Howdy friends! How was your Christmas? I hope that it was completely magical and full of blessings.
I know that some of you are already ahead of the game, and have moved on from Christmas and packed up your things. I, however, have not. I can't help but want to hold on to that sparkle for a few extra days after Christmas is over, so I wait until New Year's day to put away the pretty lights and holiday bling and return to our version of normal.
That said, I am really in the organizing mood! And this year found so many great ideas, some old and some new, which I wanted to put together in one giant Christmas organization post for you. So I apologize if I am too late, just pretend that I am really ahead of the game for next year as some of these ideas were just too great to wait! And for those of you who are still looking to organize the remainder of your Christmas gear, hopefully you can snag a few ideas to still implement this year. Suddenly, I am feeling like Dr. Seuss....
First, let's chat about gift giving, since that is really a huge part of the season. One thing that I have loved year after year is my Gift Giving Tracker.
However, something new that helped me when it came time to wrap all of those happy little packages was our new gift wrap station!
For those looking for other great wrapping stations, I am still gaga for this over-the-door awesomeness created by my gal pal Cassie!
If you are looking to tote around your gift wrapping essentials, you must check out this amazing DIY caddy created from a fast food cardboard drink carrier.
When you have the space, it is great if you can carve out a little nook of your home for gift wrapping away from the kitchen table. I love this happy office corner, which can be used all month long for last minute gift wrapping sessions.
If you are at all like me and use your ribbon year round, check out this smart solution which pairs dowels and a plastic basket for rockin' ribbon storage!
And once the gifts for the kiddos are all wrapped and pretty,organize hide them inside a storage trunk until Christmas Eve.
But how about organizing all of those decorations? Many of us sprinkle Christmas throughout our entire home, and even trim a tree. So many things to store away nice and neat!
Tip number one is to always add a sleeve or clear pocket to each bin, so that you can easily tuck a contents list inside. This will prevent rummaging next year!
Tip number two is to fall in love with Ziploc bags and Gladware containers! I try to reduce my use of them in my day to day life, but when it comes to storing itty bits and even those shatterproof ornaments, they are my go to organizers!
Tip number three is to wrap the rest around cardboard! The cardboard wrap method prevents items from tangling and works for everything from lights to garland; and is a simple and free solution!
Tension rods work great as well!
I am also simply smitten with this alternative solution to cords and strands, which is to wrap them with Velcro strips. Easy peasy!
Other free storage solutions include empty apple containers...
Or maybe egg cartons tickle your fancy?
I am sure you have seen it 100 times, but the plastic cup glued to cardboard stacking trick is pure genius!
Tip number four is to pack things up as if you were unpacking them! Place less used items at the bottom, frequently used or the first items use decorate with, at the top. Make things as simple as you can for next year. Also, keep original packaging and even use gift boxes to provide storage inside of storage for those ornaments and special decor pieces.
Last but not least, tip number five is to store all Christmas decor in similar style and colored bins for easy identification. This will ensure you are only grabbing at bins that matter most during the holidays, and not left searching amongst bins of memorabilia and auntie May's fine china.
I am head over heels for these stackable divided bins used by Katrina of the Organized Housewife! They are so wonderful for dividing ornaments by category and separating decor types.
When it comes to storing a Christmas wreath, I have tried those hard sided bins and they only work well if you have a wreath small enough to fit inside. So happy I stumbled upon this idea to use a hanger paired with a dry cleaning bag for my additional storage-less wreaths!
Do you display the lovely faces of friends and family that grace your mailbox in the form of greetings throughout the month of December? How freakin' adorable is this card display crafted from an old window shutter?
But what do you do with those cards once the year has come and gone? I don't keep them all, but the ones with family photos get stored away in a special greeting card binder.
You can't go wrong by just paper punching them and placing them on a ring by year. Simple. Adorable. And memorable!
Last but not least, this little holiday binder didn't leave my side this season. It worked out great, and I look forward to adding to it for years to come! Even my guys used it a few times, which of course, made me warm and fuzzy inside.
So who is geared up to do a little extra organizing this year, to ensure next year goes off without a hitch? What are your favorite Christmas and holiday storage and organizing tips? Anything work particularly well for you this year?
Image used for header graphic found here.
I know that some of you are already ahead of the game, and have moved on from Christmas and packed up your things. I, however, have not. I can't help but want to hold on to that sparkle for a few extra days after Christmas is over, so I wait until New Year's day to put away the pretty lights and holiday bling and return to our version of normal.
That said, I am really in the organizing mood! And this year found so many great ideas, some old and some new, which I wanted to put together in one giant Christmas organization post for you. So I apologize if I am too late, just pretend that I am really ahead of the game for next year as some of these ideas were just too great to wait! And for those of you who are still looking to organize the remainder of your Christmas gear, hopefully you can snag a few ideas to still implement this year. Suddenly, I am feeling like Dr. Seuss....
First, let's chat about gift giving, since that is really a huge part of the season. One thing that I have loved year after year is my Gift Giving Tracker.
However, something new that helped me when it came time to wrap all of those happy little packages was our new gift wrap station!
For those looking for other great wrapping stations, I am still gaga for this over-the-door awesomeness created by my gal pal Cassie!
 |
| {via} |
If you are looking to tote around your gift wrapping essentials, you must check out this amazing DIY caddy created from a fast food cardboard drink carrier.
 |
| {via} |
When you have the space, it is great if you can carve out a little nook of your home for gift wrapping away from the kitchen table. I love this happy office corner, which can be used all month long for last minute gift wrapping sessions.
 |
| {via} |
If you are at all like me and use your ribbon year round, check out this smart solution which pairs dowels and a plastic basket for rockin' ribbon storage!
 |
| {via} |
And once the gifts for the kiddos are all wrapped and pretty,
 |
| {via} |
But how about organizing all of those decorations? Many of us sprinkle Christmas throughout our entire home, and even trim a tree. So many things to store away nice and neat!
Tip number one is to always add a sleeve or clear pocket to each bin, so that you can easily tuck a contents list inside. This will prevent rummaging next year!
Tip number two is to fall in love with Ziploc bags and Gladware containers! I try to reduce my use of them in my day to day life, but when it comes to storing itty bits and even those shatterproof ornaments, they are my go to organizers!
Tip number three is to wrap the rest around cardboard! The cardboard wrap method prevents items from tangling and works for everything from lights to garland; and is a simple and free solution!
 |
| {via} |
Tension rods work great as well!
 |
| {via} |
I am also simply smitten with this alternative solution to cords and strands, which is to wrap them with Velcro strips. Easy peasy!
 |
| {via} |
Other free storage solutions include empty apple containers...
 |
| {via} |
Or maybe egg cartons tickle your fancy?
 |
| {via} |
I am sure you have seen it 100 times, but the plastic cup glued to cardboard stacking trick is pure genius!
 |
| {via} |
Tip number four is to pack things up as if you were unpacking them! Place less used items at the bottom, frequently used or the first items use decorate with, at the top. Make things as simple as you can for next year. Also, keep original packaging and even use gift boxes to provide storage inside of storage for those ornaments and special decor pieces.
Last but not least, tip number five is to store all Christmas decor in similar style and colored bins for easy identification. This will ensure you are only grabbing at bins that matter most during the holidays, and not left searching amongst bins of memorabilia and auntie May's fine china.
I am head over heels for these stackable divided bins used by Katrina of the Organized Housewife! They are so wonderful for dividing ornaments by category and separating decor types.
 |
| {via} |
When it comes to storing a Christmas wreath, I have tried those hard sided bins and they only work well if you have a wreath small enough to fit inside. So happy I stumbled upon this idea to use a hanger paired with a dry cleaning bag for my additional storage-less wreaths!
 |
| {via} |
Do you display the lovely faces of friends and family that grace your mailbox in the form of greetings throughout the month of December? How freakin' adorable is this card display crafted from an old window shutter?
 |
| {via} |
But what do you do with those cards once the year has come and gone? I don't keep them all, but the ones with family photos get stored away in a special greeting card binder.
You can't go wrong by just paper punching them and placing them on a ring by year. Simple. Adorable. And memorable!
Last but not least, this little holiday binder didn't leave my side this season. It worked out great, and I look forward to adding to it for years to come! Even my guys used it a few times, which of course, made me warm and fuzzy inside.
So who is geared up to do a little extra organizing this year, to ensure next year goes off without a hitch? What are your favorite Christmas and holiday storage and organizing tips? Anything work particularly well for you this year?
Image used for header graphic found here.
I am the type of gal who tries to take a moment to reflect on my blessings daily as I never take for granted the beautiful people in my life or the opportunities that have come my way. However, this time of the year really kicks those thankful feelings into gigantic grateful mode.
I am forever grateful that they support my ability to write posts, work on projects and cover my blog expenses and time. Today I am giving them gratitude for keeping this little ol' dream of mine alive.
Right now Michelle is offering IHeart Organizing readers $15.00 off an annual subscription! To receive this great deal check out her site and enter 1YEAR at checkout!
My appreciation spreads wide from my sponsors to you sweet readers! Thank you for bringing me joy each and every day! Thank you for commenting, cheering me on, laughing with me, sharing your stories and listening to me ramble. Most of all, thank you for being the very best readers a gal could ask for!
Stay tuned! I will be back later today with some final end-of-the-year holiday organization tips!
I am forever grateful that they support my ability to write posts, work on projects and cover my blog expenses and time. Today I am giving them gratitude for keeping this little ol' dream of mine alive.
- Kiwi Crate offers fun and engaging arts, crafts, and science projects for kids
- Designed by parents, approved by child experts, and, most importantly, tested by kids!
- Receive a crate filled with projects and activities every month
- Feeling overwhelmed with clutter and can't get started? Alejandra's video series shows you 3 e-a-s-yyyy things to do tonight to feel more organized tomorrow morning. How is that for starting the day off right?! You can sign up to watch the free videos here.
- Yes, we are busy but we can still have fun and we can still express our individuality. That is why See Jane Work was born.
- See Jane Work appreciates your business, so much so that they have created Jane's Rewards; a way for you to earn points doing what you love... shopping at seejanework.com.
- The new See Jane Work line is now available at Office Depot.
- Wishy Washi Tape is your one stop shop for all things washi tape.
- They carry all of the top Japanese lines but also carry some super budget friendly options as well.
- They don't just stop with washi tape though. They also carry multiple sizes of baker's twine, rubber stamps, floral paper straws and cute little stationery items.
- Check out Stylebook's tips on how to give your closet a makeover on a budget.
- Transform your closet into a 21st-century closet management hub with Stylebook, the closet app for iPhone and iPad.
- Wear a cute outfit every day by planning what to wear in advance with the Stylebook calendar feature
- Take the first step to easier decorating with the Define Your Style e-course.
- In this 5 week online course, starting January 13, you will take a fun and eye opening journey to uncover your signature decorating style. It all gets easier from there.
- One student said, "Define Your Style, a course by Teal & Lime's Jackie Hernandez, has been the best thing I have done for myself all year." See what other students are saying here.
- Enjoy free premEAR concierge service!
- Mousetales Travel does all the work, you have all the fun!
- If Disney announces a promotion for your dates after you've booked your vacation with Mouse Tales Travel, they will apply the promotion to your reservation without you doing anything!
- If you regularly read organizing books, newsletters and blogs but still struggle to create or maintain the organization you are after, simplify 101 has the perfect solution for you - online classes created by professional organizers.
- Choose the organizing solutions that are just right for you from their selection of expert guided online classes, on-demand classes {NEW!}, and e-books.
- Whether you want to organize the paper clutter on your kitchen counter, create an organizing game-plan for your whole home, or discover how to set and achieve goals, simplify 101's classes give you bite-sized actions so it is simple to take action without getting overwhelmed.
{Website} {Twitter} {Pinterest} {Facebook} {Blog}
To celebrate their new on-demand classes, save 30% by using coupon code HEART15DC during checkout through January 2nd, 2014. This coupon may not be combined with any other discounts.
- SugarSNAP designs smart, stylish solutions to help parents get and stay organized. They were formed by mom's of twins, so they know from personal experience the endless stuff that goes along with being a parent can be overwhelming, so they set out to create a truly innovative way to organize your diaper bag and your car!
- Hey sugar, sugarSNAP is thrilled to announce their diaper bag organizers now come in two new colors! Their super popular black and white pattern is back {The Wyatt} due to popular demand, and not only is it perfect for boy or a girl, it also matches any diaper bag! They also launched a beautiful pink set, called The Lily.
- Fridge Coasters make great gifts for friends, moms, teachers or anyone that may need to add a little functional fashion to the inside of their fridge.
- Place under produce in the crisper bins to keep your veggies fresh longer, or under milk and salad dressing in the door bins to absorb drips.
- Made 100% in the USA of 30% {or more} post-consumer product. Please recycle when finished!
Save 10% on all orders ALL the time with code IHEART10!
- It's time to get stylish and sassy with Sassy Aprons!
- Whether being used for gardening, in the kitchen, at the salon or at a restaurant, you will be sure to find one that fits your personality and needs.
- Sassy Aprons are original designs, handmade, unique, created to flatter the body and the ties are long and adjustable to fit almost any figure. A win win for all!
- Buttoned Up has launched a gorgeous new online store, which will not only feature boot camps, but an entirely new line of organizational products {notebooks, agendas, journals} that can be personalized with photos, designs, monograms, etc...
- There are a number of Back To School items to help you get your students buttoned up for the new school year. These products are here just in time to get schedules back to normal!
- Ever feel like you don't have enough time to get dinner on the table during the week? 5 Dinners in 1 Hour can help you prepare a week's worth of meals in only one hour!
- Now with the new custom menu tool, you can create your own menu plan or use one of the suggestion menu plans already provided.
- All of the menu plans offered have family friendly meals that feed 4-6 people, which can also be adjusted with the custom menu tool for when you need more or less!
Stay tuned! I will be back later today with some final end-of-the-year holiday organization tips!
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