It's hard to believe the holiday season is already approaching, but it's time to get organized to make decorating as enjoyable as possible. This means tackling the storage room!
1. Clear the Space
- Remove everything: Start by taking all items out of the storage room. Clear a large area (like your living room or garage) to sort through them. This will give you a fresh perspective on the space and let you see how much you have.
2. Sort Items
- Categorize items: Create distinct piles or use boxes for each category:
- Fall/Halloween Decorations: Include items like costumes, pumpkins, props, and lights.
- Christmas Decorations: Gather ornaments, lights, tree decorations, and any holiday-themed items.
- Summer Gear: This might include beach towels, outdoor decorations, and seasonal items.
- Miscellaneous Items: Things that don’t fit into these categories, like tools, sports gear, or unused items.
3. Declutter
- Evaluate each item: Go through each category and ask yourself:
- Is it broken or damaged?
- Do I use this?
- Decide what to keep, donate, or discard: Create a "keep" pile for items you love, a "donate" pile for items in good condition that you no longer want, and a "discard" pile for broken or unusable items. Consider recycling whenever possible.
4. Organize Seasonal Décor
- Designate a specific area: Choose a shelf or corner of the storage room specifically for seasonal decorations. This keeps them accessible and easy to find.
- Use clear bins: Invest in clear plastic bins for both Halloween and Christmas decorations. This way, you can see what’s inside without opening each bin.
- Label bins: Use a label maker or masking tape and a marker to label each bin clearly (e.g., "Halloween Costumes," "Christmas Lights"). This makes it easy to find what you need quickly.
- Consider vertical storage: If space allows, use shelves or stackable bins to utilize vertical space effectively. Place the bins you use most often at eye level.
5. Store Summer Supplies
- Pack away carefully: Use sturdy bins to protect summer items from damage. Consider wrapping fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Label these bins: Just like your seasonal decorations, label these bins (e.g., "Summer Sports") to easily identify them when it’s time to unpack next season.
- Store in a less accessible area: Place these bins on a higher shelf or in a corner to keep them out of the way until needed again, ensuring easy access to your holiday items.
6. Maintain the System
- Regular checks: Schedule a seasonal review of your storage room every few months. This helps keep things organized and allows you to adjust as needed.
- Update labels and bins: If you acquire new decorations or discard old ones, make sure to update your labels and rearrange the bins accordingly.
- Set a reminder: You might find it helpful to set reminders on your phone or calendar for seasonal organization, ensuring that your storage room stays clutter-free.
Following these detailed steps will help you create a well-organized storage room that makes accessing your holiday decorations a breeze!
Book a consultation if we can assist with your storage room clutter.