The Christmas decorations are put away, my living room feels empty and I love it! A few of you asked how I organize my Christmas decorations but really I don’t think I do anything that special. Here is where I store them. I have a cubby in my storage room that used to be a closet but without doors. This is my Christmas decoration storage area and the only space I have designated for this purpose. As you can see it is pretty full so if I get anything new then something else would have to go to make room. This really makes me stop and think before I purchase anything new especially during the after Christmas boxing day sales that are so hard to pass up! I have one tote for all the ornaments, one tote for all the village stuff, one tote for all the living room decorations, one tote for lights, etc. because I’m obsessed with all things similar being stored in one place. The decorations are stored in the closet with the ones I’ll need out first the following year put in last. The old carseat box that you see is what I use to store my tall Santa in and our Christmas tree box is behind the wrapping paper centre.
One thing I like to do that saves so much time the following year is I store all my power bars and extension cords with the appropriate tote. For instance in the village stuff tote I keep the power bar and extension cord that I use year after year and the Christmas tree lights will also store their own extension cord. This saves so much time not having to look for one to fit next year. I prefer to take down all the decorations myself so like Shannon I usually put on a video for the kids and fly at it. It’s a little bit like putting a puzzle together trying to fit everything back into the totes just so and I don’t want anyone else messing with my formula. Also the other thing I do is only keep the stuff I actually use so when I’m putting stuff away I keep an eye on what is in the totes that I haven’t used in a couple of years and get rid of it.
As much as I look forward to putting up the Christmas decorations, I do so enjoy putting it all away, reworking the rooms and creating a fresh start to ring in the new year!
Anonymous says
I love your wrapping paper container! I give my wrapping paper away every year b/c I don’t like keeping it. But now, if I come across a good wrapping paper sale, I’ll have to save all of my paper and put them in a container like yours!!
Happy New Years!
Anonymous says
Yeah, I keep wanting to get one of those wrapping paper things, but never do. I know what you mean about having things in the right totes. I was putting ours away and putting lights in one box and ornaments in another, then DH came along to “help” and screwed it all up. I could barely watch, but I let him do it cuz I don’t want to discourage him from being helpful.
Anonymous says
I went and bought 2 big Christmas totes this year. And yes they are red and green so are easily identifiable. Aren’t you proud of me? Say goodbye to cardboard boxes. I can actually free up shelf space in my storage room because I can now put these on the floor and not worry.
My next purchase, today probably, will be plastic boxes for each of my kids to put their personal tree ornaments. And why I’m droning on about all this, I’ll never know. You must be rubbing off on me! :vD
Thanks for the birthday wishes! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Laughter and Lighthouses! says
Oh my gosh friend! I thought I was crazy, and so did my husband when yesterday I was already putting things away. I said to him “You are either going to have to put your foot down, or just let me get it out of my system.”
I started with putting away a new plate I got for Christmas……..of course, I had to rearrange the shelf, then move a couple of items to a new location which meant cleaning out drawers, which meant cleaning out cupboards. By 5:00 I had my entire kitchen taken apart because of one lousy (but very beautiful) plate!
Too funny. It felt so awesome! Then a friend of mine pointed out that I go through this every year. I think it is all the “stuff” of Christmas that makes things seemed cluttered and then after our Party every year I have had enough of it and I have to purge and sort and tidy and clean – all in an attempt to “simplify” things again.
My personal goal for 2007????
GET ORGANIZED!!!!! If you ever get bored and run out of things to do at your place —– come on over! A Vinnie fix is always a bonus!
Anonymous says
I love the idea about storing the extension cords with the lights or decorations they go with. ::head bonk:: I don’t know why I never thought of that before. Thank you! Also, I need to go buy one of those wrapping paper storage boxes. The super-tall-trashbag-maneuver just isn’t working for me anymore. Great ideas, thanks! Happy New Year!
Anonymous says
This could be a snapshot of my Christmas storage area, Laura. I have the same gift wrap container. I love it! The only difference is all my storage containers match because if they didn’t I couldn’t sleep at night.
Christmas came down and got stored away several days ago. I spent yesterday rearranging the living room and getting things back to normal. Code: clean and uncluttered.
Happy New Year! And thank you again for the wonderful photos you sent. It’s nice to be able to “see” your face when I read your posts.
Anonymous says
I seriously need one of those wrapping paper things….maybe this year 🙂
Just wanted to jump in and say HAPPY NEW YEAR, I’ve been missing in action but things are finally getting back to normal.
I’ve missed you Laura 🙂 I’ve missed your organizing genius and your Menu’s…can’t wait to get back into it all 🙂
Hugs,
Sandra
Anonymous says
There’s just nothing as grand as a fresh new storage box, is there??? 🙂
Anonymous says
Happy New Year Laura. I look forward to learning more and more from you in 2007!
Anonymous says
Wow! I think my Christmas decorations are getting jealous!
I just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family the happiest and most blessed of new years!
becky says
I am already behind in getting the decorations down. I have to get it done this week! I really want to organize it this year because it was such a mess getting it all out this year. I’ll have to do it when my daughter goes back to school and my son is napping or I will never get it done. Good job on yours!!!