Detroit Free Press

WRAPPED 5 TIPS FOR ORGANIZING HOLIDAY SUPPLIES

- Cheryl Fenton

While the 2020 holiday season is a little different this year thanks to a pandemic, there are still a few commonal

ities with years past – one being the rather unforgivin­g theme of clutter chaos. Where do I put all the Christmas

decoration­s? Where can I store all the holiday wrapping paper until next year? I’ve loads of holiday cards: Should

I keep them or toss them?

h

home organizati­on mavens and stars of “Get Organized with The Home Edit” on Netflix, Clea Shearer and Joanna

Teplin, for advice on how to contain the clutter this holiday season.

Whether you’re utilizing their handy collection from The Container Store or you’re going your own route, here are the duo’s top five tips for staying organized.

1. Create a gift-wrapping station

Rolls of holiday wrapping paper, tissue, and ribbon can make for a mess when you need them around, but just not right now. The Container Store’s Elfa closet system solves this problem.

If there’s ever been a season for Santa’s sleigh to brim with creatively wrapped gifts, it’s 2020. Pull out all the stops (aka, handmade wrapping paper and fancy bows) for the inevitable contactles­s porch drop off of these gorgeous packages.

But, with all these wrapping papers and accouterme­nts, one can go mad without a little organizati­on. So, keep your gift decoration­s under wraps – literally.

Teplin says, “Create a gift wrapping station on the back of a closet door, using an over-the-door rack. This will maximize your space and offer easy accessibil­ity.”

The Home Edit team loves The Container Store’s Elfa systems, because they are customizab­le to fit your needs, including storage for not just rolls of gift wrap, but also cards, ribbons, and other supplies.

2. Contain the cards

Lucky for you, we know where to turn for answers. We talked to Nashville-based

Tame the mail madness by organizing (or, even – gasp – tossing) your holiday cards from loved ones, once the season is over.

If you’re the sentimenta­l type and save all your annual customized correspond­ences, Shearer suggests clearing the paper clutter by either scanning them as digital copies or sorting them by year in stackable storage boxes.

3. Take care with your tableware

Store your glass or ceramic holiday tableware in stack

able china storage cases for safe keeping.

Even though get-togethers aren’t on this year’s calendar, bringing out your fine holiday tableware for your intimate at-home affair can help make things special.

After feasting, and then washing, use labels to keep your plates organized as you’re packing them up until they return in 2021.

Teplin says, “When you have glass or ceramic accents or tableware for holiday get-togethers, store them in stackable china storage cases or wrap each item tightly in foam packing sheets before placing them in a labeled bin.”

4. Store your stuff like a seasoned pro

Decorating for the holidays creates less of a headache when you have a go-to place for all the seasonal items. Stockings, pillows, tablecloth­s, and tree skirts can either be stored in stackable bins, or if you don’t have the room, vacuum-sealed bags, according to Shearer.

“The containers can be labeled in two different ways,” she says, “by room or by item. If you tend to keep it routine, labeling by room will help in the unpacking process.”

5. Plan ahead if you like things in their places

Before you start packing up your holiday décor, take a few photos of your decorated rooms that you can use as a quick reference for next year.

Before you start packing up your holiday decoration­s, Teplin suggests snapping a few photos of your decorated rooms that you can use as a quick reference for next year. This is a great strategy for creatures of habit. A basic brag book offers easy access to your holiday design plan.

“It will simplify the unpacking process when you can visually see what you have and where it needs to go,” she says.

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

 ?? AUDREY TATE/USA TODAY NETWORK; GETTY IMAGES ??
AUDREY TATE/USA TODAY NETWORK; GETTY IMAGES

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States