After the energetic rush of the holidays has finished, it dawns that someone's got to clear up all this mess! The way to finish quickly and remove the situation from your mind is to plan an organized clean up session.
First thing to start with is the tree. Try to keep fragile items wrapped in paper (left over wrapping paper?), and placed in small containers, to prevent damage. It's good to label the boxes so you remember which is which in 12 months. The smaller containers can be all put in one large box. Garlands should be put in individual stiff boxes to prevent crushing. The main star should be wrapped carefully and placed with the garlands in the bigger box.
Depending on the amount of boxes you need to put in the large container, dividing the decorations up could be a good idea to save a bad back. Excess weight should be avoided, as the box will eventually need to be hauled into the basement or attic. Try using multiple big boxes, instead of one big one.
Christmas lights can be a nightmare to untangle (unless you have one of those trees with embedded lights). Try buying some (or make your own) reel to wind the lights and wire onto. Start from the plug socket, and wrap it round the reel first, then gradually work your way to the top.
Youll finish at the top of the tree, which is exactly where youd want the strand of lights to start next year as you begin putting the lights back on. It would be ideal to fit the reels into the plastic tub with the ornaments. However, if theres any possibility that the reels make the box too heavy or could damage the ornaments, opt to start another plastic tub for the reels, and include the tree stand, tree skirt, and any other Christmas tree items here.
The tree should be stored in the box it came in (no, not if it's a real tree!), which may be a bit fiddly, but will get there in the end. Alternatively, it can be kept in a canvas bag or new cardboard box. Some people wrap the tree in plastic, but that isn't the best thing to do, as creepy crawleys often find their way into any small holes. The synthetic material of the tree may warp in excess heat, so try to find a cool storage place.
If you bought a live tree, it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner, instead of being left outside to rot, or thrown out on the side of the road somewhere. The website: www.earth911.org. can help you to find out your nearest recycling plant.
Talk to your waste disposal company to gather information on their policies for trees, and see if they know of recycling centers you could take it to. Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can easily be recycled for mulch among other things. If its too much of a hassle for you to dispose of your live tree properly, purchase a faux-Christmas tree at the end of this season (on sale) for next years use and forego a live tree.
Although it may be tempting to quickly put away all of your Christmas dcor in random places, its more advantageous for you to take time this year and do it correctly so the following years of trimming and untrimming the tree are less frustrating and time consuming. - 16492
First thing to start with is the tree. Try to keep fragile items wrapped in paper (left over wrapping paper?), and placed in small containers, to prevent damage. It's good to label the boxes so you remember which is which in 12 months. The smaller containers can be all put in one large box. Garlands should be put in individual stiff boxes to prevent crushing. The main star should be wrapped carefully and placed with the garlands in the bigger box.
Depending on the amount of boxes you need to put in the large container, dividing the decorations up could be a good idea to save a bad back. Excess weight should be avoided, as the box will eventually need to be hauled into the basement or attic. Try using multiple big boxes, instead of one big one.
Christmas lights can be a nightmare to untangle (unless you have one of those trees with embedded lights). Try buying some (or make your own) reel to wind the lights and wire onto. Start from the plug socket, and wrap it round the reel first, then gradually work your way to the top.
Youll finish at the top of the tree, which is exactly where youd want the strand of lights to start next year as you begin putting the lights back on. It would be ideal to fit the reels into the plastic tub with the ornaments. However, if theres any possibility that the reels make the box too heavy or could damage the ornaments, opt to start another plastic tub for the reels, and include the tree stand, tree skirt, and any other Christmas tree items here.
The tree should be stored in the box it came in (no, not if it's a real tree!), which may be a bit fiddly, but will get there in the end. Alternatively, it can be kept in a canvas bag or new cardboard box. Some people wrap the tree in plastic, but that isn't the best thing to do, as creepy crawleys often find their way into any small holes. The synthetic material of the tree may warp in excess heat, so try to find a cool storage place.
If you bought a live tree, it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner, instead of being left outside to rot, or thrown out on the side of the road somewhere. The website: www.earth911.org. can help you to find out your nearest recycling plant.
Talk to your waste disposal company to gather information on their policies for trees, and see if they know of recycling centers you could take it to. Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can easily be recycled for mulch among other things. If its too much of a hassle for you to dispose of your live tree properly, purchase a faux-Christmas tree at the end of this season (on sale) for next years use and forego a live tree.
Although it may be tempting to quickly put away all of your Christmas dcor in random places, its more advantageous for you to take time this year and do it correctly so the following years of trimming and untrimming the tree are less frustrating and time consuming. - 16492
About the Author:
Gina Smithson is the resident editor of the home & garden information at Schmoozins - an online magazine for women that gives all women a voice. Join us as a contributor, schmoozer or just hang out a while.
