Undecking the Halls

Christmas is almost over, and it's just about time to pack everything away for another year. The tree comes down, the lights are unplugged and suddenly you're faced with the annual challenge of figuring out where everything goes. If you're anything like me, you seem to collect a few new holiday decorations each season — and somehow they never store quite the same way they did the year before. What once fit neatly into a single box now seems to multiply overnight. If you're still trying to establish a good routine for storing your decorations, you're definitely not alone. After all the excitement of the holidays, organization is rarely at the top of anyone's list. While there are plenty of storage options available for purchase — specialty bags and totes, sectioned Rubbermaid bins and even zippered tubes made specifically for wrapping paper — buying more storage right after the holidays can feel like a burden, especially after spending so much on gifts, food and travel. The good news is that you may already have many practical storage solutions right at home, some of which might even be sitting in a bin waiting to be taken to the recycling center. With a little creativity, everyday household items can help keep your decorations safe, organized and easy to find next year. I found some great tips on www.christmasinamerica.com that make organizing decorations both simple and affordable. Wreaths or garlands: You don't need a bulky, round plastic container to keep wreaths in good shape. Instead, hang wreaths or garlands on sturdy hangers in a closet, basement or garage. To protect them from dust, moisture and debris, loosely drape a plastic garbage bag over the top. This method helps wreaths maintain their shape while saving valuable storage space. Ornaments: Ornaments are often the most delicate — and the most sentimental — holiday items. Paper bags or small cardboard boxes work well for sturdier ornaments. More fragile pieces can be stored in egg cartons or gently packed into plastic cups. Liquor or wine boxes, which often include cardboard dividers, are also perfect for ornament storage. For extra protection, wrap each ornament individually with toilet paper or newspaper before placing it in a box. Gift bags, tissue paper, bows and ribbons: Using hanging show organizers for these items is a great way to store them while still being able to see and get to them easily. They keep items visible and easy to access. Wrapping paper: To keep wrapping paper neat and prevent it from unrolling, cut a slit in an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll and slide it around the roll of paper. This simple trick holds everything in place without the need for tape or rubber bands. Strings of lights: Few things are more frustrating than tangled Christmas lights. Prevent this by wrapping light strands around pieces of cardboard and securing the plug in a small slit. This keeps each strand contained and ready to use next season. Tree skirts, tablecloths and pillows: Soft items like these store well in vacuum-sealed bags, which can save a significant amount of space. If you already have extra bags on hand, this is an easy way to keep fabrics clean and compact. Don't forget to finish off storing your items by labeling them all so you can set yourself up for a stress-free start to the next holiday season.