Happy Herald – From Clutter to Clarity – Seasonal Decorations

Dec

2019

We all have rooms, Closets, and drawers that need more organizing, right?

As the Chief Clutter Clearing Officer (CCCO), I would like to share some helpful hints each month to get your home decluttered and more organized. Today we look at seasonal decorations.

This the season. We look forward and perhaps dread it at the same time. Family, traditions, fun, food, presents, and stress. Decorating our homes and offices with seasonal items adds to the fun, bringing in good cheer and celebration.

Here are some helpful tips for seasonal decoration activities for your consideration.

1. Make a shopping list

Before shopping for new decorations, take inventory of your current stock on hand – what works, what needs replacing and what you can add to the mix. Setting a budget and shopping with a list can help you control your impulse for instant gratification.

2. Inspect, test and replace old, worn, electrical cords

Safety first! Try out all your lights, inspect your “tree in-a-box,” and look over your ornaments and garland collection.

3. Let the torn, worn and disintegrating items go

When you discover prized heirloom holiday items that appear torn, worn and disintegrating, you may want to take a digital picture, and let these items go. Harsh, perhaps, but a better choice than attracting bugs and pests. Cherish these sentimental items with a photo and share it with family and friends.

4. Create memories

Make new memories by putting up decorations together, with family and friends. Eat, drink and be merry. In other words, enjoy decorating your home.

5. Remove old, tired cardboard boxes

Cardboard is useful for moving but not as great for storage – cardboard gets moist from humidity and easily becomes a breeding ground for cockroaches and other little critters. Treat yourself to plastic storage boxes. They come in every shape and size, storing everything from gift wrap to ornaments.

And the lids match when you first get them!

6. I recommend clear or nearly clear containers so you can easily identify the contents

Label front and back, lids and bottoms so that you can identify what’s inside for next year. Same size containers stack best, have fun with it!

7. A word about evergreen trees

As a tree lover (and hugger) this is a sensitive subject. It’s your choice to purchase a living tree or choose a reusable tree. Other than the tradition and fragrance, I don’t really see the true value of chopping, shopping and discarding an evergreen tree a mere week or two after purchase. With pine needles dropping, we create a mess and a fire hazard in the name of holiday tradition. I know “fake trees” aren’t the same, but can we not find joy in the spirit of the season, without seeking chopped pine trees for a few weeks of holiday cheer? What’s your point of view, please share!!

8. Toys, gift wrap, and trash

This year, what if we consider buying products and gifts that de-emphasize wasteful packaging. You know what I’m talking about. This clutter of wasted paper, cardboard, plastic wrap, twist ties, bows, printed gift wrap… sure it’s tradition, AND… why not wrap gifts in repurposed comic strip paper, old magazine pages, or brown Kraft paper embellished with artistic loving care.

Many have discovered the value of buying gift cards. Though they look tiny under the tree, they go a long way in economics, wrapping paper savings, trash clean up, and in most cases are greatly appreciated.

9. Cleaning up after the holidays

Putting your decorations away soon after the family disperses, in your new, clearly marked plastic containers with matching lids, will make next year’s decorating ever so much easier and hassle-free. Try it!

10. On a final note, we have TMS* (Too Much Stuff)

Consider what you and your loved ones can do for the indigent, the elderly, the homeless and our neighbors in the Bahamas that experience a much different holiday season. What if we enjoyed the holiday spirit, focusing less on presents and more on family, love, connectedness, unity, song, fellowship, and charity? This IS the season to be JOLLY, so let’s extend ourselves, reach out and choose to celebrate PEACE ON EARTH, goodwill for all humans, animals, and plants. May the New Year be one of love and light, health and happiness?

Happy holiday wishes to you and yours!

Let’s be sure to get you from clutter to clarity. Let me hear from you, both successes and lessons learned. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Over the next three months, we’ll tackle… the home office, the kitchen, and the bathroom.

Clear the Clutter… Clear the Mind™

Ask for Help

If you want, I can help. We can determine the best way to handle your “stuff”.
TMS* (Too Much Stuff) is zapping us of energy, time and money. That’s right, “excess baggage” weighs down our psyche, keeps us “stuck” and otherwise can be a burden. A barrier towards greater freedom, mobility and of course saving hundreds of dollars.
For more, visit, www.APlusClutterClearing.com and fill in the contact form. You’ll be feeling lighter just by taking on this first step to clearing the clutter.

Click to learn more about the costs and stats related to storage — it will amaze you!