AKL ORGANIZING TIPS: Holiday Edition
Yes, we know the holidays haven’t officially started yet, but AKL is all about setting your future self up for success. As you unpack all the holiday things you haven’t seen for a year, use our quick tips to help you strategize what you want to keep, what you want to let go of and how you can make it easier on yourself next year.
TIP ONE: Put it On the List
Taper candles about done? Potpourri losing its scent? Take an inventory of things you’ll need to refresh for the next holiday season. Start a list of items you’ll want to replace and put it in the storage box so you’ll have it at-the-ready next year.
TIP TWO: Welcome to Audit Season
Feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of holiday stuff you’ve accumulated? Time to simplify with a good edit. Let go of the things that you haven’t put out in at least two seasons unless it brings you so much joy just to see it in the bin that you can’t let it go. We have those things, too.
TIP THREE: A Festive Fresh Start
If your holiday decor looks like a hodgepodge of items, maybe it’s time to start fresh. This is the perfect time to think about what your style is now vs. when you bought your first decorations way back when. Need a little help? The AKL team loves to curate this kind of thing, whether your vibe is minimal and modern or traditional with a twist of glam.
TIP FOUR: Think Outside the Box
When you box things up at the end of the season, create designated bins for every room. For example: Ashley always decorates her son’s room with a small Christmas tree, ornaments, tree lights, artwork and books. She packs all the items in one or two bins and labels them CHRISTMAS DECOR - LUCA’S ROOM. That way when she unpacks it the next season, she knows exactly what’s inside and where that bin needs to go.
TIP FIVE: All the Little Things
For small items (think artwork, bottlebrush trees, candy dishes), get rid of as much packaging as possible. This reduces the amount of space you need to store these items by a massive amount. For anything with tiny pieces, vinyl zipper pouches are your friends. They’re reusable and washable, which we love. Looking for a budget-friendly option? Ziploc baggies work well, too.
TIP SIX: Put a Wreath On It
Odd-shaped or bulky items can be tricky to stow. For things like wreaths, hang a heavy-duty command hook in your garage or storage area. It’s always fun to see them on display even when it’s the off-season.