get sorted in 2012
Let’s start the new year off on the right foot. The theme for 2012 in our place is ‘no more procrastination!’ That means when there’s something to be done, just do it! Don’t wait until the Christmas tree is looking well and truly dead. Get rid of it now and pack away the decorations ready for a new year.
The number one rule to getting and staying organised is making sure everything has a place in your home. Start now with your Christmas stuff. Here’s a detailed step by step guide to get you started!
- STEP 1: CHRISTMAS TREE
- If you have a real Christmas tree, have it picked up by the company you bought it from (some companies do this for you) or take it to the tip. If it’s a fake one, pack it away in the box it came in (this is the best way to store because it will fit perfectly). Don’t have the box anymore? Purchase a cardboard box or material duffel bag to store it in. You can buy these online easy enough… Organize.com or My Christmas.
- STEP 2: GATHER
- Next we want to gather everything from around the house that you use for Christmas. E.g. Decorations, cards, wrapping, advent calendar, lights, linen, cookbooks, catalogues, magazines, candles, ornaments etc.
- STEP 3: SORT
- Find somewhere in your house with some space. Lay all of the items on the floor and sort them into categories. E.g. Decorations together, lights together etc.
- STEP 4: DECLUTTER
- Remove anything you no longer want or that has been damaged. Throw out any light globes that no longer work etc.
- STEP 5: SHOPPING LIST
- Write a shopping list for anything you need for next year. E.g. Bonbons, Christmas lights, cards, wrapping etc. And purchase now while they are on sale!
- STEP 6: RE-SORT
- Next step is to look at the remaining items and re-sort them in some order. The first category should include the items you will need first up next Christmas. E.g. Christmas cards, Christmas tree stand, advent calendar etc. Then sort the rest into categories. E.g. 1. Table linen, bonbons, table ornaments together. 2. Wrapping paper, ribbon and gift tags together etc.
- STEP 7: STORE
- Store each category in the appropriate size box. E.g. 1. Store your Christmas wreath in a box that will keep the shape intact. 2. Store baubles and decorations in their original boxes then store them together in a plastic tub. If you don’t have the original boxes store them in a plastic tub and wrap precious items in tissue or butchers paper. Organize.com has an amazing range of storage just for Christmas items (but you pay for International shipping). Howards storage has boxes to fit wrapping paper.
- STEP 8: LABEL
- Label each box in the order that you will need them in and include an inventory. E.g. Box 1: Cards, tree stand, advent calendar. Box 2: Decorations and lights. Box 3: Wrapping paper, ribbon, gift cards etc.
- STEP 9: AWAY
- Store all of the boxes away. Stack them somewhere you have available space. E.g. The garage or shed. Make sure anything is securely wrapped to keep it dust-free. Stack the boxes in order with box 1 on top for easy access.
P.S. If you are a serious procrastinator… break the steps down… one step at a time. Block out time in your diary to get the job done. Remember, 2012, ‘No more procrastination!’
Image purchased from istock. Design by Tanya, Declutterhome.
Perfect timing! We are taking down the tree etc tomorrow. Your hints are a big help. Thanks Tanya. x