Post-Holiday Refresh: Tips for Tidying Your Holiday Decor
January. ‘Tis the season for a good refresh. Around here, we love the warmth and coziness of the holidays; however, there’s just something about the clean slate of a new year.
Sharing some of my favorite tips to guide you in the art of taking down and storing holiday decor in a manner that is sure to spark joy - now and next holiday season!
Take Photos Before Packing
Do you love the placement of your current holiday decor? Snap a pic before you begin to take it down. Eleven months from now, you will be grateful!
Create Space to Tidy
Designate a clear space in which to work and gather the supplies you’ll need. This allows you to stay focused on the job at hand once you begin. Spread a bed sheet, towel, or tablecloth over a dining table or on the floor. Retrieve your storage containers, trash/recycle bags, and a donation bin.
Gather + Tidy by Category
As you take down your holiday decorations, place them on your workspace according to category. Ornaments, garland, holiday linens, figurines, dishware, books, lights, etc.
Edit Before Storing
The best time to edit your decor is now. A lot can change in 365 days, so as you begin to pack up your holiday items, pause and ask whether they brought you joy in this holiday season. Gratefully let go of any holiday objects that are damaged, broken, or simply no longer serve a purpose in your home.
Recycle + Reuse + Repurpose
Personally, I prefer natural elements in my holiday decor. Opting for the real deal over faux decor creates a festive aesthetic, smells lovely, and doesn’t require storage during those other eleven months of the year. But, it does require a little extra attention when it’s time to take down for the season. If you have garland, trees, and wreaths to recycle, research pick-up/drop-off options in your local community.
Don’t be too quick to toss out the packaging from your gifts this season! You can reuse tissue paper to wrap ornaments and protect delicate figurines. Repurpose gift boxes for storage.
Favorite tidy tip for storing holiday lights: cut the flap off a cardboard box (there’s a chance Amazon left a few on your porch this season), cut slits in the top and bottom to secure the strand, and wrap the lights around it to prevent tangles while in storage.
Organize + Store
When it comes to organizing, start by using what you have on hand. I use a fabric drawer organizer with small, square compartments to store ornaments. Gift card boxes are perfect for containing ornament hooks and floral wire!
Group like-items together and store in clear plastic bins so you’re able to see the contents at a glance.
If you opt for opaque storage: grab a label maker (an address label + sharpie works too!) and label the outside of the container so it’s easy to retrieve what you’re looking for next holiday season.
However you choose to store your items, remember to do so with care and respect.
Leave Yourself a Note for Next Year
My favorite holiday tidying practice.
Did you discard decor that needs to be replaced? Does an item need repair? Are you running low on any particular supplies? Any special reminders for next season? Jot it down in a note to future you.
As always, focus on JOY. Less but better is a phrase I carry with me - in my home and in life. Imagine your home next holiday season filled entirely with decor that has meaning and brings you joy. May your holidays to come be filled with less clutter, less stress, and more time spent soaking up the precious moments with those you love!