Once the hustle and bustle of the season has ended, its time to clean up the evidence of the joyous holiday. The key to next years ease of decorating is this years organized clean-up strategy.
First thing to start with is the tree. Try to keep fragile items wrapped in paper (left over wrapping paper?), and placed in small containers, to prevent damage. It's good to label the boxes so you remember which is which in 12 months. The smaller containers can be all put in one large box. Garlands should be put in individual stiff boxes to prevent crushing. The main star should be wrapped carefully and placed with the garlands in the bigger box.
When it comes to using a big box for everything, you should bear in mind how much weight you're adding to the box. Too heavy, and you're going to regret filling them so much when it comes to lugging the box into the attic or basement. Try separating the items into 3 smaller boxes for example.
Christmas lights can be a nightmare to untangle (unless you have one of those trees with embedded lights). Try buying some (or make your own) reel to wind the lights and wire onto. Start from the plug socket, and wrap it round the reel first, then gradually work your way to the top.
Youll finish at the top of the tree, which is exactly where youd want the strand of lights to start next year as you begin putting the lights back on. It would be ideal to fit the reels into the plastic tub with the ornaments. However, if theres any possibility that the reels make the box too heavy or could damage the ornaments, opt to start another plastic tub for the reels, and include the tree stand, tree skirt, and any other Christmas tree items here.
The tree should be stored in the box it came in (no, not if it's a real tree!), which may be a bit fiddly, but will get there in the end. Alternatively, it can be kept in a canvas bag or new cardboard box. Some people wrap the tree in plastic, but that isn't the best thing to do, as creepy crawleys often find their way into any small holes. The synthetic material of the tree may warp in excess heat, so try to find a cool storage place.
If you bought a live tree, it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner, instead of being left outside to rot, or thrown out on the side of the road somewhere. The website: www.earth911.org. can help you to find out your nearest recycling plant.
Ask the waste disposal people on the best way of disposal, and perhaps they'll suggest a place you can take it to. Recycling is easy, as it is naturally grown, and will degrade and rot of its own accord. This does seem a lot of hassle, but it is the right thing to do, and if you find it difficult, then remember the situation for next year " perhaps it will inspire you to buy a faux tree.
It's easy to just throw all the decorations in one big box and shove it in the basement, but it's always better to go the extra mile to prepare yourself for next year. A lot of time will be saved " especially when trying to untangle the lights! - 14915
First thing to start with is the tree. Try to keep fragile items wrapped in paper (left over wrapping paper?), and placed in small containers, to prevent damage. It's good to label the boxes so you remember which is which in 12 months. The smaller containers can be all put in one large box. Garlands should be put in individual stiff boxes to prevent crushing. The main star should be wrapped carefully and placed with the garlands in the bigger box.
When it comes to using a big box for everything, you should bear in mind how much weight you're adding to the box. Too heavy, and you're going to regret filling them so much when it comes to lugging the box into the attic or basement. Try separating the items into 3 smaller boxes for example.
Christmas lights can be a nightmare to untangle (unless you have one of those trees with embedded lights). Try buying some (or make your own) reel to wind the lights and wire onto. Start from the plug socket, and wrap it round the reel first, then gradually work your way to the top.
Youll finish at the top of the tree, which is exactly where youd want the strand of lights to start next year as you begin putting the lights back on. It would be ideal to fit the reels into the plastic tub with the ornaments. However, if theres any possibility that the reels make the box too heavy or could damage the ornaments, opt to start another plastic tub for the reels, and include the tree stand, tree skirt, and any other Christmas tree items here.
The tree should be stored in the box it came in (no, not if it's a real tree!), which may be a bit fiddly, but will get there in the end. Alternatively, it can be kept in a canvas bag or new cardboard box. Some people wrap the tree in plastic, but that isn't the best thing to do, as creepy crawleys often find their way into any small holes. The synthetic material of the tree may warp in excess heat, so try to find a cool storage place.
If you bought a live tree, it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner, instead of being left outside to rot, or thrown out on the side of the road somewhere. The website: www.earth911.org. can help you to find out your nearest recycling plant.
Ask the waste disposal people on the best way of disposal, and perhaps they'll suggest a place you can take it to. Recycling is easy, as it is naturally grown, and will degrade and rot of its own accord. This does seem a lot of hassle, but it is the right thing to do, and if you find it difficult, then remember the situation for next year " perhaps it will inspire you to buy a faux tree.
It's easy to just throw all the decorations in one big box and shove it in the basement, but it's always better to go the extra mile to prepare yourself for next year. A lot of time will be saved " especially when trying to untangle the lights! - 14915
About the Author:
Gina Smithson is the resident editor of the home & garden information at Schmoozins - an online magazine for women that gives all women a voice. Join us as a contributor, schmoozer or just hang out a while.
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