Early autumn is the best time to declutter and organize your seasonal décor. I mentioned tackling this project in my post about Autumn Home Organization a few weeks ago. However, if you didn’t do it then, now is the time!
Halloween is just around the corner, and you will be so happy you organized everything well in advance so that you can find and set up your decorations quickly and easily. And when the busy holiday season approaches, you won’t experience the stress of digging through mounds of decorations to find the ones you love. In fact, everything will be at your fingertips and ready to go. It will make the entire process a lot more enjoyable.
Questions to Ask Before Decluttering Seasonal Décor
Ask yourself these key questions when decluttering your decorations.
- Does the thought of decorating for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or other holidays make you happy or anxious? If you dread the idea of this entire exercise, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself why you are doing it. After all, it’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable for you and everyone in your household, right? However, if you don’t like it and don’t want to do it, then don’t. I know it’s a radical concept. I totally get it, and if you have children, this may not be an option. But it’s okay to streamline and simplify the decorations, so please consider that. How much can you cut back and still keep everyone happy? Remember, more is almost never better.
- Can you choose to focus on only one of the upcoming holidays? Some people adore Halloween and everything that comes with it. Others prefer Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you choose to decorate for one holiday instead of all of them, it will be easier to downsize and organize your seasonal décor. Additionally, when you keep only the decorations for the holidays you really enjoy, you will need less storage space. And, more importantly, feel less overwhelmed.
- Is it worth your time and effort to keep everything? If you have lots of decorations and love all of them, that’s great. However, if keeping and storing your décor requires you to spend hours and hours unpacking and setting up and then taking it down and repacking it for next year, you might want to reconsider. Think about this project within the context of your busy life and decide what is most important. Perhaps you will find freedom in letting go of some decorations.
Which Items Should You Toss or Donate
- Did I use this last year? If you are storing an item but have not used it for a year or two, you probably won’t miss it if you give it away. Please donate these items before the holidays so someone else can enjoy them this year.
- Is this item in good condition? Check if the decoration is broken, damaged, or worn out. If it’s beyond your ability to repair it or requires more effort to fix than it’s worth, it’s time to let it go. Please toss these items. I know that seeing these items in the trash is heartbreaking, but no one wants your broken decorations. Remember, most charities raise money by reselling your items. If they can’t resell them, they must pay to dispose of them, defeating the purpose of your donation.
- Do I even like this decoration anymore? The answer to this is often a resounding “no.” If that is the case, I give you permission to let go of anything you don’t like. Just because you liked it when you bought it doesn’t mean you still have to like it. Some decorations no longer match your taste or bring you the same joy they once did. Ask yourself if you genuinely love the item or if you’re keeping it out of obligation or habit.
How to Store and Organize Your Seasonal Décor
After you sort and declutter your decorations, it’s time to consider how to store the favourites you decide to keep.
Clear Storage Bins with Latch Handles
Use clear plastic bins for storage and label each bin with the specific holiday and its contents (e.g. Halloween: Outdoor Décor or Christmas: Tree Ornaments, etc.) Clear bins allow you to quickly see what’s inside, while the labels keep everything organized and make it super easy to put things away later. I suggest using Sterilite ClearView bins or TypeA clear bins available from Canadian Tire.
Use Storage for Small Items
Use compartmentalized storage boxes or ornament organizers for smaller, fragile items like ornaments and figurines. These boxes separate items and protect them from damage. They also make it easier to find your decorations when the season comes around. Alternatively, use inexpensive cardboard boxes (e.g., shoe boxes) inside your larger containers to separate things.
An example of compartmentalized storage for Christmas decorations.Keep Track of Your Decorations with a Photo Inventory
Keep an inventory or list of your decorations on your phone or in a trusty notebook. This will prevent you from mistakenly buying what you already have. Adding photos of your decorations will help, too. If you feel the need for new seasonal décor, please resist the urge to purchase it simply because it is on sale. Buy something because you love it, and it enhances your home.
Now is the perfect time to organize your seasonal décor and create a more enjoyable decorating experience for yourself and your family. Feel free to follow these handy tips and enjoy the process. If you find all of this overwhelming, we are here to help. Contact us today to book a consultation.