
Most households have a selection of seasonal or occasional items that come out only once or twice a year. These could be birthday party supplies, Halloween or Christmas decorations, or the items you use for an organization’s annual fundraiser. I personally have A LOT of these items, so how do I keep them organized?
The key is to store like with like, and to take it ALL out for each use. This gives you an opportunity to see what disposable items you can use up (to save you time and money) or what items you will never end up using again (which means getting rid of them will save you space). I suggest starting with a clean slate. Clean up a space in your home, could be the living room floor, the dining room table—whatever makes the most sense for you. Second, take out all the décor or supplies related to the event of holiday. Unwrap each item, check for damage or wear and tear that makes it something you don’t want to display any longer. If it is a sentimental item, see if there is anyway to refresh or repair the item to continue using it, but if it doesn’t “spark joy” any longer, trash or donate it. If this is the first time you are completing this process, make a note of what you have stored in each bin. That way you can fit everything back safely and securely and you won’t forget to put something away that you took out.
If your event is a holiday, think about the space you have and if any of your everyday décor can be stored away temporarily, so as not to be over-cluttered with the additional seasonal decorations. I like to store everyday décor items in the same containers my holiday items came out of, allowing for a one-to-one swap.
A similar process should take place when you take down the decorations or pack up the event. Make sure that nothing got damaged during use, and carefully wrap up and store all related items together. I personally think that storing dishes and clothing related to the season (seasonal coffee mugs, socks, platters, stuffies, games, cocktail napkins etc.) with the décor makes it easier to find it and have it and to have it ready and available at the correct time of year without having to remember where it is or that you even have it!
The final step is to double check your list of items to be stored and update it to remove discarded items and add anything newly acquired since the start of the project/season!
Are there any other areas that need a refresh in your house?
I would love to help you get your house organized for the holidays!
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