Do you find yourself repurchasing items because you forgot you already had them? Or worse, repurchasing things you know you have but can't locate when you need them? Me too! Let's face it: we are all busy with everyday life and can use all the help we can get. Doing a significant storage overhaul can take more time than many of us have available; however, if we take the time to address it with each holiday or season, we can have things in excellent order by the time we complete a year's cycle.
Use clear storage containers whenever possible.
2. If you are pleased with how a display turned out, consider taking some pictures and jotting down some notes for reference next year. Store these in your digital file or your binder in the appropriate section.
3. Carefully examine each item as you are preparing it for storage. Now is the time to make any needed repairs. Clean and thoroughly dry each item before packing it up. I know you are tired when it comes time to pack up, but trust me, your future self will thank you when you unpack your wax-free hanukkiah next time. Remember to remove the batteries from items before storing them; discovering an item damaged because a battery failed while in storage can be a bummer.
4. Take inventory. Take note of the nonperishable consumable items that need to be restocked for subsequent use. This could be a great time to purchase those items on clearance.
5. Write a concise yet detailed inventory of each box. Place the list inside the box with the writing visible from the outside. If you are not using clear containers, attach the list to the outside using packing tape. Slipping the list inside a transparent page protector before taping it to the outside will help keep your inventory list in good shape.
6. If you have items you use for various occasions, store those in their totes by category. Think plain tablecloths, napkins, vases, serving ware, wine glasses, centerpieces, etc. Keep these items more accessible than those you touch only once a year.
7. Create a holiday binder (digital or paper) where you can keep track of your box inventories, photos of past year's decoration display with a supply list, menus, recipes, reminders, and tips that you want to remember the coming year, and whatever else you want to include. It is so convenient to refer to your notebook to determine if you need those adorable hanukkiah candles that just showed up online or if you already restocked at the end of the last season without going to your box to read your inventory list.
8. Purge. If you are like me, you probably have some items you don't use anymore or never do. I have purchased things that didn't work out the way I envisioned and kept storing them year after year, thinking, "But maybe next season, I will find a great way to use this." Let's let it go, sis. I bet you know someone who would love to put it to use. If you are not quite ready to set it out on a "Take Me" table at your congregation, try putting a sticky note on it with the date before storing it again. Next year, when you open that storage container, if you cannot find the perfect way to use it that season, pass it along.
I am working towards this now myself. As the seasons of life change, so do the items I am interested in keeping and using. My holiday décor style has become much more minimal than it used to be when littles were in the house. Now, I enjoy it more when I can accomplish it quickly and easily. I especially enjoy the approach when it comes time to take everything down and store it.
May you find deep joy in each season as you are able to focus on the things that matter most. Happy organizing!
About Me:
Tina Fallstead is a wife and mother whose passion is to enable other women to become all that the Creator has created them to be. She is a member of the Cherokee Nation and is excited to be on the path of learning the ways of her ancestors. She and her husband are blessed to lead a congregation in their community called The Way of Life Ministries. Tina has recently launched a women's ministry called Geulah Gals, focused on 'Hastening the Geulah through serving the community alongside our sisters.
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