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The stores already have lights and trees up and the new, shiny, and sparkly items litter the aisles. It’s easy to picture them in your space while the urge to fill your home is tempting you to buy ALL. THE. THINGS.

But wait – don’t forget about ALL of the décor you already have stuffed in your attic! If you’re like most people, it’s probably TOO MUCH.

Here are a few tips on how to deal with it and possibly make room for new stuff!

>Don’t start too early.
No one wants to pull out ALL the Christmas decorations in July and declutter and organize it – you’re just not in the right head space. I suggest pulling EVERYTHING out just before each holiday and plan to declutter WHILE you are decorating, which will save time.

>Sort like items together.
Group items so you can see what you have and it’s easier to pick out your favorites to keep.

>Put it up or put it out.
Give each piece a second look – if you love it,
especially after not seeing it for a year, put it up for decoration. If you don’t love it, put it out for donation. Let’s face it, decorations don’t last forever – they get worn and tired over time and styles and colors change. So, if you keep looking at an item and year after year it goes back into a bin instead of being displayed for the holiday season, it’s time to say goodbye. If there are sentimental items that you just can’t part with, put those aside in a separate container. Also keep in mind that the fewer decorations you have, the less time it will take to decorate and put away at the end of the season.

>Containers are Key!
Once decorations are up, you can idea of how many and what kind of storage containers you will need. Cardboard boxes are not my favorite in storage areas – they hold moisture, attract bugs, and breakdown over time. The red and green ones seem like a good idea, but in the long run make it more difficult if you need more. These CLEAR BINS have been my go-to for years – they are budget-friendly and the clear containers make it easy to see through. And I like putting the LABELS on the inside so they don’t get ripped off or torn. Also, they are not too big which can get too heavy. I also love using large and small zippered food storage container bags to separate items.

>Organize Gift Wrap Supplies.
Again – though you may be enamored by fun new wrapping paper, ribbons and bows each year, see what you have first before buying new. I think it’s easiest to keep Christmas wrap separate from non-holiday wrapping. This wrapping paper storage solution is a great option for keeping your gifting supplies organized and easily accessible. Toss or recycle any paper that’s old or you know you won’t use in the future.

Less Clutter, More Life

If these tips worked for you, share some pictures of your holiday décor clean-up! Or if you are feeling overwhelmed and would like some help, let’s chat!

Learn more about Home Reimagined

Stay tuned for Part 2 – Tips for Putting Décor Away