As the twinkle lights dim and the festive tunes gradually fade away, it's time to bid adieu to the holiday season and embark on the pain-in-the-arse task that is packing away Christmas. Here are my top tips for making the process a breeze while ensuring you're ready for an easy set up next year.
1. Take It One Step at a Time
Blast out your favourite playlist and break down the task room by room. Start with the living room, move to the kitchen, and progress through the rest of your home. This step-by-step approach makes the process more manageable and less overwhelming.
2. Declutter as You Go
Before packing anything away, take a moment to declutter. As you take down your decorations let go of anything worn out or that no longer sparking joy. Consider donating items that are in good condition but no longer fit your festive vision.
3. Invest in Storage Solutions
Invest in quality storage solutions to keep your Christmas decorations safe and well-organised. Consider clear plastic containers for ornaments and lights, and invest in storage boxes specifically designed for artificial trees. Proper storage helps extend the life of your decorations and makes setup next year a breeze.
4. Wrap with Care
Protect your delicate ornaments by wrapping them individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap. You can even reuse our tissue paper! Consider using egg cartons for small ornaments – an eco-friendly and cheap way to keep them safe. Wrap string lights around leftover cardboard to prevent tangling.
5. Sort and Label
As you pack away decorations, sort them by category and label your storage containers. This extra step may seem a PITA, but it really pays off when you're hunting for specific items next Christmas. Labelling reduces the guesswork and saves you time in the long run.
6. Preserve the Tree
If you have an artificial tree, ensure it's stored properly to maintain its shape and durability. Consider using a tree storage bag or box, and if possible, disassemble it into manageable sections. This makes setting up the tree next year a smoother process.
7. Reflect and Appreciate
As you pack away take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful memories created during this festive season. Note down anything that gave extra joy so you can build on the magic next year.
Happy New Year!
Claire
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