TWELVE HOLIDAY “UNDECORATING” TIPS Mary Sigmann, CPO®
- Don’t put it off. Once the holidays are over, set aside the time in your calendar for the getting the job done.
- Purchase suitable, economical containers. Most everything you need can be found at a discount store. Look for post-holiday sales.
- Prepare for the task. Have your containers, supplies and tools handy before beginning.
- Be discerning about what you keep. Look at your decorations in bright light to determine if they are still in good enough condition to use again next year. Check for fraying, fading and chipping.
- Test lights before packing them away. Lights typically last about three years before needing to be replaced. Keep the extension cords with the lights.
- Reserve one box or container for the items you will need at the beginning of next year’s holiday season. Label this container “Box #1” or “Open Me First.” Keep holiday cards, books, movies, music, cookie cutters, gift wrapping and mailing supplies, and copies of this year’s November and December calendar pages in this box. Store Box #1 where you can get at it easily next year.
- Work backwards. Remove decorations and store them in the reverse order that you put them up so that the ones you need first are on top.
- Protect fragile decorations. Use shredded paper or packing materials to keep fragile decorations safely cushioned.
- Wrap holiday linens in acid free tissue. Place scented dryer sheets in the bottom of the container to help keep them fresh.
- Salvage left-over gift wrap. Roll up left over, but usable, sheets of wrapping paper and insert the roll into the opening of a spare wrapping paper tube.
- Store candles in a hand towel or inside an old sock. This will keep them from getting scratched or dusty.
- Don’t pack away your holiday planning notebook. Keep it available all year to record gift ideas and address changes.
