Tips for Storing Seasonal Items
The leaves are turning beautiful colors, the sweltering heat of summer is officially over, and pumpkin-spice-everything is everywhere. It must be October! While holidays are sprinkled throughout the year, the next three months are jam-packed with decoration-filled celebrations, from Halloween and Thanksgiving to Christmas, Hanukah, and beyond.
It seems like stores start putting holiday decorations out earlier and earlier each year. And even after each holiday, so much remains on the store’s shelves as they offer discounted prices on the old merchandise to make room for the next wave.
It can all be a little overwhelming, but putting a few simple systems in place can really make your house decorating process go from disorganized drudgery to celebrating with style in no time at all.
Incorporate these easy steps into your decoration purchasing and storing regime:
Label Storage Containers
This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but it’s a step that is so often skipped. Having dedicated and labeled storage containers (clear, plastic bins are best) not only keeps your items organized, it keeps them in good condition while not in use.
Create a Designated Space for Seasonal Items
Keeping your items well organized and in labeled bins won’t do you any good if you can’t find the bins! Choose a place to store the bins that can be consistent. Attics and basements are common choices, but be sure there are no humidity or other air quality issues that may cause your decorations to become damaged or moldy.
Save Some Room in the Storage Containers
This one isn’t very intuitive, but it’s important. Stores offer so many great sales right *after* each holiday is over, as well as selling items long before you may want to display them in your home. It’s good to be prepared to absorb new decorations, even when they may go straight into storage. Leaving a little “breathing room” in your storage containers will allow you to drop a new purchase in easily, any time of the year.
Don’t Put Everything Away
If it doesn’t bring you joy, don’t keep it. Simple as that. Decorations are supposed to put us in the holiday spirit. But sometimes they get worn, faded, or for whatever reason, just don’t suit our fancy anymore. Depending on the condition of these items, they can be thrown out, sold, or given away. But whatever you do, don’t put them back in storage.
The holidays are meant to be filled with joy, family fun, and celebration, and the decorating process can be a part of this. If you’d like some guidance on storage systems, whether for seasonal items or anything else, we’d be happy to help. Give us a call at: 301-787-4010 Michèle Morgan, Morgan Organizers