create a designated space for your Christmas decorations. Depending on the size of your home, this could mean a section of the loft or garage, a spare cupboard, wardrobe or even a shed (if keeping items outside, make sure your boxes are weathertight)
Then try to keep everything together;
Your Christmas tree, decorations, lights, jumpers, books, costumes, even gift wrap & spare cards. This way, you'll have everything you need when you need it and you won't need to hunt around.
If you do need to separate items due to lack of space, try to keep a section in the notes part of your phone so that you know where things live if you need them in a hurry next year.
*Together in the sense of their stored location, but still make sure to separate categories into smaller boxes, or section them out as per tip#4.
And there you have it, my top 5 tips for storing your Christmas decorations.
Save this to look back on in a few weeks time when you'll need it.
In the meantime, have a very Merry Christmas!
Marianne x
Comments