How long do you leave your holiday decorations on display in your home?
We hear from a lot of people that they continue to enjoy their holiday decorations well into the new year. We’re all for squeezing every last drop of joy out of the season and we think you should leave your decorations up as long as you’d like! However, when the time comes to un-decorate, we highly recommend that you downsize holiday decorations: take the time to sort and organize them before you put them away.
Always edit your collections before you store them.
This concept is harder than it seems, but if you decorate your home for the holidays and still have more decor in storage, you may want to donate or re-home anything you didn’t display this year. If you’re ready to apply this principle, try this method:
1) Pull out ALL of your holiday decor and supplies at the start of the season.
2) Decorate your home and set up your gift wrapping area, holiday supplies etc.
3) Box or bag anything that didn’t make the cut this year for decor and supplies.
4) Retain any storage containers that could be useful to better organize the items you want to keep for next year. The pros recommend clear containers so you can see what’s in there!
If you’re downsizing or short on space, consider:
- Choose unbreakable and easy-to-store options when you can. Fragile decorations that need a lot of protection take up a lot of space in storage.
- We know some downsizers who have chosen to go all-natural (as much as possible) with live garlands, wreaths, tree trimmings, floral arrangements, etc. so that there is less to store at the end of the season.
- You can always choose fewer areas to decorate, focusing on the spaces where you will most enjoy your holiday trimmings.
When it’s time to store:
- Use the right container for the job. Specialty ornament containers may cost more, but they will protect delicate items.
- Consider off-site storage. We’re seeing more and more specialty storage solutions for small-space dwellers, including services that will pick up and deliver your holiday supplies on demand.
Do you have collectibles, art, and antiques that you will need to re-home when you downsize and move? We can introduce you to qualified and experienced art appraisers, auction houses, estate liquidation specialists, and consignment professionals in your town who are skilled at recognizing and evaluating valuable items in your collections.
See More Tips for Downsizing
Around the Holidays
Are you planning to downsize or move in the next year or so? Call us first for pro tips and expert service. Get in Touch Today!
