My house is just the perfect size for my husband and myself. What we own can be easily stored and displayed.
But the Christmas holidays are a whole different challenge. I have a lot of decorations that I like to display but I don’t like a cluttered look.
Over the years I have found a solution to that problem.
When I bring out something to display or use for the holiday, I put something else away in its place – even the tree!
Holiday mugs and a few special glasses are stored at the bottom of one of my boxes that hold my tree ornaments. When I take out my Christmas mugs and glasses, I replace them with ones that are currently in my cupboards. When I put out the creche, I put away the pewter tea service in the same box. Holiday hand towels, placemats, napkins, and hot pad holders come out of a holiday storage box and in their place, I put my generic hand towels, etc.
As I scatter around decorations, I clear off items that are currently displayed. Holiday candles replace regular candles. Santas replace other decorative items.
My kitchen is too small to hold cooking items or serving items that I only use once a year, so these are also stored with my holiday decorations.
I am fortunate that I have an attic where all my holiday items can be stored out of sight for 11 months. They do not take up any of my prime real estate in my home. I have everything packed in clearly marked boxes as some items I want down right after Thanksgiving and others not until sometime in December.
For the holiday season I revel in my Christmas wonderland. Then on New Year Day all is packed up and put away. I start my year with a clean uncluttered look.
Oh, and about that tree. My fresh Christmas tree goes where a large Ficus plant usually lives and that poor plant is relegated to a guest bedroom until the holiday is over.
Happy Holiday!
If you want help or just some accountability in organizing a space in your home or working any other organizational plan either outside or inside your home, join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.