Where to put your holiday decorations:

Although holidays are year-round, the time of year our culture calls the holiday season is coming to a close. Christmas trees are being taken down; menorah candles, taken out of the holder. Things are changing. The decorations are nice to have and signify a time of celebration, but who has a place to store all the decor that’s been accumulated over the years? Here are a couple ideas for where and how to keep those decorations and nick-knacks organized and condensed.

Wrap them:

Much gift-giving is done during the holidays, calling for wrapping to take place. After the festivities are over, it’s time to get at it once again. Whether they’re glass ornaments or snowman-shaped bathroom soaps, you can never be too cautious at how well you take care of your decorations. Simply wrap the items you have chosen to keep with a layer of tissue or paper towel and tape the paper together. Be cautious, though: don’t put tape directly onto the item at hand as paint might peel off. If there are some items you don’t want to store again or are tired of having around, donating is a great way to get rid of them. Wrap them up and send them on their way to a local charity organization! You’ll be glad you did.

Box and bin them:

Cardboard boxes work fine, but plastic organizational bins offer unique benefits. The bins can be stacked easier, are weather resistant, and are easier to move because of the indented handles. They can also be color-coated based off of what holiday the contents you have stored in them are. For example, red and green bins can be used for Christmas, while pink ones can be used for Easter. You can also keep relabeling them if need be by simply removing the old tape label and replacing with a new one.

Storage:

If you are planning to store your decorations in the attic or garage, your best bet would be to go with the organizational bins. These areas get cold and moist and the bins are weather resistant. If your storage space is inside your house, such as in a spare bedroom or craft room, cardboard boxes should work fine also. The bins might be more practical though!

So, there you have it! Your decorations after the holidays should be organized, they shouldn’t take up too much space, and what you’re left with after donation should only be stuff you still want. You will also feel good about being organized while at the same time helping others enjoy their new-to-them decorations also!

The holiday season has come quickly. For many, it is a time of exchanging gifts as an expression of appreciation toward those we care about. The concept is sweet and sounds so simple, but in a country where many are over-blessed, it can actually create trouble.

Have you ever found yourself flustered when you receive multiples of the same gift or don’t know how to react when you receive a present you just don’t see yourself using? What about the gifts you are giving that you want to keep for yourself? Now you need to find a place to store those things and over time, if you never get rid of past items, you will eventually run out of room. Your solution is simple: donate your items and help someone else by doing so!

Year-Round Giving

The holidays often focus on gift exchanges, but charities are anticipating your donations year-round. Your gracious donations can range from clothing to furniture, even to vehicles, depending on the charity organization you choose. Everything you give them will be helping someone else. Many times those items will go to someone less fortunate than you. They will be thankful for your kind heart.

By giving a local charity your donations, you can rid yourself of having three of the same food processor. Here’s your chance to give someone else the sweater that your aunt thought you’d love, but it just wasn’t your color. You can make room for the new items in your closet all the while knowing they’re going to find new owners who can really use them. Year-round: ‘Tis the season for giving!