Smart Solutions: Organize your holiday gear so it's easier to unpack

This year marked a multipronged approach to my holiday decorating that I had hoped to accomplish in the past as I aim to be more creative and productive during this process. For me, seasonal embellishments can be a challenge since I already have too many accent pieces around the house, but I am trying to keep an open mind this time.

When I went to my storage room, it was a pleasant surprise to be reminded how much progress was made when a friend helped me organize the space a few months ago. This made the task at hand much more manageable since my seasonal containers were all together on shelves and the floor was completely clear of clutter.

After wanting to get a better hold on what I have in this category for the last few years, I am finally making some headway in that department. Unfortunately, I already got reprimanded by my daughter after I unwrapped some boxes and books she once displayed as holiday decor, so I plan to be more careful going forward.

One incentive I had this time was that a friend wants the seasonal pieces we’re ready to part with, which motivated me to create several categories that include one for her. Paring down will free up some space in all those storage containers filled with bulky items like the holiday pillows and throws and plush toys we often display. These pieces take up so much room inside the bins that prevents other items like tabletop trees from finding a place to hide at the end of December.

Until now, there was also no rhyme or reason to the way these seasonal pieces were stored in the past, which is why I plan to do better for the next time. I’ve already placed leftover holiday cards from previous years in a shoebox and sorted ornaments into smaller groups that include vintage varieties, sentimental gifts and handmade decorations.

Since holiday wrapping paper and gift bags have been kept in one container, I plan to do the same with the seasonal boxes we repurpose for our presents each year to make them easier to find.

Taking a closer look at what we have also makes me want to display these pieces in new locations and ways and incorporate my other decor, so I replaced the contents from several containers with seasonal florals and ornaments, along with some faux snowballs for a more festive feel. This signals the holiday spirit without adding to the visual chaos of my existing vignettes.

Along the way, I have also discovered what works best for us indoors and out, such as artificial greenery. After experimenting with real plants, wreaths and trees, this is definitely the way to go for our home and the current selections look better than ever.

Now that I am able to take stock of what we have, part with some pieces, repurpose others and organize what remains, this strategy should make the process go a little smoother in the future. 

Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her atjeaninematlow@earthlink.net.