Welcome back to week two of our getting organized for Christmas plan. Last week was all about setting up a gift planner and budget. If you haven’t had a chance to complete that task, it’s not too late, go back and check it off the list. I’ve heard from a few people that completed the first task and are loving the gift planner app I recommended so that makes me super happy. Yay!
This weekly Organized for Christmas series is all about doing some advance planning now so we can enjoy and savor December. So after completing last week’s task you should have a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for along with a corresponding budget for each.
Assignment #2: Gift Storage
Now that we have a plan for the gifts we want to buy, we need somewhere to hide away all the things we purchase. Last year I shared all about my gift “closet” that I have in my home office. I put closet in quotes because it’s actually a 20 year old armoire that my husband and I used for clothes way back when. It’s now wonderful storage for all things gifts and party supplies. You can read all about it HERE if you want.
I use the cardboard box system in my armoire to consolidate gifts and it works amazingly well to keep gifts sorted and organized so everything doesn’t just become one big jumbled mess. I line up grocery store boxes to separate gifts that need to be mailed from gifts for family. Once I send out the gifts that need to be mailed, I then designate one box for each of the kids and my husband. Another added benefit to the box system is the added protection it provides from someone opening the closet and seeing something they shouldn’t. I do believe it’s the curious 10 year old in my house I need to worry about 🙂
Right before I toss a gift into one of the boxes, I make sure to add it to my gift planner app so I don’t forget about what I’ve purchased. At my age I can’t rely on my memory, things get a little fuzzy 🙂 I do not wrap my gifts right away just in case I change my mind on something and need to return it. I keep the tags on and store gifts with their receipts so it’s all in one place easy to find.
This is my armoire so far this year. Nothing fancy but it works.
This Week’s To Do List
Organize a gift storage spot:
This task might be easier for some than others. If you don’t currently have any free space in a closet, under your bed or in the attic, now is the time to create some. What area can you purge and organize for this purpose? Take that space through the PROCESS steps and you’ll be done in no time.
Pick up some boxes:
Go grab some empty boxes from the grocery store. I prefer to find similar size boxes but that doesn’t always happen depending on what the stores have available. It might require a few trips to find ones that fit your particular space. I suggest cardboard boxes from the grocery store because they are free but if you happen to have empty bins lying around the house that works too.
Note: if you don’t have any extra space for gifts, using the box system in the corner of your bedroom works too. The important thing is to have all the gifts consolidated into one area so you can find them all. Remember it’s only until you get your tree up and then you can wrap the gifts and put them out under the tree if you want.
Sort already purchased gifts:
If you’ve already purchased some gifts go ahead and add them to the appropriate box but don’t forget to log them first!
I’d love to hear if you are following along with this series and if you think it’s helpful in any way.
What space will you set up and designate for gift storage this year?
Amy says
As much as I’m resistant to even thinking about Christmas yet, this is a really useful tip for me. More than once, I’ve located something I intended to give as a Christmas gift, the following April. And hiding things in plain boxes is a great strategy.
Laura Wittmann says
Thanks Amy, glad to help!
Pam says
I got the Christmas Ap, ????
I currently have a picnic basket I keep gifts ???? in, but I’m looking around the house for a little more space. Love ?? your blog!!!
Pam says
Sorry all my emogies made question marks
Laura Wittmann says
That’s great Pam, so happy to hear it!
Karen says
So far this is exactly what I do for Christmas!! … I use the same app for budgeting and gift list … and I designate a corner of my bedroom for all Christmas gifts. It gets pretty crowded in there as I may get my trees up, but may not get the gifts wrapped for a while after that. Trees go up the day after Thanksgiving … gift wrapping doesn’t happen so quickly.
Here is my hint that we do for our grandchildren. They have their own tree in my dining room and the rest of the family has the tree in our living room. When we open gifts, it’s grandkids first … and they know every gift under their tree and who it’s for!! Then they can play and enjoy their new things while the adults sit back and take it slowly with their gifts. Works well for us. I hope this gives someone a new idea to try. ????????????????
Laura Wittmann says
Love that idea Karen, thanks! Not sure why WordPress doesn’t love emoji’s. They make me happy! 🙂
Karen says
Sorry …. My emojis made question marks too.
Tonya Driggers says
I’m so thankful for your blog. Especially this topic. I’ve got the app, and loving it! I do believe this may be the first year EVER that I’ll not only be on budget but won’t forget what I’ve bought and where I’ve placed it for safe keeping! =) Thank you!
Mary Johnson says
One shopping bag in the dining room works for us.
Big closet you have.