From tangled strings of holiday lights to bulky wreaths and delicate ornaments, finding a safe spot for all of your holiday decor can be a challenge. It’s not just about keeping everything intact; it’s also about making sure you can easily find and use them for the next holiday season. Before organizing everything for storage, take time to declutter and donate items you no longer use—this will make the process even smoother! Now, consider the below hacks to keep your decorations organized and readily available for the next time you need them.Clear Bins and Containers: The key here is CLEAR bins! Investing in transparent storage bins or containers is a game-changer when it comes to holiday decoration storage. Being able to see the contents at a glance makes it easier to locate specific items without having to rummage through tons of boxes. Use bins with secure lids to protect delicate ornaments and prevent dust accumulation.Garland and Light Reels: The annual battle with tangled garlands and lights is a holiday tradition in its own right! Luckily, there’s a simple storage solution here: light and garland reel holders. These reels ensure tidy and tangle-free storage, simplifying the process of unwinding them effortlessly for the next holiday season. (DIY Hack: Prevent tangling by wrapping your lights and/or garlands around cardboard or a hanger, securing the ends with rubber bands.)Ornament Organizers: Ornaments are often among the most fragile holiday decorations. To keep them safe, consider using specialized ornament organizers. These containers have individual compartments to cradle each ornament, preventing them from bumping into each other and minimizing the risk of breakage. Look for stackable organizers to save space in storage. (DIY Hack: Use egg cartons or plastic cups to safeguard delicate ornaments from tangles and breakage!) Ziplock Bags for Small Items: Small ornaments, hooks, and other tiny decorations often get lost in larger storage containers. Keep them organized by placing them in labeled Ziplock bags. This not only prevents them from getting misplaced but also makes it easier to sort through smaller items when it’s time to decorate again.Clever Labeling: Labels are especially helpful if you don’t utilize clear storage bins or bags. Clearly label each box or container with its contents and the holiday theme it represents (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). This will save you time and effort when searching for specific items in the future.Gift Wrap/Linen Organization: Grab a tall, narrow plastic container to neatly store any leftover gift wrap rolls, and don’t forget to attach a handy pouch for all your wrapping accessories (scissors, tape, etc). Your linens can be stored in vacuum-sealed bags; throw in a scented sachet to keep everything fresh. Wreath Storage: Invest in a wreath storage box or bag that can be conveniently stored under a bed or hung on a wall. These are specifically designed to preserve the shape of the wreath while protecting it from dust and damage. These bags often come with handles for easy carrying and hanging options for vertical storage. (DIY Hack: Protect your wreaths from dust and damage by hanging them on hangers in a closet or placing them in a garment bag.) Garment Bags for Larger Decorations: For larger decorations such as artificial Christmas trees, consider using garment bags. These large, zippered bags can accommodate sizable items while protecting them from dust and pests. Store them in a cool, dry place to ensure the longevity of your decorations!The secret to efficient holiday decoration storage goes beyond preserving your belongings; it’s about turning the decorating and undecorating routine into a seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free experience! With the right storage solutions and these innovative ideas at your disposal, you’re ready to embark on a journey towards a consistently organized and festive holiday season, creating joyful memories year after year.

Do you have an old iPhone, phone box, or drawer of cords somewhere in your home? It seems that most of us do. New gadgets, tech, and accessories are constantly making their way into our living spaces, but it can be difficult to know how to organize them and when to part with them. Especially with technology, we often struggle with thinking we might need something in the future, but we rarely use much of the old equipment stored away in closets, desks, and cabinets. So how do we get it under control?     1. Identify the things you use on a regular basis and the things you don’t. Before making any decisions, take an inventory of the things you use - the game systems the kids play, the cords that are actually used to charge a device, and the gadgets in regular rotation in your home. If you can match the technology you use with the accessories those things actually need, it will be easier to identify the things that can go.     2. Declutter anything that isn’t actively used.Do your research. Some things can be sold and others donated. Make sure you properly remove any personal information before getting rid of the item. If you can’t determine what a cord or power cable belongs to, get rid of it.     3. Label Cables and Chargers. Use a label maker or labeled sandwich bags to keep things organized. If you don’t know how to label it, don’t keep it!     4. Designate a home for each item. Whether it’s an entertainment cabinet, a desk, or on a kitchen cabinet, determine the best place to use and store each item. If it doesn’t have a home, think about how it’s most used. If it isn’t often used, let it go.     5. Consistently Re-evaluate Next time you get a new piece of technology, resist throwing the old version in a drawer. Consider whether it’s worth storing and make a habit of getting rid of things you don’t need. If you follow a few simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your tech items organized and under control.