It's A Wrap!
As the holiday season begins to wind down, the packing up phase is just beginning. Decorations, wrapping paper and new gifts are scattered throughout the house, but if you make some intentional organizational choices now, you�ll thank yourself when next year�s holiday season rolls around.
Gift Wrap
As you clean up, remember that wrapping paper can be recycled. Instead of throwing it into a garbage bag with leftovers, keep it separate and add it to your recycle bin or run it up to the recycling center. Hold on to boxes, gift bags and tissue paper, which can be reused year after year.
Lights
If you plan to reuse holiday lights for decorating next year, make sure they are wrapped in a way that won�t cause them to get tangled. Many home improvement and retail stores sell storage boxes designed to keep your lights tangle free.
Replacing Toys
As you begin to put away new gifts, make a point of getting rid of an item for every new item you add. If you received a new scarf, get rid of one you haven�t worn yet this season. For every new item, donate the old one to a charity that will share it with someone less fortunate.
Rooms by Boxes
Pack up d�cor by room. For example, have one box dedicated to everything from the dining room and another box dedicated to everything from the living room. Be sure to label the boxes so you know which is which.
Storage Containers
Visit a local retailer and check out their storage container section. These stores provide many solutions � from boxes specifically designed for storing wreaths to boxes for storing ornaments and wrapping supplies.
Recipes
Did you make or try any foods that were big hits at parties this year? Write down or print off some favorites and save them in a holiday recipe box (or create a section in your existing recipe box), so you�ll know exactly what to make next year.