Cynthia
I love holidays! In fact, holidays are so fun that I create them, at times. Upon entering my home, one will find a small entry space that opens directly into my “front room” and dining room. My table is always set, inviting guests to join me for a meal or even just a snack, among timely décor each month. Or they can simply delight in the décor as they pass into my home. This month, of course, is Patriotic. Red, white, and blue adorn the tablescape and spill over into the family room and kitchen.
My granddaughter, who just graduated from college, enjoys the holiday decorating. Each time I pull out another tub of goodies, she says, “Dibs on that one!” I have collected so much décor over the years that I had to find a way to store it and to prepare for her to take it at some point in the future.
First, I ensure all related items are stored together. For some themes I have only one box; other themes require more. Christmas, for example, takes up almost an entire wall of shelves, since we put a theme-related tree in every room. St. Patrick’s Day only needs one tub, although admittedly it is stuffed full!
Next, each box (really, they are plastic tubs) is labeled with my own inventory-type codes. All the tubs are on shelves with the 72-point typeface facing out. Using consistent codes, it is easy to spot which tub I want to pull off the shelves. Speaking of shelves, my two-car garage is lined with commercial grade shelves on all three walls. The sturdy shelving is safe and has four layers. If I need something out of one box, I no longer must move several tubs to get to the right one.
Finally, the content list of each box is typed and stored in a file folder on my computer. I can look up the contents of any box quickly. The plus is, when it is time to put things away, I can look at the list and see what goes into each tub. No guesswork and no re-inventorying.
Obviously, setting all this up took some time. But the time was well spent. Now I save time while getting out and putting away décor, making holiday decorating quick so we can just enjoy the look.
The big bonus of organizing the décor and having an inventory is more than just saving time. I have a list for insurance should I lose my treasures in a fire or other catastrophe. And remember dostadning? When it comes time for my daughter and grandchildren to have to deal with my “valuables” they can easily decide what to keep and what to sell or donate, without looking through all the “stuff.”
For now and later, organizing holiday décor is a great gift to give yourself and your loved ones.
Silver Sage Sisters 