The party’s over…..it’s time to take down all the holiday decorations.  There isn’t a more daunting & depressing task the whole year.  Well, maybe cleaning out the garage but it’s not really depressing.  If you ask my sister, it would be picking paint & drapes for her home.    How else can I procrastinate…..Oh yeah, we are undecorating.  Bah humbug!

There is a simple way to take the thinking out of the work, streamline the task, break it into little, manageable bits & git-r-done as some people like to say.  What you like to do between each step for a break is up to you.  Just make sure it is something that will revitalize you so you can keep going.

1. Collect   This is something we are all very good at doing mainly through shopping.  In this instance, you just want to collect all holiday decor throughout your home.  Get the kids involved.   Walk through each room collecting anything seasonal & transfer it all into one large room.  Walk through again.  And again, and again, and again.  You’ll be amazed at what you’ve missed each time before.

2.Sort  When you drop off items in your collection area, create zones or areas. Each zone/area will be for a different decor item like garland, Menorahs, angels, snowmen, Santas, etc.  Or you could create the zones based on size of items or room items decorate.  Just don’t make one huge pile.

3.Pack  Get your packing/storing boxes/bins/containers all lined up.  Don’t forget to take out batteries before you start packing items away.  And don’t forget your breaks between tasks!

a.Pack away any item that has an original packing box.  These are the easiest because they have a picture on the box telling you what goes inside.

b.Pack away items into specialty packing boxes you purchase for a specific type of decor like lights, tree ornaments, etc.

c.Pack away items inside your home (AC accessible) that can’t handle the heat of an attic or garage like candles, linens & delicate decor items.

d.Pack away any remaining items by gently wrapping each item in tissue or packing paper before storing in remaining containers.

5.Clean  Grab your vacuum to clean up the glitter, pine needles, flocking, etc left behind.

6.Decorate   Retrieve decor you removed from shelves, walls, rooms to allow room for your holiday decor returning them to their normal location in your home.

Now reward yourself for a job well done!

I’m here to help you by disclosing my knowledge of how to organize & be prepared for any situation.  I will show you tips & tricks through posts on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook page, @StyledOrganized on Twitter & the Styled & Organized Living Pinterest page.  Some posts will be simple tools while others will be ideas to consider.   But all will show you how to gain a little more control over your life through organization because Life is Better Organized!