Organized Holiday Bliss: Packing Away Decorations and Refreshing Your Home

The holiday season is beautiful, but once the festivities are over, it’s time to pack away the sparkle and prepare your home for the new year. With a few simple strategies, you can organize your holiday décor and refresh your space to feel calm, clean, and ready for the months ahead. As I go on the journey of backing away my Christmas items, here are my top tips for tackling this task efficiently and beautifully.

Step 1: Lay Everything Out and Sort

Before packing anything away, take a moment to remove all your decorations and sort them. I like to use my dining room or kitchen table as a workspace to group items by category: high-end ornaments, inexpensive décor, garlands, wreaths, and so on. Placing soft pillows on chairs around your table can act as a safety net for any fragile pieces.

Step 2: Invest in the Right Storage

Sturdy, labeled storage bins are key to staying organized. Use color-coded bins (red and green are perfect for holiday items) for easy identification. You can find great options at stores like Sterilite or Target. Label each bin clearly with its contents, such as “Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” or “Wreaths,” to make next year’s decorating stress-free. Here you can find my favorite organizing items for holiday decor.

Step 3: Protect Fragile Items

For delicate ornaments, consider investing in specialized storage, like a Balsam Hill roll cart or ornament drawers. These not only protect your cherished pieces but also make unpacking next season more enjoyable. Alternatively, use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even egg cartons to cushion fragile items.

Step 4: Smart Packing for Non-Breakables

Inexpensive, non-breakable decorations can go into large Ziploc bags. These bags are easy to label and keep everything contained without wasting space.

Step 5: Organize Larger Items

Wreath organizers and tree bags are essential for preserving the beauty of larger decorations. For garlands, roll them tightly and secure them with twist ties to save space and keep them tidy.

Step 6: Special Tips for Stockings and Hooks

Stocking hooks can be tricky to keep track of. Store them inside the stockings themselves to keep everything together and prevent damage.

Step 7: Storing Leftover Candy Canes and Chocolate

Don’t toss those extra sweets! Candy canes can last up to a year if stored in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. Chocolate, on the other hand, can be kept fresh for months in the refrigerator.

Step 8: Use Vacuum Bags for Pillows and Linens

Seasonal pillows and linens can take up a lot of storage space. Vacuum-seal bags are a fantastic solution to compress these bulky items, keeping them fresh and protected.

Step 9: File Your Blankets

When storing blankets, fold them and “file” them in a storage bin or basket. Add a dryer sheet between each blanket to keep them smelling fresh for next year.

Step 10: Pack Tabletop Mini Trees Efficiently

Mini trees can be tricky to store due to their size and shape. Alternate their directions in the storage bin to maximize space and prevent them from tangling.

Step 11: Refresh Your Space

With the holiday décor tucked away, take this opportunity to refresh your home. Deep clean surfaces, declutter any lingering holiday items, and bring in simple, natural elements like fresh plants or cozy throws. This transition period is the perfect time to give your space a fresh, welcoming vibe for the new year.

Bonus Tip: Stay Organized Year-Round

To maintain order, use tools like the Beautifully Organized in 52 Weeks card deck. Pick a card each week and tackle the suggested task. It’s a fun and manageable way to stay on top of your organizing goals.

By following these tips, you’ll not only pack away your holiday décor with ease but also set the stage for a beautifully refreshed home. Happy organizing!